Nintendo to sell EU Switch 2 with replaceable batteries

Nintendo confirmed on June 4 that it is preparing an EU-specific version of the Switch 2 with replaceable batteries to comply with European Union rules taking effect in 2027. The company disclosed the plan in a compliance notice cited by Engadget, which said Nintendo is “implementing measures to comply” with the EU’s 2023 right-to-repair policy. The requirement applies from February 18, 2027 for certain devices sold in the bloc, and Nintendo said future compliant products tied to model numbers beginning with “BEE” are in development. ### What exactly did Nintendo confirm for Europe? Nintendo said in its compliance notice that it is preparing “future compliant” versions of products with model numbers starting with “BEE,” the prefix Engadget identified as the code family for the Switch 2 and related hardware, games and accessories. Engadget reported that the EU-compliant units will carry distinct model numbers and the code “OSM” on packaging, and will be sold as separate products for regulatory purposes. (engadget.com) February 18, 2027 is the date driving the change. Engadget reported that under the EU’s 2023 right-to-repair rules, batteries for certain appliances sold in the bloc must be easily replaceable by users from that date. Nintendo has not said when the EU variant will reach stores or what it will cost. ### Does this apply outside the European Union? (engadget.com) Engadget reported on June 4 that Nintendo is treating the EU-compliant handheld as a separate product for regulatory purposes, which suggests the version may remain limited to Europe. The report said Nintendo did not announce plans to sell the replaceable-battery model outside the region. A March 20 Engadget report, citing Nikkei, said there were no reported plans at that point to bring the redesign to other markets, though that could change if other countries adopt similar rules. (engadget.com) That earlier report also said the regulation would cover Joy-Con 2 controllers, which were reportedly being redesigned so users could replace each lithium-ion battery. ### What does this mean for the current Switch 2 sold in Europe? Nintendo raised the Switch 2 price in the EU from €470 to €500 in May, citing rising memory costs and other “changes in market conditions,” according to Engadget. The company has not said whether the replaceable-battery version will carry a different price when it launches. Engadget also reported that Nintendo’s June 4 notice did not mention products with the “HAC” code used for the original Switch line. (engadget.com) The outlet said that indicated Nintendo had not announced plans to make a similar compliance update for Switch 1 hardware. ### What else is happening on the Switch 2 game slate right now? Square Enix made “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth” available on June 3 for Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox on PC, with Xbox Play Anywhere support, according to Yahoo Tech. (engadget.com) The release expands the game beyond its earlier PlayStation 5 and PC availability. Resolution Games said “Demeo x Dungeons & Dragons: Battlemarked” will launch for Switch 2 on June 16, according to VGChartz. (engadget.com) Warner Bros. said “LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight” will come to Nintendo Switch 2 on September 18, with the launch set to coincide with the Mayhem Collection DLC, according to KitGuru. (tech.yahoo.com) ### What are the next dates to watch? February 18, 2027 is the regulatory deadline Nintendo cited for EU compliance on replaceable batteries. Before that, Square Enix’s “Final Fantasy VII Rebirth” is already on sale for Switch 2, “Demeo x Dungeons & Dragons: Battlemarked” is due June 16, and Warner Bros. has scheduled “LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight” for September 18 on Nintendo’s console. (engadget.com) (vgchartz.com)