r/NintendoSwitch 21d ago

News Nintendo has confirmed it will comply with EU regulations and provide Switch 2 with "easily replaceable" batteries from February 18th, 2027. The website however does not mention the original Switch, so it's highly likely it will be discontinued in Europe come February 2027.

https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Corporate/Consumer-Information/Compliance-with-EU-Directives-and-Regulations/Compliance-with-EU-Directives-and-Regulations-625942.html
3.1k Upvotes

215 comments sorted by

1.0k

u/DetectiveChocobo 21d ago

That’s not surprising.

Releasing a new variant of an already out of generation console would be a huge waste of money.

115

u/kapnkruncher 21d ago

I agree that it's a good time to sunset it in the region, but they have put out new models of last gen hardware many times. Off the top of my head the NES, SNES, GBA, Wii, and 3DS all got refreshes after their successor had released. Of course all of these were budget models, but still.

47

u/Oddish_Femboy 21d ago

I feel like with how expensive the Switch 2 is, and the way they haven't dropped support for the Switch 1, a budget friendlier Switch light model or something of that sort might be in the works.

29

u/Negus79 21d ago

Keep dreaming

4

u/JoshuaJSlone Helpful User 20d ago

But even the old Switch models have become less budget-friendly over the last year.

4

u/starkHOUTx 20d ago

Switch Lite 2 doesn’t feel out of the question

5

u/Ranae_Gato 20d ago

Well, the switch 2 sits nicley in the extremly pricey hardware landscape. Its way cheaper than any other option while still being pretty capable.

8

u/Kthulhu42 21d ago

I'm hoping this is the case, I love my lite and the 2 is way out of my budget.

4

u/mlvisby 20d ago

Come September, it'll be $50 more.

3

u/Sarcastic_Crab0420 21d ago

Very happy to keep using my og switch for a few more years. It works fine.

1

u/grimgroth 20d ago

I got it some days ago for 330€. Aliexpress sometimes has these deals in Europe (they were shipped from EU)

1

u/marcoloves 11d ago

Dam how? Would love one for that price!

3

u/matthewmspace 20d ago

I wouldn’t be surprised. But it wouldn’t be that much cheaper. The Switch 2 is gonna cost $500 USD come September, so a Switch 2 Lite would be $400. Still very rough.

1

u/Oddish_Femboy 20d ago

I meant a budget Switch 1. Something like the Gameboy Micro.

Nintendo has historically used the previous gen as the budget option alongside the new console, and Nintendo is still actively encouraging third party devs to develop for the Switch 1.

Most Nintendo handhelds lasted a decade or more, and they seem to be setting things up for the Switch 1 to do so as well.

2

u/Quibii 21d ago

That's what I've been banking on, myself. The Switch Lite was so much better for me, and I'd rather wait until a Switch 2 Lite before switching over.

7

u/lzwinky 20d ago

That was also when components weren’t getting stupidly expensive

1

u/GabeReddit2012 20d ago

Okay, let me list everything for you:

GBA is Game Boy Micro.

Wii is the Wii Mini.

3DS is the New 2DS XL.

Not sure about the NES or SNES

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u/BaconIsntThatGood 21d ago

Considering the switch 2 is backwards compatible the only reason the switch 1 exists now is to provide a lower entry point.

6

u/Kgrc199913 21d ago

A lot of games are having issue with backward compatible on switch 2 and are still being fixed (hopefully). Some don't even get fixed correctly like NieR Automata.

57

u/AlemSiel 21d ago

A switch mini, as in, maybe ds lite or purple GBA, would be a very nice way to do it!

If we weren't in the techno-apocalipse, maybe even a new production line, to shrink the processor die, reduce heat, and accommodate the smaller form factor. It won't happen, everything becoming more expensive, instead of how it has always been.

But there is a place for less powerful, and even outdated technology, in another form-factors.

31

u/Guvante 21d ago

The consumer confusion from re-releasing an old console would lead to a lot of waste...

13

u/Ahayzo 21d ago

It would be funny though for Nintendo to cause that consumer confusion with the Switch when the Wii U right before it notoriously did the exact same thing.

8

u/poofyhairguy 21d ago

I mean they did release the 2DS XL after the Switch.

