Nikkei reports that Nintendo is preparing a revision of the Switch 2 to comply with European Union rules requiring consumer electronics to allow users to replace batteries themselves. The changes are said to be targeted at the European market but could be extended to other regions depending on public awareness of repair rights.

The Nikkei report, relayed by Nintendo Life, suggests the new revision would feature a replaceable battery to meet regulatory expectations. A company quote cited by the outlet states: "Nintendo may also implement similar policies in Japan and the United States if consumer awareness of the right to repair increases."

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The move marks a notable shift for Nintendo, which has historically produced tightly sealed handheld hardware. Making the battery user-replaceable would simplify authorised and unauthorised repairs and could reduce repair costs and electronic waste for owners of the next-generation handheld.

Regulatory pressure from the EU and broader right-to-repair initiatives have pushed several consumer electronics manufacturers to change product designs and spare-part policies in recent years. For Nintendo, a design change to permit battery replacement could have practical consequences for chassis design, manufacturing tolerances and accessory compatibility. Official guidance on spare parts, repair procedures and warranty handling has not been disclosed in the report.

Nikkei did not provide a timeline for the revision or confirm whether the change would apply to all Switch 2 units worldwide. The report frames the revision as responsive to regulatory requirements rather than a voluntary redesign aimed at other markets, although wider implementation remains a possibility if consumer demand for repairable devices grows.

Observers will watch subsequent statements from Nintendo for confirmation and technical details, including whether the replaceable battery will be user-serviced with simple access, removable panels or require authorised service centres. The development dovetails with growing consumer and regulatory focus on repairability as a factor in hardware purchasing decisions.

Original reporting on the development appeared in Nikkei and was summarised by Nintendo Life.