Overview
- Nintendo confirmed Thursday that it will prepare EU-specific Switch 2 units that allow users to more easily replace the battery to meet Regulation (EU) 2023/1542.
- The company says compliant units will use distinct model numbers and an additional 'OSM' code on packaging to mark them as separate products from existing 'BEE' models.
- Nintendo has not explained the exact hardware changes that will make battery removal easier and has not said whether controller batteries or sales outside the EU will be changed.
- The Batteries Regulation takes effect on February 18, 2027, and requires safe, user-replaceable batteries plus labeling and measures for collection and recycling.
- This move follows prior quiet hardware revisions by Nintendo and comes as the company plans separate Switch 2 price changes for western markets in September.