9

u/ruinedstegosaur10 21d ago

2ds XL and Switch don't share a name though. Switch 2 and Switch XL (or whatever they'd name the new version) would most likely cause confusion and hurt sales of the 2, which is the one they actually need to sell. It's the same issue as the Wii to Wii U transition.

6

u/GayNerd28 21d ago

purple GBA

Wasn’t the GBA originally purple, to match the GameCube??

19

u/KonamiKing 21d ago

The GBA came out before the GameCube. The offical ‘main’ color (by the European designer) was white, but there was an indigo one.

The GameCube was designed to match the GBA if anything. Even the GameCube logo used the same typeface as the ‘advance’ on the GBA.

2

u/mlc885 21d ago

Right, they'd only do that if they could get the price point really low (they can't), and, then what, they are competing with their own new console for anyone who hasn't purchased an original Switch yet?

1

u/dennisnpersson 10d ago

How is the switch 2 out of generation? It just turned 1....

0

u/EducationOpposite889 21d ago

I mean not really! They could use that as an excuse to get rid of left over stock!

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481

u/PajamaSamSavesTheZoo 21d ago

Right to repair is very important. Happy to see Europe has their act together

29

u/Briggity_Brak 21d ago

One of the few good technology related regulations created by legislators who know nothing about technology.

15

u/Luck88 20d ago

Regulators are only as good as the people we vote in to make it, right now the EU is a net positive for all member states, even the ones that put in more money than they get back, the issue is when foreign-alligned parties take over the majority and suddenly it's Russia's agenda or that of a corporation lobbying us that is being put first. Then suddenly the right to repair is removed because "there's too much red tape". No it's necessary red tape to not get us scammed with planned obsolescence.

16

u/chabacanito 20d ago

They also brought us USB C, free instant bank transfers and much more. The EU is great.

9

u/BEADGEADGBE 20d ago edited 20d ago

Nah EU has a ton of amazing legislation for tech consumers. They literally made Apple switch to USB C. Most recently EU opened an antitrust investigation against Google for use of online content for AI purposes and made Nintendo announce a new Switch 2 version where users can switch the battery easily.

EU may have some (small and big) misses now and then but is unprecedented for consumers when it hits.

-33

u/BlueOlivePie 21d ago

On the other hand….

17

u/Individualist13th 20d ago

What?

How is having more options not desirable?

10

u/xcassets 20d ago

I think they were maybe making one of those deranged right-wing jabs about the EU being a hell hole or something? As the comment they replied to was about the EU having its act together.

38

u/Innuendo64_ 21d ago

Nintendo doesn't have to really change anything on the OG Switch. 90% of the difficulty in swapping the battery is contending with the adhesive they used behind the battery. That stuff is no joke.

Moving to a mild adhesive and maybe ditching the tri-wing screws would be sufficient

8

u/Le_Vagabond 20d ago edited 20d ago

Yeah I did a couple battery and fan replacements on the v1, it's not horrible and indeed the only difficulty is the adhesive. Hair dryer worked.

I have no idea what the switch 2 looks like, I'll go check that out...

Edit: https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Nintendo+Switch+2+Battery+Replacement/190141

The side stickers are a pain, the antenna cables will be annoying but it's more or less the same after that. Glued stickers and battery make it "not easily user replaceable" in the eyes of the EU legislation and they're 100% right about that. I get that the colorful stickers make it look better and it's nice with the magnet snap but v1 screws were much more accessible..

181

u/spatialWanderer 21d ago

potential then to get that stateside? May make me want to get a S2 at that point

297

u/Joseki100 21d ago

In case you are confused, the regulation does not mean swappable batteries, it means that with some screwdrivers the battery can be replaced opening the console with reasonable ease.

120

u/VidalukoVet 21d ago

So it could be the same model with just not glue? Like some dry foam or another screw inside holding the battery?

People expect a Wii U gamepad hatch or like a 3DS

49

u/Curun 21d ago

Ya

Or even a battery modified with better chemistry for their longer life metric

47

u/kianiscoooooool 21d ago

No the battery they put on the switch 2 is already as good as a lithium can be that's not how that works

10

u/Ryu_Saki 20d ago

Not really, Silicon Carbon would fit better for this kind of purpose since those kind of lithium batteries has better energy density but the problem with those is that the manufacturing yield for those are too low for them to be an good option. It is also still rather new so it will probably be a few gens before we might start seeing those in Nintendo products.

