Nintendo has confirmed it will stop selling the original Nintendo Switch family in Europe beginning in mid-February 2027 as the company prepares to comply with new European Union regulations requiring portable electronics to feature user-replaceable batteries. The decision marks the beginning of the end for one of the best-selling video game consoles of all time in the European market.
The move follows the EU's battery regulation, which takes effect on February 18, 2027.
Under the new rules, portable electronic devices sold in the region must allow users to replace batteries using commonly available tools, making repairs easier and reducing electronic waste.
EU Battery Regulation Brings Major Changes
The Big N stated in its latest blog that the new legislation is designed to improve product longevity while reducing the environmental impact of electronic waste. Instead of replacing an entire device when its battery degrades, consumers will be able to replace the battery themselves.
Because the original Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED models were not designed with easily replaceable batteries, Nintendo has chosen to discontinue those systems in Europe rather than redesign nearly decade-old hardware.
The company confirmed the consoles will continue to be manufactured throughout 2026 and remain widely available in Europe until sales end in February 2027.
Original Nintendo Switch Products Leaving Europe
Nintendo said the following products will no longer be sold through retailers or the Nintendo Store in Europe after mid-February 2027. Kotaku reported that these are the affected products under the policy:
- Nintendo Switch
- Nintendo Switch Lite
- Nintendo Switch – OLED Model
- Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
- Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) Controller for Nintendo Switch
- Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) Controller for Nintendo Switch
- SEGA Mega Drive Control Pad for Nintendo Switch
- Pokémon GO Plus +
Some accessories will receive updated versions with user-replaceable batteries, while others will be discontinued permanently once existing inventory is sold out.
Nintendo Switch 2 Will Receive Updated Hardware
While the original Switch family is being phased out in Europe, Nintendo has already begun rolling out revised versions of the Nintendo Switch 2 and several accessories that comply with the new battery requirements.
The updated Switch 2 models will retain the same functionality as current systems but feature user-replaceable batteries.
Nintendo also plans to release revised Joy-Con 2 controllers, Switch 2 Pro Controllers, and selected Nintendo Switch Online controllers over the coming months. Availability will vary by country as the rollout continues through early 2027.
In other news, Nintendo might be working to bring "GTA 6" to Switch 2. This will be an interesting trend of the newest games becoming available on the newest console.
