Nintendo Confirms New Switch 2 Hardware With Replaceable Battery

The European Union is introducing new legislation that - according to Nintendo's website - "aims to reduce the environmental impact of the manufacture, distribution, use, disposal and recycling of batteries and rechargeable batteries." To that end, the firm is "implementing measures to comply with these requirements by preparing versions of products to meet the Regulation".

Current products with a "BEE" model number will receive new "OSM" models, which includes Nintendo Switch 2 and possibly its Joy Con controllers.

The aim of the legislation is laudible: to reduce e-waste by extending the life of battery-powered products that may end up in the trash owing to deteriorating batteries and a lack of easy repairability. In order to comply with the legislation, the OSM Switch 2 model requires that heat guns or battery solvents should not be required in order to free the battery from the console's innards - batteries shouldn't be secured with adhesives. Nintendo should also make access to the battery itself easier via the use of standard tools - meaning no custom screws to hold the case together.

In theory, detachable Joy Cons are just as much covered by the new legislation as the main console itself, so the same rules should apply. Bearing in mind how tightly integrated the Joy Con design is, I'll be interested to see whether any further changes to the design may be necessary. The Nintendo Pro Controller also has a "BEE" model number and will presumably also required an "OSM" variant.

In addition to creating the new "OSM" models, Nintendo has an obligation to supply replacement batteries for up to five years after the products are discontinued.

However, there is an interesting new opportunity afforded by the revised model. Not only can third party manufacturers potentially compete with Nintendo with their own replacement batteries, higher capacity batteries could become available, extending mobile play time. If such products do appear, we'd recommend waiting for reviews as third party battery replacements have a mixed track record in terms of reliability and actual capacity.

The legislation is due to come into force in February 18 2027 and we're looking forward to checking out the revised Switch 2 model.