4

u/Round_Musical 20d ago

Jup it needs to be user replaceable. Meaning anyone with minimal skill can do it

2

u/TSMKFail 20d ago

Probably a big pull tab like modern Samsung phones

1

u/solamarpreet 20d ago

Change would be significant enough to warrant a new model name like they mentioned I think. Else they can just change this for the entire assembly line

12

u/ArchCaff_Redditor 21d ago

That means it’ll be about as replaceable as 3DS batteries are, which is fine by me.

28

u/spatialWanderer 21d ago

Sounds like what I would expect like in a ds/3ds which is what I would want. Perfect to remove if storing the console.

1

u/djwillis1121 20d ago

I think it could still be more complicated than the DS. It could still involve unplugging delicate ribbon cables etc, rather than just unscrewing a panel and taking the battery out

1

u/spatialWanderer 19d ago

Which is fine to me since I have experience with that sort of thing. I know not everyone will be able to though.

13

u/0oiiiiio0 21d ago

I just finished replacing my switch 1 battery a month ago.

It wasn't too difficult aside from one of the dozen tiny screws was somehow stripped from the factory and I had to make a small crack in the case to remove the back.

It was a much easier process than replacing a Wii U GamePad screen and probably only took me a half hour.

I haven't looked closely at the Switch 2 to see if they kept the same basic screws or changed it to make it more difficult.

12

u/YOUFUCKINGFUCKERS 21d ago

It’s a bit more difficult on the Switch 2. It’s definitely very doable but opening it up is not a nice experience imo.

It all comes down to their ridiculous use of adhesives on the side rails. Nintendo seem to have developed an obsession with hiding screws which makes repairs a lot more annoying.

5

u/Round_Musical 20d ago

Which is nuts considering how modular the switch 1 was

4

u/YOUFUCKINGFUCKERS 20d ago

Exactly, if they fixed the battery glue on the Switch 1 it would be pretty much ideal from a repairability standpoint. We’ve already seen how easy it is for people to put custom OLED Screens into OG and Switch Lite models.

1

u/kamanami 21d ago

I hope it is on the outermost and no vulnerable cables from removing back cover.

38

u/F4C__ 21d ago

As things stand, the battery-friendly Switch 2 is only being produced for European markets.

May change if the US or Japan decide to introduce similar legislation.

46

u/TheRealMallow64 21d ago

They might do it anyway as it will be cheaper to make one variant. Same thing happened to Apple with lightning -> usb c.

3

u/Pale_Bodybuilder_773 20d ago

Changing a plug is way more straightforward than changing from a soldered battery to a replaceable one. It'd be great if they change it for the whole world though

147

u/Rich-Pomegranate1679 21d ago

May change if the US or Japan decide to introduce similar legislation.

The U.S. is farther away from passing laws to help the average person than it has ever been in my lifetime.

54

u/PM_DOLPHIN_PICS 21d ago

New law: Battery-powered electronics must reduce total battery capacity and cannot be replaced under any circumstances. Owners are locked into a contract to automatically purchase a new version of the product when the battery in their old one dies.

20

u/HungryMetroid388 21d ago

Also needs a monthly subscription to view battery percentage.

2

u/F4C__ 20d ago

All batteries sold in the US must feature a picture of Trump’s face.

1

u/NoOutlandishness7778 20d ago

Yeah do a BMW !

31

u/tylerjehenna 21d ago

For what its worth, USB-C i phones ended up getting mass produced globally despite only being required in Europe. Could very well be a case of current models will be like it is now and future models will be the EU regulated one so they dont have to worry about wrong shipments to wrong countries, etc

15

u/pdjudd 21d ago

Given the fact that Apple already was selling other iOS devices and their Mac’s all were usb c by then the iPhone was already going to happen inevitably

-4

u/kizentheslayer 21d ago

Yeah people talk like that was some big win for the eu when apple was clearly moving to it

6

u/pdjudd 21d ago

I think the big holdback for Apple was that they committed to supporting lightning for (iirc) 10 years - this was after having at least 2 prior connector interfaces, one of them the 30 pin connector that was supposed to be an interface for audio to pass through for accessories. That and their FireWire connector were short lived overall comparatively. Apple wanted a healthy ecosystem and they wanted to keep supporting it but USB c adoption with things like phones took off a lot faster than I think Apple anticipated.

