New Nintendo Switch 2 Announced for Europe This Fall: Will Be Slightly Heavier, But With User-Replaceable Batteries

Nintendo's new Switch 2 model for Europe will roll out this fall, with user-replaceable batteries that make the console slightly heavier.

As previously reported by Japanese newspaper Nikkei, Nintendo will soon make changes to its Switch 2 hardware and various accessories in advance of fresh European Union legislation that requires users to be able to replace batteries in electrical equipment.

The idea is that equipment can be serviced more easily, and will last longer without requiring users to repurchase a whole new controller, for example, or send it back to Nintendo for a fix. Switch 1 Joy-Con will receive a new model first, starting from this summer, with no change to battery capacity and weight.

But Switch 2 models sold from this fall onwards will have a slightly smaller (by 1%) new replaceable battery in the console and attached Joy-Con 2 controllers. This will see the console's weight increase from 534 grams to 548 grams with controllers attached (or from 401g to 411g without controllers attached.

Switch 2 Joy-Con sold individually from this winter onwards will also have replaceable batteries, as will new Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controllers (which will see their battery size shrink by 16%, though end up 7g lighter).

Details

Lastly, retro console controllers available from early 2027 onwards will also be altered, with the Switch's N64 controller 1g heavier, and the Switch 2's GameCube controller 5g heavier.

Intriguingly, Nintendo has decided not to release a new version of the Switch 1 in Europe — and will instead simply withdraw the aging hardware from sale within the region.

Battery replacement kits for each product will be available to purchase from Nintendo Store in Europe in the future, the company said in a blog post.

"Starting summer 2026, in preparation for upcoming changes in European battery regulations coming into effect in mid-February 2027, selected Nintendo products in Europe will begin to be replaced on a rolling basis by revisions that contain a user-replaceable battery," Nintendo said. "There is no difference in functionality between current products and revised products containing user-replaceable batteries.

"The first revised products are expected to become available from summer 2026, with additional products becoming available in autumn, winter, and early 2027. Due to a variety of factors, revised products may not become available in all European countries simultaneously."

Nintendo already sells a specific Japanese language-only version of Switch 2 in its homeland, which is priced cheaper in comparison to the console's cost overseas. However, while the console is region-locked to only play Japanese games and access the Japanese version of the eShop, there console is otherwise identical in terms of its form factor.

Tom Phillips is IGN's News Editor. You can reach Tom at [email protected] or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social