Summary
- Nintendo will ship a Switch 2 revision with user-replaceable batteries to comply with EU rules.
- Even Joy-Con 2 controllers will have replaceable batteries in the EU, according to the report.
- This is likely an EU-only change; the US probably won't get it unless local right-to-repair laws force updates.
A new version of Nintendo's Switch 2 is reportedly on the way, but it's likely not what you expect.
A revision of the Switch 2 that lets users more easily replace their own batteries is reportedly on the way, according to a recent report from reliable Japanese publication Nikkei (via The Verge). The current version of the Switch 2 features batteries that are glued in, but Nintendo reportedly plans to remove the adhesive to comply with EU regulations taking effect in February 2027, which require all devices to have easily replaceable batteries.
It seems Nintendo wants to get ahead of the new rules and will release the new Switch 2 "soon." Surprisingly, even the handheld's Joy-Con 2 will feature replaceable batteries, according to Nikkei's report.
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Could the Switch 2 revision with swappable batteries release in the US?
It's possible, but very unlikely
If you were hoping the US Switch 2 would also get this revamp, I wouldn't count on it. Nikkei reports that the new Switch 2 version won't be coming to Japan, suggesting it likely won't be sold outside the EU, similar to how Apple has been forced to change the design of newer iPhones in the European Union to make it easier for users to swap out batteries. Sony also plans to update its PlayStation 5 DualSense controller for the same reason.
It's possible that US right-to-repair legislation could push Nintendo to make the same move here, but given the current political climate, it's unlikely. That said, six states have passed right-to-repair laws that aim to protect consumers' ability to repair and modify products they've purchased, though the regulations don't go as far as those in the EU. Given that the original Switch is nine years old and still supported by Nintendo, easily replacing the handheld's battery would be very useful for the Switch 2 if it ends up having a similar lifespan.
In other Switch 2-related news, the console was recently updated to play original Switch games in TV Mode while being used as a handheld.
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