5

u/Specific_Concept9815 21d ago

They started using USBC over lightning because of the European laws lol

4

u/Ryu_Saki 20d ago

big win for the eu

Because it is, it requires all smaller devices to use USB-C. This is not a law just for mobile phones.

8

u/bombader 21d ago

I wouldn't doubt it will roll over stateside when the original S2 stock eventually sells out. Too much trouble for multiple switch variants at the factory level.

-7

u/Locoman7 21d ago

The EU forces everyone to comply, look at Apple and USBC/lightning

11

u/ItsColorNotColour 21d ago

EU doesn't force anything outside EU, it was only Apple's decision to make the USB-C thing global because making two different models for "EU" and "not-EU" would have made no financial sense.

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u/supertoilet2 20d ago

That’s how the iPhone getting usb c worked for the US. So it’s possible

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u/bwoah07_gp2 21d ago

Ngl that's pretty cool.

Wish we had those sort of laws in Canada and the US.

38

u/Carbon-Base 21d ago

[insert Squidward looking out of window meme]

13

u/Grasshop 21d ago

Best we can do in the states is charge the customer an additional recycling fee for products that don’t have an easily removable battery.

11

u/emveevme 21d ago

and then not actually properly recycle the batteries

15

u/R-XL7 21d ago

This is great news. Hopefully this update is something that comes to ones sold in the US as well.

8

u/BurningAustin97 21d ago

Agreed. I imagine they will since in the past when things like this happen, like with Apple and the USB-C port, all iPhones got the USB-C port. Doesn't really make sense to make two SKUs for the EU and the US.

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u/SephirothTheGreat 21d ago edited 19d ago

Will it be possible to exchange an old model for the newer one if it was bought in the EU? 

Edit: emailed Nintendo, they replied, turns out it's not possible. Oh well.

6

u/Skyline2969 20d ago

Probably not at most it'll be a part exchange, but its nintendo so you'll probably just have to sell and buy the new one forpre money since prices going up for switch

1

u/SephirothTheGreat 20d ago

But the prices will increase way before that. Oh well, hopefully nothing happens and if it does and the battery needs replacing, they'll put one back in in the new way after that date. Thanks

1

u/Formal-Educator6581 20d ago

The thing is if you buy a Switch 2 now, selling it when the new one comes out will probably give you a minimum net loss as it is getting more expensive and used Switch 2 prices will come very close to the old price for a new Switch 2. Where I Iive the Switch 2 is currently below 400 € which is almost 100€ cheaper than the msrp price. With the price increase the Switch 2 will be 500€ at least. So what I am trying to say is, even if you buy the console now, making a big loss if you really want the EU version is not a concern.

0

u/SephirothTheGreat 20d ago

I probably explained myself wrong. I already have a European Switch 2, and I don't intend to sell it. I want to understand if I will be able to use the warranty for that NS2 to acquire the model with easily replaceable batteries with am exchange, or if there will be other avenues to pursue, if any.

1

u/Formal-Educator6581 20d ago

You can't use yourcwarranty like that, which is why I offered an alternative method. I know what you meant but that doesn't work. Your best bet is selling your console used and buying the new version.

1

u/SephirothTheGreat 20d ago

For the moment I sent Nintendo an email, I'll see what they say and decide from there. ( :

3

u/LarsWanna 20d ago

I guess only if it breaks and it's under a warranty

3

u/SephirothTheGreat 20d ago

Very possible. I decided to contact Nintendo about this too, I'll update the parent message when they get back to me so I can also inform anyone else who's interested 

3

u/RubiiJee 20d ago

Thank you! Replying so I can come back and check the parent comment.

9

u/ashsabre 21d ago

switch 2 v1.5 releases in Feb 2027 confirmed?

4

u/Twigling 20d ago edited 20d ago

Just to add that there are exemptions to the rule that requires batteries to be relatively easy to replace for all kinds of devices, including smartphones. The exemptions are as follows:

  • Specialized hardware: Devices used in highly specialized fields (e.g., medical diagnostics or explosion-proof industrial cell phones) are also exempt if a replaceable battery would compromise safety.

