The company has confirmed that it is producing a version of Switch 2 that meets European standards.
Nintendo has confirmed that it will release a version of the Switch 2 with replaceable batteries in 2027. In a post announcing its intention to comply with European Union directives, the company said it was “implementing measures to comply” and “preparing product releases” to meet the EU’s 2023 “right to repair” policy. As of February 18, 2027, batteries in “certain devices” sold in the EU will have to be easily replaceable by users at any time, under the regulations.
While the company didn’t outright say it was working on a European-compliant variant of the Switch 2, it did write in its announcement that it was developing a “future compliant version” of products with model numbers beginning with “BEE.” This is the code prefix for the Switch 2, as well as its hardware, games, and accessories. Consoles with replaceable batteries will have unique model numbers and the code “OSM” visible on the packaging. They will be sold separately for regulatory purposes, which likely means Nintendo won’t sell them outside of the region.
Nintendo hasn’t mentioned anything about products with the product code “HAC,” indicating that it has no plans to release Switch 1 consoles. Given that the company is likely moving toward phasing out the old console, this isn’t surprising. The company launched the Switch 2 in 2025, which has a larger screen than the first iteration of the console, larger base storage, and significantly better performance.
The company has not yet revealed when it will start selling the new Switch 2 variant and for how much. Last May, Nintendo increased its price from €470 to €500 in the EU due to rising memory costs and other “changes in market conditions.”
