Nintendo has announced that it will cease sales of the original Switch console in Europe starting in 2027. The decision, confirmed in an updated FAQ on hardware revisions, stems directly from new European battery regulations. The console, launched in 2017, will no longer be sold in the region to comply with requirements for user-replaceable batteries and disposal standards introduced by the European Union.
End of an era for the hybrid console
With over 140 million units sold worldwide, the Switch 1 is one of Nintendo's most successful consoles. However, EU rules now demand that portable devices have easily replaceable batteries. The Switch 1's built-in battery fails this test, forcing Nintendo to pull it from the European market. The company will continue selling the console elsewhere, where regulations are less strict.
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EU battery rules: replaceable batteries mandatory by 2027
The European Battery Regulation, approved in 2023, stipulates that by 2027 all portable devices must have batteries that users can replace themselves. Nintendo has already introduced a version of the Switch 2 with a removable battery for Europe, but for the aging Switch 1, the cost of redesign is not viable. This means final stocks of the Switch 1 in Europe will deplete by the end of 2026, barring any extensions.
Market impact and consumer implications
The end of Switch 1 sales in Europe comes as little surprise to analysts, but it raises questions about after-sales support. Nintendo has pledged to continue online services and software updates for the original model, but European owners will face increased difficulty in sourcing authorized replacement batteries. Some retailers may sell remaining inventory until supplies run out, but production has already halted. Those looking to buy a Switch 1 should take advantage of summer sales before prices climb.
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Comparison with other companies: Apple and Motorola under similar pressure
This is not the first case of companies having to modify products for battery regulations. Apple recently boosted battery capacities on the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max to anticipate regulatory demands. Similarly, Motorola's Razr Ultra 2026 suffered overheating issues leading to shutdowns. The push for replaceable batteries is a global trend reshaping device design.
The future of console market in Europe
With the Switch 1 exiting, Nintendo is betting heavily on the Switch 2, already available in Europe with a replaceable battery. The new console sold 5 million units in its first three months, showing that regulatory compliance has not dampened sales. For collectors, the Switch 1 may become a rare item in the second-hand market, but for everyday users, it's time to move to the next generation.
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Estimates suggest the Switch 1 pullout affects around 20 million units still in use across Europe. Nintendo says it will continue producing replacement batteries for a few years, but buying a used console could become riskier. For more details on the regulations, see the European Commission's battery regulation page.
Source: https://www.engadget.com/2208587/nintendo-will-stop-selling-the-switch-1-in-europe-in-2027