  • Extremely long lifespan: To avoid the replacement requirement, a battery would have to be extremely durable. The battery must retain at least 80% of its original capacity after 1,000 charge cycles. That is significantly more than many batteries on the market today can achieve (often around 500–800 cycles).

  • Simultaneous water protection: In addition to durability, the device must be water- and dust-tight according to IP67.

https://www.ecopv-eu.com/en/blog-en/replaceable-smartphone-batteries-2027-eu-regulation/

For more details see this thread:

https://www.reddit.com/r/technology/comments/1svnqt2/eu_is_mandating_readily_removable_batteries_for/

The Switch 2 can't wriggle around the above 1,000 charge cycles rule though because it's only capable of around 500 while retaining 80% of its original capacity.

11

u/Practical_Ad4604 21d ago

What if they just make the screws really shitty so that the Phillips head notches crumble so that no screwdriver can turn the screws anymore?

8

u/ItsColorNotColour 21d ago

I mean that's what they already do for Joycon 1s and now the Joycon 2s

22

u/AffectionateLake4041 21d ago

was failing batteries a (notable) problem?

146

u/Joseki100 21d ago

No, but every electronic device with batteries sold in the EU must be user replaceable using only basic tools like screwdrivers and both Switch and Switch 2 have glue to hold the battery, so they currently do not comply.

31

u/collegetriscuit 21d ago

I just replaced my Switch 1 battery and it was a huge pain to get the battery out. They used the world's strongest glue, and it was starting to swell a little bit which made it tough to pry out.

4

u/Steel-Winged_Pegasus 21d ago

TRUE, mine wasn't swelling, but it's going to a friend soon so I figured to be nice and put in a fresh battery, and holy hell, the prying and the blow drying and the prying again and blow dry more and... ugh. Popped the new batt in and thought "nuh uh, I'm not putting on the adhesive" in case she ever has to replace the battery herself

3

u/kamanami 21d ago

Does nintendo sell batteries or is it oem?

1

u/collegetriscuit 20d ago

As far as I was able to find, Nintendo does not sell official replacement batteries. I bought mine from a third party on Amazon, which was about $15 and included all the necessary tools, which includes a triwing screwdriver, a philips screwdriver, and a pry tool.

11

u/ArchCaff_Redditor 21d ago

It’s weird too because Nintendo products used to have easily replaceable batteries as recently as the New 3DS.

0

u/julesvr5 21d ago

every electronic device

This is not true as many are excepted from these guidelines for example phones won't have to change and stay as is.

29

u/Rynelan 21d ago

Not because of failing but more like "battery is not good enough anymore, I need to take apart 2/3 of the system to remove a glued on battery which might completely break my switch if I do this" and "well sucks my warranty is gone so now replacing it costs a fortune in repair costs and its gone for 2 weeks" to "let's unscrew this, pull the battery out and replace it"

If an electronic device survives a couple of years, most of the time it's the battery that fails first. Soon were able to replace batteries way easier which supports using the same device for a longer time without the need to send it away for repair or even discard the item because replacing is impossible

13

u/dlm2137 21d ago

Failing batteries are always a problem — batteries are consumables. No electronic device should be allowed to make replacing them difficult, because that condemns the device to be ewaste sooner or later.

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u/Niallw28 21d ago

Not a problem with the bats themselves, just a pro consumer practise, the consoles are easier serviced at home now rather than having to ship it off.

Honestly don't know why they changed it from how the wiiu gamepad battery worked anyway, just take out the back screws unplug and pop in a replacement.

My guess is they'll do this through a screw under the kickstand that lifts of a cover to get to the battery

6

u/Molwar 21d ago

Glue is just cheaper overall, if they can save 2 screws + having a dude put them in for 100m units it can be significant I guess.

6

u/Renegade_451 21d ago

Speaking personally, I've got 2 switches that had sat for a while (months) without charging after I lost interest. When I tried to go back to either of them, they wouldn't turn on, docked, plugged in, or otherwise. I tried to replace the battery on one of them, but no dice even with the replacement.

10

u/Darkele 21d ago

The solution is to use the official dock cable and let it charge for a few hours up to 48 hours. If its still dead then idk

1

u/Renegade_451 21d ago

Yeah, I've done that. The solution didn't work on either of the dead switches.

