Newsbite analysis · Gaming, Hardware, Regulation
EuroGamer
Original Switch consoles are being discontinued in Europe as Nintendo details how EU battery laws will impact its retail strategy for Switch 2
Nintendo has confirmed it will discontinue older Switch consoles in Europe as part of a strategic shift toward compliance with the EU's Right to Repair directive. Revised models featuring user-replaceable batteries are set to launch on a rolling basis starting in 2026. The initial rollout includes revisions of the Joy-Con and Switch 2 console, though certain delays in availability are expected due to ongoing manufacturing challenges. Key battery adjustments have been noted, such as a reduction in battery size for the Pro Controller.
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Published 6 Jul 2026, 14:51 UTC2 min read
Lead image — EuroGamer
Brief
NewsBite reading:Nintendo Discontinues Original Switch Consoles in Europe, Unveils Switch 2 Plans
TL;DR
- Nintendo discontinues original Switch, Switch Lite, and OLED models by mid-February 2027.
- New models will feature user-replaceable batteries as part of EU compliance.
- The initial rollout for the Switch 2 begins in summer 2026.
- Joy-Con and the Switch 2 console will have battery revisions.
- Availability of the new products will vary across European countries.
Interesting facts
- This change aligns Nintendo with the EU's increasing focus on sustainable tech and repairability.
- Older Switch models have been in use for nearly a decade since their launch in 2017.
What changed
Nintendo's strategy involves phasing out older Switch models while introducing newer versions that conform to EU battery regulations.