Nintendo Switch 2: Battery Will Be User-Replaceable

Japanese company Nintendo is preparing changes to the design of its portable console. The new generation, Switch 2, will feature a battery that users can remove and replace themselves. The decision is driven not by a desire to make life easier for gamers, but by new European Union regulations.

European rules influence the design

EU Regulation 2023/1542 requires manufacturers of portable electronics to ensure, by 2027, that end users have easy access to batteries. For Nintendo, this means moving away from the complex mounting systems and adhesives used in previous models.

Although initially these changes will only affect European versions, experts predict that the more “repair-friendly” design will eventually become standard for other markets, including Japan and the United States. This is a rare case where regulatory pressure can extend a device’s lifespan rather than adding new restrictions for users.

Issues with the current design

Replacing the battery in the original Switch is still a complex task. It requires removing the back panel, disconnecting several ribbon cables, taking off the metal heat spreader, and only then attempting to extract the battery, which is very firmly glued in place. This often leads to deformation of the battery or the console casing.

In the Switch 2, according to sources, aggressive adhesives will be replaced with mechanical mounts or special tabs that make it easy to pull out the battery. The device will remain intact, but users will no longer need to use a heat gun or chemical solvents for a simple battery replacement.

Implications for users and the market

Nintendo is keeping the recognizable design of the console but is adapting the internal layout to comply with new right-to-repair rules. For gamers, this means that after several years of active use, the Switch 2 will not need to be taken to a service center: a new battery can be ordered online and installed in under 10 minutes.

The market has reacted calmly to these changes. While Nintendo prepares the new design, the company’s and Sony’s stocks remain stable.