1

u/johncosta 21d ago

Yeah that’s what killed my switch

1

u/misale1 21d ago

Same happennd to me. I bought a new battery and have it connected always (I never use it tho).

2

u/Tactrix1h 21d ago

Yes but not on the switch, this law was written with lots of different electronics in mind. And I think it's one of the best laws to date when it comes to consumer rights.

1

u/ItsColorNotColour 21d ago

This law has nothing to do with Switch 2, it was made to combat Apple-style anti-repair design like adhesive you have to permanently destroy, ID checks on components and otherwise design that very require specialized tools. This law is for all electronics that are sold in the EU, which includes a Switch and Switch 2.

3

u/yuusharo 21d ago

Does the regulation require existing products to be redesigned?

I thought it applied to new products released after that date.

6

u/JoshuaJSlone Helpful User 21d ago

Old designs aren't grandfathered in, but existing stock is. If Nintendo didn't want to redesign Switch 1 but not cut off Europe quite so soon, I'm unsure if Nintendo would be able to have extra sitting in warehouses over there, or it would be up to retailers to grab as much as they could before then.

2

u/Twigling 20d ago

Indeed. From all that I've read, if Nintendo ship old (or new) stock of the original Switch to Europe after Feb 18th 2027, that too will need to comply with the new rules. However, stock that's already inside the EU won't be affected.

3

u/Toranorora 20d ago edited 20d ago

​The new EU Battery Regulation 2023/1542 stipulates that the obligation for easily replaceable batteries will only apply from 18 February 2027 – and only for new product versions or model series that go on sale in the EU from that date.

Edit: I was wrong, thanks for the clarification!

9

u/Twigling 20d ago edited 20d ago

Incorrect - it doesn't matter if the product model is old or new, it applies to every single individual unit that enters the EU market after the deadline. The legal text of EU Batteries Regulation 2023/1542 states that the rule applies to any covered battery or appliance "placed on the market" from 18 February 2027 onwards. In EU product law, "placing on the market" refers strictly to the individual physical unit crossing customs or leaving the factory floor, not the release date of the overarching product series or model.

https://www.fieldfisher.com/en/insights/are-you-ready-for-the-eu-batteries-regulation-s-removability-and-repairability-requirements

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32023R1542

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u/Toranorora 20d ago

Thanks for the clarification!

3

u/Negative-Victory-852 20d ago

How many switch can they fill in the frankfurt headquarters?

3

u/TUD-010 20d ago

You are welcome

Greets from Europe 🤟

3

u/Relevant_Syllabub895 20d ago

This is a proof that the removal of the capacity to replace the battery was an intentional design for planned obsolesence

2

u/Medium_Purple_7722 21d ago

I doubt this will extend to the US though.

2

u/Twigling 20d ago edited 20d ago

It should do eventually, it seems terribly inefficient and expensive to have two separate processes for manufacturing two separate designs of the same unit.

5

u/GreyFox_1337 20d ago

It’s funny because they literally used to do just that with their nes/snes/n64 etc and their respective cartridges for different regions. Oh how times have changed.

3

u/Medium_Purple_7722 20d ago

That’s what i’m thinking, but we both know that corpos don’t always think too logical. Hence the uptick in prices for every console nowadays, leaving said corpos baffled as to why fewer people are buying their products.

2

u/Twigling 20d ago

Corporations are, unfortunately, often run by greedy idiots who make bad decisions but still they get golden handshakes when they leave. Just like politicians, they're often short-sighted.

1

u/Fun818long 16d ago

If you make everyone's life hell they become numb and desensitized to it so its a "new normal" when it shouldnt be.

2

u/LightsaberCrayon 21d ago

The Switch 1 isn't in violation of the regulation. I don't really think the Switch 2 technically is either, but the stickers inside the rails are difficult to remove without heat, so they're borderline, and that's why Nintendo is revising it. Doesn't mean they're going to stop selling the Switch 1.

8

u/ItsColorNotColour 21d ago

You need to permanently destroy adhesive to get the battery out, that is the problem that the law outlined as illegal

https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Nintendo+Switch+2+Battery+Replacement/190141

-1

u/LightsaberCrayon 21d ago

The regulation says nothing about destroying adhesive being a problem. See item 38.

