New Nintendo Switch 2 console model to be released only in Europe claims report
New Nintendo Switch 2 console model to be released only in Europe claims report
According to a recent report, Nintendo may be compelled to introduce a new Switch 2 model tailored for the European market due to regulatory pressures from the European Union. The legislation, part of a broader initiative to support the right to repair movement, aims to reduce electronic waste by mandating replaceable batteries in all consumer devices by 2027.
The Switch 2, which has been available for nearly a year, continues to dominate sales despite the anticipation of a potential Lite version. However, this upcoming update is expected to be more conservative than typical revisions, focusing on design adjustments to enable battery replacement rather than major hardware upgrades.
“Nintendo is being pushed to modify the Switch 2’s structure to allow users to access and replace the battery,” says a source from Nikkei, the Japanese outlet reporting the development.
While the changes are primarily targeted at Europe, there’s speculation that Nintendo might extend similar modifications to Japan and the US if consumer awareness grows. The UK, though not part of the EU, will likely receive the updated model since it aligns with European console and game availability.
Interestingly, a Japanese-exclusive variant of the Switch 2 already exists, priced at around £235—significantly lower than Western versions—due to the yen’s current value. This suggests Nintendo may be strategically adapting its product for different regions based on economic factors.
The original Nintendo Switch, which also features a non-user-accessible battery, could face its own revision if demand for repairability increases. However, with its lifecycle nearing an end, it’s uncertain whether Nintendo will prioritize such updates.
Though no official announcements have been made, the EU law is already in effect. This raises questions about why the right to repair wasn’t integrated into the initial Switch design, especially considering Nintendo’s awareness of the issue for some time.
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