In 2024, the European Parliament approved a series of measures aimed at strengthening consumers’ ‘right to repair.’ These regulations, among other things, mandate manufacturers to facilitate battery replacement in their products. In response to these directives, Nintendo plans to launch a specific version of its upcoming Switch 2 in Europe, which will allow users to independently replace the battery without needing to use a technical service.
Approved with an overwhelming majority of 584 votes, the legislative package emphasizes manufacturers’ obligations to repair goods and encourages consumers to extend the lifespan of their products through repair. This requires companies to offer appealing repair options, motivating users to choose repair over replacement.
This modified model will allow for battery replacement in both the main console and the Joy-Con controllers. While the exact launch date for this version remains unconfirmed, it is expected to be released before 2027, which is the deadline for companies to comply with the new legislation.
The primary goal is to simplify repairs to reduce the unnecessary purchase of new devices. However, an additional benefit is the potential to install higher-capacity batteries in the Switch 2, which could enhance its performance. After years of trends forcing us to replace rather than repair due to complexities imposed by manufacturers, it is hoped that these new regulations will rekindle user interest in repair, benefiting both consumers and the environment.
