Nintendo will halt sales of its original Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED models to European retailers in mid-February 2027. The company confirmed that these legacy systems will remain in production throughout 2026, ensuring widespread availability across Europe until the transition date. This shift aligns with new European Union battery regulations requiring consumer electronics to feature user-replaceable batteries.
Why is Nintendo changing its hardware in Europe?
The decision to end sales of current Switch models in Europe is driven by upcoming EU battery compliance mandates. To meet these legal requirements, the company plans to introduce a new iteration of its next-generation hardware—referred to as the Switch 2—in the European market this autumn.
What happens to current Nintendo Switch accessories?
Nintendo is expanding its hardware updates beyond the main console. The company announced that new versions of the Switch 2 Pro controller, equipped with replaceable batteries, will launch in the EU this winter. Furthermore, refreshed iterations of Nintendo 64 and GameCube controllers designed for the original Switch family will be released in early 2027, also featuring user-replaceable battery technology.
Will this affect Nintendo Switch sales outside Europe?
As of now, Nintendo has not provided information regarding sales changes for the original Switch family in markets outside of Europe. The current phase-out announcement specifically concerns European retailers and the regional Nintendo Store. Production of the original Switch family is confirmed to continue throughout 2026 to support demand in the European region before the February 2027 cutoff.
Pro Tip: If you are planning to purchase a Switch console in Europe, keep in mind that the current models will be widely available through the end of 2026. If you prefer a console with a user-replaceable battery, you may want to wait for the updated models arriving in the autumn.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When will original Switch sales end in Europe? Sales to retailers and via the Nintendo Store will stop in mid-February 2027.
- Will the new Switch 2 battery be smaller? Yes, the EU-compliant battery is 5172mAh compared to the 5220mAh original, a difference of less than 1%.
- Are Joy-Cons being updated? Yes, the new EU-specific Joy-Con 2 controllers will feature user-replaceable batteries.
- Is this happening in the US or Japan? Nintendo has not announced any changes to sales plans for markets outside of Europe at this time.
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