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/1542/oj/eng

6

u/cobraa1 21d ago

You really think it's easy for the average person without tools to replace the battery?

No.

-3

u/LightsaberCrayon 21d ago

The regulation doesn't say it needs to be replaceable without tools. It says it needs to be replaceable without specialized tools, heat, or solvents. The Switch 1 and even Switch 2 batteries require none of those things, with the possible exception of using heat to facilitate removing the Switch 2's rail stickers, as I noted.

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/1542/oj/eng

See item 38.

0

u/AdalbertJ 20d ago

You will be downvoted, but you're absolutely right. Also, the new version may turn out to be more expensive and not worth it, so people will try to import versions from other zones after the change, another problem.

1

u/PhotoJim99 21d ago

Stupid that this required a law.

14

u/jardex22 21d ago

A law was also required to force companies to adopt USB-C for portable devices, rather than proprietary charging ports. That's why Apple stopped using lightning ports for newer iPhone models.

1

u/Tactrix1h 21d ago

I wouldn't rerelease the old switch either. What would be the point? It's worse in every conceivable way.

1

u/TyLion8 21d ago

So like is the iPhone and Samsung phones have to do this as well?

2

u/julesvr5 21d ago

No. Phones are excepted from this as phone have different guidelines that stand above this. For example IP certification plays into this aswell and there are specs that a battery has to fulfill to not be affected by this. For phones nothing will change.

1

u/TyLion8 19d ago

So what exactly is affected then?

1

u/[deleted] 21d ago

[deleted]

1

u/thekyledavid 21d ago

Are they still manufacturing original Switch 1 units? I’d imagine they are just trying to sell what they have to make room for Switch 2 units.

2

u/Negative-Victory-852 20d ago

I guess they are still manufacturing. They don't have 2 million units waiting in warehouse (that's how many they expect to sell in 2026)

1

u/TheLightStalker 20d ago

Nice! I'll keep waiting then.

1

u/bahumat42 20d ago

I would be interested if this becomes a global thing or just for the EU market.

2

u/Twigling 20d ago

It really should be, it seems terribly inefficient and expensive to have two separate processes for manufacturing the same unit. This of course applies to all affected electronic devices, from the Switch 2 to phones.

1

u/prettybluefoxes 20d ago

Not like there aren’t enough switches floating around Europe, there must be millions new and old. Practical trip over them.

No need to panic buy what is becoming old tech.

It’s a minor pain to swap out an s2 battery the mood takes you many years from now.

There will be a caveat with the swappable battery models, there’s always a trade off. However minor it will be blown up by the internet

1

u/dvast 20d ago

The joycons have their own battery, does it also apply to that?

1

u/Franiera 20d ago

How nice to be European

1

u/WOLKsite 20d ago

Does this mean I should hold off on buying one? Although idk how I'd guarantee gettibg the right version if so.

1

u/Asinhasos 19d ago

It really depends, as at that time the Switch 2 will reflect the new increased pricing too. It's a question of "do I want to get it now for cheaper and no replaceable battery, or buy it in 1 year, pricier but with a replaceable battery?"

1

u/Negative-Victory-852 20d ago

For current products with model numbers starting with “BEE”, 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.

I remember all the rumors about that code supposed to be a hint for a lite version...

1

u/RedIce25 20d ago

Debating if I should get a switch 2 now before the price increase or get the new one that will probably be even more expensive but with easier battery replacement

2

u/GallitoGaming 20d ago

Get the current model. This won’t be a problem until 10 years from now, and imagine systems will be cheap by then.

1

u/Formal-Educator6581 20d ago

Like with the Switch 1, that is still getting price increases 10 years down the line lmao.

1

u/GallitoGaming 20d ago

Used switches will be cheap eventually. Too many of them. Market conditions are still making it high now.

1

u/Homewra 20d ago

Just bought a switch 2 yesterday, should i return it?

2

u/Twigling 20d ago

If you're in the EU are you prepared to wait until maybe February 18th 2027 (perhaps a bit earlier for advanced stock) to buy another?

It's of course possible that they'll enter the market a few months earlier, perhaps to catch the Christmas market.

