Nintendo Confirms New Switch 2 Hardware With Replaceable Battery
Digital Foundry • • general
Key Points:
- The European Union is introducing legislation aimed at reducing the environmental impact of batteries by improving their repairability, recyclability, and lifespan, which Nintendo is preparing to comply with by releasing new "OSM" models of its products, including the Nintendo Switch 2 and possibly Joy Con controllers.
- The new regulations require that batteries be easier to access and replace without the need for heat guns, solvents, or adhesives, and that standard tools be sufficient for opening devices, which may lead to design changes in tightly integrated components like Joy Cons.
- Nintendo must supply replacement batteries for up to five years after discontinuing products, creating opportunities for third-party manufacturers to offer alternative or higher-capacity batteries, though consumers should be cautious and await reviews due to variable quality.
- The legislation will take effect on February 18, 2027, and the revised Nintendo Switch 2 model will be among the first to reflect these new environmental and repairability standards.