New Nintendo Switch 2 a model with a removable battery is said to be in development, but for now it's only planned to be launched in Europe. The Nintendo Switch 2 launched in June 2025, more than eight years after the original Switch hit stores. The new system debuted at the same time Mario Kart Worldlong awaited sequel Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. While the Switch 2 remains compatible with most Switch 1 games, the system has seen a steady stream of exclusive games over the past year.
The original Switch proved to be one of the most successful video game systems of all time. As a result, fans and pundits doubted whether the Nintendo Switch 2 would be able to achieve nearly as much success. However, Nintendo Switch 2 sales continue to outpace the original Switch. The system has sold more than 17 million units, and that number is likely to grow as more exclusive titles are offered. At the moment, Nintendo continues to support the original Switch with new software, but that will likely slow down as more people use the newer hardware.
The Nintendo Switch 2 has an awesome new feature, but it's not automatic
A great new option has been added to the Nintendo Switch 2, but users will need to enable it before they can start using it.
New Nintendo Switch 2 model
Japanese outlet Nikkei was the first to reveal information about the new Nintendo Switch 2 model with a removable battery. The newspaper reports that the model is intended to bring the system into line with legislation adopted in the European Union in 2023, which gives consumers the right to repair their own electronics. Many electronics manufacturers make it disproportionately difficult to replace batteries with new ones, often forcing consumers to pay for repairs or replace the device entirely. A new European standard will change that, allowing consumers to simply buy a new battery for their gaming system or phone. The new Nintendo Switch 2 model is said to make it easier to replace the battery in the console itself and even in the Joy-Con controllers. Considering Nintendo's Joy-Con controllers are prone to issues, this is a very good thing. The requirement will not come into effect until February 2027, so it is possible that the new model will not go on sale until next year.
A Nintendo Switch 2 system that allows users to easily replace the battery would be a win for consumers. Batteries degrade over time, and gamers like the ability to preserve their systems for use long into the future. There is a thriving market of collectors who like to buy older games and systems and revisit them, and being able to easily replace damaged batteries helps with that. Unfortunately, there's a catch, and it looks like this Switch 2 model will only be released in Europe. Right-to-repair advocates have mounted similar legislative efforts in the US, but nothing as significant as what was passed in Europe. Nintendo is apparently planning for the possibility of similar regulations passing in other regions, so if that happens, this model could eventually be released in other markets as well.
The appeal of the Nintendo Switch 2 will likely continue to rise as more exclusive games are released. Pokemon Pokopia has already sold 2.2 million units on the Switch 2 since launching earlier this month and could prove to be a system seller. Later this year Yoshi and the mysterious book and Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave are also coming to Switch 2, further expanding the system's line-up of exclusive games. This should put pressure on Nintendo fans who haven't yet upgraded to the new system, but those in Europe may want to hold out for the new hardware. The new Nintendo Switch 2 model could end up being a more affordable option, helping the system last longer and cost less to repair if needed.
Source: IGN
