Nintendo plans Switch 2 hardware update focused on repairability, according to report
The hardware update would debut in Europe and could influence a global redesign of the console.
A new version of the Nintendo Switch 2 is reportedly currently in development. This model would include an updated version of the Joy-Con 2 controllers, as well as a removable battery. The information comes from a report by the Japanese newspaper Nikkei, which notes that this hardware update would initially debut in the European market. The reason is reportedly directly related to recent regulations aimed at allowing users to replace the lithium batteries in their electronic devices themselves.
Prolonging the life of your hardware
The legislation known as the “Right to Repair” aims to make it easier for users to access key components, such as batteries, by making it simpler to replace them and enabling consumers to maintain their devices themselves. This regulation was introduced in 2023 and grants companies a transition period that runs through February 2027.
Although these measures do not apply to all electronic devices—such as smartphones or tablets—gaming hardware is among the main beneficiaries of the legislation. This paves the way for consoles with more accessible designs that are built to last longer.
The Switch 2 wouldn’t be the only gaming product affected by these changes. According to the same Nikkei report, PlayStation updated the PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller last year, making it easier to access its internal battery and bringing it into line with these new guidelines.
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If this revised version of the Switch 2 does come to fruition, it remains to be seen whether Nintendo will limit it exclusively to the European market or opt to release a unified model globally. From a manufacturing standpoint, it would be more efficient for Nintendo to produce a single model rather than maintain two different variants of the same device. If so, this decision would not only comply with European regulations but would also allow the Switch 2 to have a considerably longer lifespan worldwide.
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