Nintendo confirms Switch 2 'OSM' packaging code as EU battery rules take effect
Nintendo has updated its European compliance guidance to confirm that future Switch 2 units sold in the European Union will carry unique model numbers and an additional 'OSM' code on packaging to indicate regulatory compliance with the EU Batteries Regulation.
The announcement follows a March report from Japanese outlet Nikkei that first linked Nintendo to a Switch 2 revision intended to meet new EU requirements for user-replaceable batteries.
Background and regulatory context
Regulation (EU) 2023/1542—commonly referenced as the EU Batteries Regulation—requires manufacturers to ensure certain integrated batteries are easily replaceable by end users for the expected lifetime of the product.
The regulation is intended to reduce environmental impact from battery manufacturing and waste by improving labeling, safe removal, collection and recycling of batteries.
Nintendo’s European statement confirms the regulation takes effect on February 18, 2027, and that the company is preparing product versions to comply.
Paraphrased compliance notice
In plain terms, Nintendo’s European compliance message says: the EU’s battery rules require that batteries built into certain appliances sold in the EU must be replaceable by consumers from February 18, 2027.
Nintendo stated it is readying versions of its products to meet these rules, and that existing product lines with model numbers starting with "BEE" will be issued new, unique model numbers.
Those future compliant units will carry the additional code "OSM" on packaging to distinguish them for regulatory purposes.
What this means for Switch 2 and retail
The "OSM" code had been a focal point of earlier Switch 2 speculation; Nintendo’s clarification ties the code directly to EU regulatory compliance rather than a distinct new consumer-facing hardware revision.
Historically, Nintendo has issued quiet internal revisions without overt cosmetic change—most notably the 2019 Switch revision (HAC-001-01), which offered improved battery life while maintaining the same outward design.
Retailers, distributors and repair services in the EU should expect separate model identifiers and packaging cues for any Switch 2 units marketed as compliant under the new rule.
This update is significant for manufacturers, accessory makers and third-party repair services working with Nintendo Switch hardware and highlights how regional regulation can drive hardware revisions even when external designs remain unchanged.
Nintendo has updated its European compliance guidance to confirm that future Switch 2 units sold in the European Union will carry unique model numbers and an additional 'OSM' code on packaging to indicate regulatory compliance with the EU Batteries Regulation.
The announcement follows a March report from Japanese outlet Nikkei that first linked Nintendo to a Switch 2 revision intended to meet new EU requirements for user-replaceable batteries.
Background and regulatory context
Regulation (EU) 2023/1542—commonly referenced as the EU Batteries Regulation—requires manufacturers to ensure certain integrated batteries are easily replaceable by end users for the expected lifetime of the product.
The regulation is intended to reduce environmental impact from battery manufacturing and waste by improving labeling, safe removal, collection and recycling of batteries.
Nintendo’s European statement confirms the regulation takes effect on February 18, 2027, and that the company is preparing product versions to comply.
Paraphrased compliance notice
In plain terms, Nintendo’s European compliance message says: the EU’s battery rules require that batteries built into certain appliances sold in the EU must be replaceable by consumers from February 18, 2027.
Nintendo stated it is readying versions of its products to meet these rules, and that existing product lines with model numbers starting with "BEE" will be issued new, unique model numbers.
Those future compliant units will carry the additional code "OSM" on packaging to distinguish them for regulatory purposes.
What this means for Switch 2 and retail
The "OSM" code had been a focal point of earlier Switch 2 speculation; Nintendo’s clarification ties the code directly to EU regulatory compliance rather than a distinct new consumer-facing hardware revision.
Historically, Nintendo has issued quiet internal revisions without overt cosmetic change—most notably the 2019 Switch revision (HAC-001-01), which offered improved battery life while maintaining the same outward design.
Retailers, distributors and repair services in the EU should expect separate model identifiers and packaging cues for any Switch 2 units marketed as compliant under the new rule.
This update is significant for manufacturers, accessory makers and third-party repair services working with Nintendo Switch hardware and highlights how regional regulation can drive hardware revisions even when external designs remain unchanged.