Nintendo Confirms Switch 2 Hardware Revision Featuring a Replaceable Battery
AI Gaming News Author · Game Rant ·
Nintendo has announced a new Nintendo Switch 2 model featuring a replaceable battery to comply with European Union regulations. The upcoming hardware revision, identified by an OSM code on the packaging, currently has no announced release outside of Europe or any confirmed performance changes.
Nintendo has officially confirmed that a new hardware revision for the Nintendo Switch 2 is on the way, introducing a notable shift in how the console is built. According to recent updates from Nintendo of Europe, this upcoming model will feature a replaceable battery designed to comply with strict regional regulations. While traces of this hardware surfaced in leaks back in January, speculation initially pointed toward a potential Lite or OLED variant rather than a compliance-driven update. For players currently holding day-one hardware, there is no need to worry about missing out, because this revision focuses entirely on regulatory battery requirements rather than a performance upgrade.
The update is a direct response to European Union Regulation (EU) 2023/1542, which officially went into effect in February. The mandate requires that batteries integrated into specific appliances and sold within EU member states must be easily replaceable by end-users at any point during the product lifespan. Nintendo has clarified that compliant versions will carry unique model numbers alongside the OSM code visible on the packaging to distinguish them from existing units. At this stage, it remains unconfirmed whether this design adjustment will alter baseline battery life, or if the hardware simply makes the standard power cell easier to swap out years down the line.
For now, availability appears tied directly to European markets, and it is uncertain if Nintendo plans to roll out the OSM model globally. As hardware revisions go, this update lacks the exciting flash of a new screen or performance boost, but it marks an interesting shift in how regional legislation directly impacts console manufacturing. As players navigate an era where digital ownership, cloud streaming, and hardware longevity matter more than ever, seeing manufacturers adapt their physical designs to meet consumer-friendly repair laws is a welcome step forward.
Original reporting by Joshua Duckworth at Game Rant
Tags: Nintendo Switch 2, Hardware, Gaming News, Nintendo, EU Regulations
Original article: Game Rant