Nintendo Gives Fans Their First Official Look at New Switch Joy-Con

Key Points:

• Nintendo has updated the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers sold in Europe to feature Phillips screws instead of Y-head screws, allowing users to replace the battery themselves in compliance with upcoming EU battery regulations effective February 2027.
• The new Joy-Con controllers, model number ending in (-01), will initially be available in Neon Blue (left) and Neon Red (right) starting July 16 via the Nintendo Store, with additional colors planned for release later in the year.
• Nintendo provided an official battery replacement kit with tools and a step-by-step guide, available for separate purchase, to facilitate user battery replacement for the original Switch Joy-Cons, which remain compatible with the upcoming Switch 2 console.
• The update coincides with the planned discontinuation of the original Switch console lineup in Europe by March 2027 due to battery regulations, while the Switch 2 remains compatible with most Switch 1 accessories and games.
• Ahead of a September 1 price increase for the Switch 2 from $449.99 to $499.99, Nintendo launched a "Choose Your Game" bundle offering a digital copy of Pokemon Pokopia, Mario Kart World, or Donkey Kong Bananza, though availability after the price hike is uncertain.