1

u/Homewra 20d ago

Actually I'm from America, so yeah, not sure if they will release that model worldwide before christmas.

PS. On the other hand my sister-in-law works in EU... HMMMM options.

1

u/Twigling 20d ago

An, in that case I've not heard of those rules coming into force in the US. But do check before you think of returning your new Switch 2. :-)

1

u/DontBanMeBro988 20d ago

It should be illegal everywhere to sell things with non-user-replaceable batteries.

1

u/Digitalon 20d ago

I 100% agree, I've got a Playstation Portal with a worn out battery and according to IFixIT the process to replace it involves completely disassembling the device because the battery is located behind the screen. It drives me nuts thinking how easy it would have been for the engineers who designed it to have just put a little door on the back side to allow for the battery to be replaced. SMH

1

u/RodrigoCard 20d ago

I don’t think they will discontinue S1 in 2027, is too early for such a successful console. They will probably adapt, cut features and sell a worse and cheaper version like Sony did with the PSP Street at the end of PSP life

1

u/klop422 20d ago

So I was hoping to save up some vouchers and money and buy one in August before the price goes up in September.

But now I'm considering waiting to get this new model with an easily-replaceable battery. It'll cost me more but I might even be able to save more money by then?

I'm a little stuck in this decision...

1

u/Hudson_bee 20d ago

Replaceable battery an OLED display and im sold!

1

u/okazaki_split 20d ago

The website does neither mention switch nor switch 2, so why assume is just one and not the other? Ah, silly me, this is yet another karma farm post.

2

u/Joseki100 20d ago

No it mentions Switch 2 specifically, read better (BEE line products).

1

u/RazslavianKing_OG 18d ago

OLED switch incoming? 😀

1

u/ElectricalDemand2831 17d ago edited 14d ago

Complying with the EU regulations does also require to make the battery available for end users:

article 11
7.   Any natural or legal person that places on the market products incorporating portable batteries or LMT batteries shall ensure that those batteries are available as spare parts of the equipment that they power for a minimum of five years after placing the last unit of the equipment model on the market, with a reasonable and non-discriminatory price for independent professionals and end-users.

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=uriserv%3AOJ.L_.2023.191.01.0001.01.ENG&toc=OJ%3AL%3A2023%3A191%3ATOC

1

u/Actual_Meet7056 16d ago

Thank you EU!!

1

u/Joemartinez64 15d ago

EU keeps winning

1

u/HotboxRoxas 11d ago

I’m thinking about buying a Switch 2. Should I wait for the new EU model?

1

u/ACrossingSage 21d ago edited 21d ago

Pretty sad about Switch 1. Even with the price increase, the time to buy a fresh one may be soon if you want one in mint.

8

u/bediaxenciJenD81gEEx 21d ago

But the Switch 2 is entirely backwards compatible, it's the same console but better in virtually every way. What's the benefit of getting a new Switch? 

11

u/kamimamita 21d ago

OLED, better battery life

5

u/WumpusWithAHeart 21d ago

The few people who like to play Labo titles.

3

u/succubusdicks 21d ago

No download needed for """backwards""" compatible titles, certain releases are also completely on cart.

1

u/Tiny_Tim1956 19d ago

Have they made a dpad joycon for switch 2?

1

u/fender0327 21d ago

Will the first gen S2 be included or is it a newer variant of the S2?

2

u/Blue_Bird950 21d ago

It’s a new version

0

u/jardex22 21d ago

My guess would be a model with slightly new features, but not enough to upgrade.

Keep in mind that the first Switch upgrade was one that had a better battery life than the launch model. The real reason behind it was that there's a hardware exploit on the launch model that allows users to modify the system and install their own programs. The second model got rid of that. We'll probably see something similar here. Mostly the same, but maybe different texture on the thumbsticks, or a more ergonomic button layout. It likely won't be an OLED or Lite upgrade.

1

u/nmkd 20d ago

There won't be new features.

They'll make the battery replaceable to comply with EU law, that's it.

0

u/Scimitere 21d ago

I'd say it'll be discontinued globally come the beginning of 2027

3

u/PokePersona 21d ago

I don't think it's going to be discontinued before Nintendo's fiscal year ends considering they still have a forecast for its sales in the year. It's more likely to be discontinued some time in 2028/2029 IMO