European sales of first-generation Nintendo Switch to end in February 2027
Nintendo will stop selling the original Switch console in Europe in mid-February 2027 to comply with regional battery regulations. The company plans to introduce updated hardware models, including a version of the Switch 2 featuring a replaceable battery.
Amalgamated from Slashdot (opens in new tab), Engadget (opens in new tab), The Verge (opens in new tab)
Nintendo will cease the sale of its first-generation Switch console in European markets starting in mid-February 2027, according to reports from Slashdot and The Verge. This decision comes nearly ten years after the original hardware was launched.
According to Engadget, the primary motivation for this shift is compliance with regional battery regulations. These standards require specific configurations for power components in portable electronics sold within Europe.
Hardware revisions and Switch 2 models
To replace the older inventory, Nintendo will introduce updated versions of its hardware. This includes a new iteration of the Switch 2 equipped with a replaceable battery, providing an alternative to the non-replaceable cells found in earlier models.
The details regarding these updates were included in an updated frequently asked questions document concerning revisions to the company's hardware portfolio. While existing owners can continue to use their current devices, the discontinuation of the original model ensures that all new units sold in the region after February 2027 meet local regulatory standards. The transition also aligns the European market with the company's move toward more modular power solutions for its newer consoles.
Why this matters
This move reflects a significant shift in how Nintendo manages hardware cycles to comply with environmental and safety regulations in Europe. It marks a definitive transition point where the original Switch is replaced by updated models that feature more durable, replaceable battery components.
What's confirmed / what isn't
All major outlets confirm the February 2027 date for ending sales of the first-generation Switch in Europe. The specific inclusion of replaceable batteries in the new Switch 2 models is also reported by multiple sources as part of an updated official FAQ.
Background
The original Nintendo Switch was released in 2017 and became one of the most successful hybrid gaming consoles globally, known for its ability to be played both on a television and as a handheld device.