Key Takeaways
1. The Switch 2 is harder to fix than its predecessor, with battery issues being a common complaint.
2. Nintendo is redesigning the Switch 2 for European markets to comply with the EU’s Right to Repair directive, effective July 2026.
3. Joy-Con 2 controllers will see improvements, particularly regarding battery reliability and stick drift issues.
4. New EU regulations aim to make spare parts more accessible, reducing repair costs and e-waste.
5. Concerns about the durability of the Switch 2 battery exist, with challenges in accessing it for repairs due to strong adhesive.
iFixit has noted that the Switch 2 is quite hard to fix, even more so than the previous handheld version. One of the most frequent issues reported to Nintendo Support is a reduced capacity or damaged battery. In at least one area, the company plans to alter the Switch 2 specifications to make it easier to replace this component.
Nintendo’s Response to Legislation
According to a report by Nikkei in Japan, Nintendo is taking steps to comply with EU laws. The Right to Repair directive, which was passed in 2024, is set to take effect in July 2026. Currently, Nintendo is only looking at redesigning the Switch 2 for European markets. However, they may consider enhancements for repairability in Japan and North America down the line.
Joy-Con Improvements on the Horizon
While the issue of stick drift is a significant concern with the Joy-Con 2 controllers, Nintendo also intends to make improvements to these accessories. The controllers, which come with the console, have rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that tend to wear out over time.
In the past few years, the EU has implemented additional regulations concerning batteries. These new rules aim to provide consumers with better repair options for devices such as smartphones, tablets, and hand-held gaming systems. With these changes, spare parts are expected to be more accessible, which should lower repair costs at home or in local businesses. A key goal of this legislation is to minimize e-waste when electronics become too hard or expensive to repair.
Battery Reliability Concerns
Having been on the market since June 2025, the durability and lifespan of the Switch 2 battery are still unclear. So far, isolated cases of dangerous swelling have been reported. Nevertheless, teardowns have revealed that if the battery does fail, many gamers may find it challenging to fix it. Even after taking apart the handheld, accessing the battery is tough due to strong adhesive securing it.
With the current memory shortage impacting production, Nintendo’s adjustments to the Switch 2 specs could lead to higher manufacturing costs. Sometimes, it can be more cost-effective for a company to modify a product’s design on a global scale. It’s also uncertain whether the gaming giant will revise its warranty policies in light of the new EU regulations.
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