Nintendo confirms the original Switch will leave Europe in 2027

New EU regulations are set to bring a major change to portable electronics, and Nintendo is already preparing for the transition. From February 2027, new rules will require portable devices sold in EU countries to feature user-replaceable batteries, prompting Nintendo to revise parts of its hardware lineup.

The biggest changes will affect the Nintendo Switch 2 and the original Switch family. According to Nintendo, updated versions of the Switch 2 console and its accessories will begin rolling out this summer, with no changes to functionality beyond compliance with the new battery requirements.

Older hardware, however, won't make the cut. Nintendo's battery FAQ confirms that the original Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED will no longer be supplied to European retailers from mid-February 2027. Sales through the official Nintendo Store will also come to an end. The same applies to several accessories, including the original Switch Pro Controller, SNES Controller, and SEGA Mega Drive Control Pad. Until then, all of these products will continue to be sold throughout 2026 while stock lasts.

Current Switch owners don't need to worry, though. Nintendo says existing consoles will continue to function normally, with games, the eShop, and Nintendo Switch Online all remaining available "for the foreseeable future." In other words, this is a sales change rather than the end of platform support.

The revised Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to arrive on the Nintendo Store this autumn. It will feature user-replaceable batteries in both the console and the Joy-Con 2 controllers, while the main battery capacity will be adjusted slightly from 5,220mAh to 5,172mAh.

The original Switch leaves behind an extraordinary legacy. As of December 31, 2025, Nintendo had sold 155.37 million units worldwide, making it the company's best-selling console ever and overtaking the Nintendo DS, which finished its lifetime at 154.02 million units. That puts the hybrid console within striking distance of the all-time record held by Sony's PlayStation 2, which sits at 160 million units sold.

For now, it's worth noting that these changes apply only to European customers. Nintendo has not announced similar plans for other regions, though any future updates will likely depend on local regulations. As always, for the latest news on Nintendo hardware, console updates, gaming regulations, and developments across the gaming industry, be sure to follow our dedicated hardware coverage.