– Nintendo is revising the Switch 2 to meet EU right-to-repair rules, with easier battery replacement by February 2027.
– A “BEE” code and “OSM” labels will appear on Switch 2 products, but the original Switch lacks this labeling, raising regulatory concerns.
– The original Switch will be retired eventually, but CEO Shuntaro Furukawa suggests continued support for several more years.
– A lower-priced Switch 2 Lite with limited features (e.g., smaller screen, no detachable Joy-Cons) may become desirable as a cheaper alternative.
– A Switch 2 price increase from €469.99 to €499.99 is set for September 2026, and high R&D costs complicate creating a budget model.
Nintendo’s Switch 2 getting EU repairs
Nintendo is revising the Switch 2 to meet EU right-to-repair regulations. By February 18th 2027, buyers should be able to replace the console’s battery more easier. However, the manufacturer has not addressed whether it will make changes to the original Switch. If its forced to discontinue the handheld, a lower-priced Switch 2 Lite would become desireable.
Datamined code reemerges
Nintendo Patents Watch noted that a code datamined in January 2026 has reemerged. In the announcement, the company explained that products using the “BEE” code will have “OSM” labels after the tweaks. Gamers can find “BEE” listed on Switch 2 consoles, games, controllers, and accessories.
Since the first Switch lacks this labeling, its future in the EU and in regions with replaceable-battery regulations is unclear. The guidelines don’t impact existing units, and Nintendo would have until February 2027 to stockpile enough of the aging hardware. Eventually, some buyers would demand a cheaper alternative to the current-gen system.
Retirement of the original Switch
Released in 2017, the gaming giant will inevitably retire the last-gen option. Even so, it remains a more affordable way to access newer games, many of which are compatable with both consoles. TheGamer reported on recent comments from CEO Shuntaro Furukawa, who suggested it will be supported for several years to come.
- Without the Switch, EU gamers would need a larger budget to purchase the newer handheld.
- A Switch 2 price increase from €469.99 to €499.99 is also set for September 2026.
- One solution could be a Switch 2 Lite with limited functionality.
R&D costs and confidential designs
Patents Watch reminded followers that Nintendo’s last fiscal report showed a sharp rise in R&D costs. Recently, the company registered four confidential designs at the EUIPO website. These may refer to revisions with an easier-to-replace battery. Its also possible that they describe new models of consoles or controllers.
A Switch 2 Lite could offer a smaller screen, sacrifice detachable Joy-Cons, or ship without a dock. Still, given that the higher Switch 2 price may not cover manufacturing costs, economizing on the hardware is challenging.