TheNintendo Switchcould be forced to make significant changes to future hardware releases, as the European Union implements a new regulation requiring portable devices to feature replaceable batteries. The new EU rule requires that all new products that include a portable battery, including gaming hardware like theNintendo Switch, feature “readily removable and replaceable” batteries. However, the updated regulations won’t take effect until 2027, giving Nintendo a window to avoid the change with its Switch successor.
Handheld video game fans are familiar with their favorite consoles having an innate lifespan to their usage. Batteries do not last forever, meaningconsoles including Nintendo Game Boys, Sega Game Gears, and PlayStation Vitas will all eventually become unusable, if they aren’t already. There are even cartridges from some older handheld consoles with small batteries that will lose their save files when the battery goes dead. The EU has passed regulations that will hopefully provide a solution to that, preventing it from happening in the future.
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Starting in 2027, the European Union will require that all devices with portable batteries will make those batteries removable and replaceable by their owners. While afocus has been placed on iPhones, Android devices, and other mobile devices, the regulations also cover handheld consoles like the Nintendo Switch. All devices with portable batteries are included, presumably meaning that controllers and powered accessories will need to comply, too.
It also must be clarified that there’s explicit language in the regulation detailing that battery replacement must be simple and easily done by device owners. That means that they can’t require specialized tools to access batteries (unless they’re free and included), nor can they require a specialist. Instructions will also need to be provided.
For video game fans, the regulations have potential ramifications for Nintendo’s long-rumored successor to the Nintendo Switch. The big question is whether Nintendo will seek to comply with the regulation if itlaunches the Nintendo Switch 2 before 2027. If Nintendo doesn’t add a removable battery to the Nintendo Switch 2, it could lead to complications when releasing new SKUs after 2027. Still, if a 2024-2026 launch is Nintendo’s plan, there’s no requirement to comply.
The Nintendo Switch 2 isn’t the only device that will have to keep the EU’s updated regulations in mind. Nintendo Switch JoyCons are individually powered, too. PlayStation 5 controllers also currently do not feature replaceable batteries. Then there’s thePlayStation Q streaming devicerumored to launch in 2023. There are also the Steam Deck and other PC handhelds that must be mindful of the regulation in the future. Even standalone VR headsets could be impacted. Immediate changes could be unlikely, whether for theNintendo Switch 2or otherwise, but handheld devices could be transformed over the next several years.
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