Nintendo has quietly confirmed the existence of a new Switch 2 model that will feature a replaceable battery in compliance with EU regulations.
The official Nintendo of Europe website (via ninpatentswatch on Blue Sky) has updated the documentation for compliance with EU directives and regulations, according to which future versions of the Switch 2 sold in Europe will comply with upcoming battery regulations that require user-replaceable batteries.
The console maker’s official compliance documentation outlines how the company is preparing for the implementation of Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 concerning batteries and waste batteries. The regulation is designed to reduce the environmental impact of batteries throughout their lifecycle, from manufacturing and usage to disposal and recycling. The company states, “from February 18th, 2027, batteries integrated into certain appliances and sold in the EU must be easily replaceable by end-users at any time during the lifetime of the product. Nintendo is implementing measures to comply with these requirements by preparing versions of products to meet the Regulation.”
Nintendo also reveals that future compliant versions of products carrying model numbers beginning with “BEE” will be distinguished by new identifiers. The documentation notes that “future compliant versions will have unique model numbers and the additional code ‘OSM’ visible on the packaging, designating them as separate products for regulatory purposes.”
The reference to products with model numbers beginning with “BEE” indicates that Nintendo is preparing revised Switch 2 models for the European market. These updated units would feature batteries that users can remove and replace themselves. While this change is currently focused on the EU, similar measures could be introduced in other regions, such as Japan and the US, if awareness and demand for right to repair policies continue to grow. Replaceable batteries make repairs more affordable and convenient by eliminating the need for professional servicing when performance naturally degrades over time.
Back in March, a report from Nikkei also pointed to a Nintendo Switch 2 design adjustment aimed at reducing environmental impact and meeting EU requirements. Read about it here.
