Nintendo will release revised Nintendo Switch 2 hardware in Europe that features a removable battery to comply with new European Union rules, the company has confirmed.
The change responds to the EU Batteries Legislation adopted in 2023, which requires electronic products to make batteries easily removable and replaceable from February 18, 2027.
The legislation aims to strengthen the right to repair and reduce electronic waste across member states.
Nintendo's announcement specifies that revised versions of products with model numbers beginning with 'BEE' will be introduced for the European market.
The Switch 2 carries the model number BEE-001, placing the console directly within the scope of the update.
The 'BEE' designation also covers peripheral hardware such as Joy-Con 2 controllers and the Switch 2 Pro Controller, indicating that those accessories may receive corresponding revisions to meet the same regulatory standard.
In clear, journalistic terms, Nintendo said it will update hardware whose model codes start with 'BEE', which includes the Switch 2 (BEE-001) and certain controllers, so that devices sold in Europe will comply with the EU's removable-battery requirements.
Reports and industry coverage previously suggested a European Switch 2 revision; Nintendo's statement serves as the official confirmation that the company will adapt its product lineup for the new regulations.
The company has not announced broader global changes tied to the 'BEE' revisions beyond the stated European compliance.
This development arrives while Switch 2 continues to make commercial progress.
Recent coverage has highlighted regional sales and market activity, including reports of a Switch 2 price increase tied to changes in hardware demand in Japan and a milestone of 1 million UK sales that outpaced the original Switch's early UK performance by 30 weeks.
Additionally, major third-party support remains active, with titles such as LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight confirmed for Switch 2 release schedules.
For European consumers and retailers, the move signals that Nintendo is preparing its hardware roadmap to align with the EU's environmental and right-to-repair mandates.
Developers, accessory makers and eShop stakeholders will watch closely for technical details and timing as Nintendo rolls out the revised 'BEE' models ahead of the 2027 compliance deadline.
The change responds to the EU Batteries Legislation adopted in 2023, which requires electronic products to make batteries easily removable and replaceable from February 18, 2027.
The legislation aims to strengthen the right to repair and reduce electronic waste across member states.
Nintendo's announcement specifies that revised versions of products with model numbers beginning with 'BEE' will be introduced for the European market.
The Switch 2 carries the model number BEE-001, placing the console directly within the scope of the update.
The 'BEE' designation also covers peripheral hardware such as Joy-Con 2 controllers and the Switch 2 Pro Controller, indicating that those accessories may receive corresponding revisions to meet the same regulatory standard.
In clear, journalistic terms, Nintendo said it will update hardware whose model codes start with 'BEE', which includes the Switch 2 (BEE-001) and certain controllers, so that devices sold in Europe will comply with the EU's removable-battery requirements.
Reports and industry coverage previously suggested a European Switch 2 revision; Nintendo's statement serves as the official confirmation that the company will adapt its product lineup for the new regulations.
The company has not announced broader global changes tied to the 'BEE' revisions beyond the stated European compliance.
This development arrives while Switch 2 continues to make commercial progress.
Recent coverage has highlighted regional sales and market activity, including reports of a Switch 2 price increase tied to changes in hardware demand in Japan and a milestone of 1 million UK sales that outpaced the original Switch's early UK performance by 30 weeks.
Additionally, major third-party support remains active, with titles such as LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight confirmed for Switch 2 release schedules.
For European consumers and retailers, the move signals that Nintendo is preparing its hardware roadmap to align with the EU's environmental and right-to-repair mandates.
Developers, accessory makers and eShop stakeholders will watch closely for technical details and timing as Nintendo rolls out the revised 'BEE' models ahead of the 2027 compliance deadline.