Nintendo is set to release a new version of its Nintendo Switch 2 this fall, swapping out the standard built-in lithium-ion battery for a user-replaceable one, our colleagues at IGN report. This will be joined by new Joy-Con controllers with their own replaceable batteries, as well as new Nintendo 64 and GameCube controllers with replaceable internal batteries—but battery life and weight will barely be affected.
In 2023, the EU enacted a new battery regulation that would apply to European countries and companies operating within the EU. Beginning in February 2027, companies will be required to allow consumers to remove and replace batteries in their portable electronic products at any time during the device’s life cycle. It’s designed to extend the lifespan of devices, reduce e-waste, encourage reuse, and improve repairability. And Nintendo is getting ahead of the game.
Starting this summer, it will introduce new Joy-Cons in various colors with replaceable batteries. This will reportedly not affect capacity or weight. The Switch 2 will follow this autumn, with Nintendo highlighting a 1% drop in battery capacity and a 10g weight increase. This is not expected to be noticeable in everyday use, nor to reduce overall battery life.
The Joy-Cons are also getting replaceable batteries, too.
Credit: Joseph Maldonado for PCMag
Second-generation Joy-Cons will get the battery upgrade this coming winter, with no change to capacity, but a 2g weight gain. Switch 2 Pro Controllers will also get the battery upgrade, but it will be more impactful: 16% smaller capacity and 7g lighter. Nintendo 64 and GameCube controllers for the Switch 2 will get replaceable batteries in early 2027, with only a few grams of added weight and a slight increase in capacity for the GameCube controller.
This is all Europe-only, though, with no obvious plans to release these systems in other regions—though you have to imagine they’d be attractive to some potential buyers. Nintendo will probably region-lock it as it does with the Japanese-language version of the console.
There are also no plans to re-release the Switch 1 with a replaceable battery. Users who are comfortable purchasing third-party replacement battery kits at least have that option, however.
All of this just makes it seem like Nintendo could have done this in the first place. It isn’t affecting price, weight, or battery life in any tangible way. The fact that Nintendo isn’t taking this opportunity to make its products more repairable in all territories, though, shows it needed the legislation to force its hand.
