Nintendo will stop selling the Switch 1 in Europe and some other markets in February 2027, shortly before the system’s 10th anniversary. The company will continue to produce the Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch – OLED Model throughout 2026, which should remain widely available in Europe during that year. However, sales to retailers and through the Nintendo Store in certain regions will cease in early 2027.
It remains unclear if these changes will apply globally; Engadget has reached out to Nintendo for clarification. The company is expected to transition away from the Switch 1 due to rising manufacturing costs and the impending launch of the Switch 2. Nintendo is also ending sales in Europe to comply with new European Union regulations requiring easy battery replacement in consumer electronics.
To adhere to these regulations, Nintendo will phase out existing product versions, favoring those equipped with user-replaceable batteries, including the forthcoming Switch 2. A revised version of the Switch 2 is set to launch in select markets this fall, featuring a swappable battery. This new model will have a battery capacity of 5172mAh, slightly lower than the current 5220mAh capacity, marking a reduction of about 1 percent.
The revised Switch 2 will weigh approximately 548g (19.3oz) with Joy-Con 2 controllers, which will add about 2g each. Joy-Cons with swappable batteries are expected to be available starting this summer, followed by the Joy-Con 2 and Switch 2 Pro Controller this winter. Additional peripherals, including Nintendo 64 and GameCube controllers for Switch 2, will also be released in alignment with this timeline, although delays may occur due to manufacturing and distribution issues.
Some existing peripherals will not be replaced with versions having swappable batteries. Nintendo will phase out the Switch Pro Controller, as well as controllers for Sega Mega Drive, SNES for Switch, and the Pokémon Go Plus+. These changes will specifically apply to markets served by Nintendo of Europe, which includes several countries across the continent.
