Some Nintendo products, including all the Switch 1 models, will be discontinued in March 2027. Nintendo has enjoyed significant success with its games and handheld consoles over the past decade, and the Nintendo Switch marked a massive shift in how users play. Starting with games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Pokemon Sword and Shield, the Nintendo Switch, as well as the OLED and Lite models, have been a home away from home for gamers worldwide. However, this is coming to an end in 2027 for millions of players.
The games industry is going through a difficult time right now. Between PlayStation announcing that it won’t produce physical discs past January 2028, Xbox possibly ending physical disc support with Project Helix, the ongoing RAM crisis, and mass layoffs at studios and corporations alike, gaming is not in a good place. As such, the news that Nintendo is discontinuing the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, and Nintendo Switch OLED comes at a terrible time.
New Nintendo Switch 2 Model Officially Revealed
Nintendo officially confirms a brand new model of the beloved Nintendo Switch 2 and the key improvement it brings.
Say Goodbye to Nintendo Switch in One Key Region
In March 2027, Nintendo is discontinuing all Nintendo Switch 1 models in Europe due to the legal requirement for replaceable batteries, which Nintendo is not adapting to for the old models and more products. It’s worth noting that the Nintendo Switch’s battery makes it unusable in some cases, hence why the regulation. In the blog post, Nintendo goes over a list of products that will have their batteries changed to adapt to the current legislation between Winter 2026 and early 2027, including Joy-Cons, the Switch 2 and its accessories, and even the Nintendo 64 and Nintendo GameCube controllers for Switch and Switch 2. However, other Nintendo consoles and products will be discontinued. These are:
- Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) Controller for Nintendo Switch
- Pokemon GO Plus +
- Nintendo Switch
- Nintendo Switch Lite
- Nintendo Switch OLED
- Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
- SEGA Mega Drive Control Pad for Nintendo Switch
- Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) Controller for Nintendo Switch
Drag weapons to fill the grid
Drag weapons to fill the grid
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In the post, Nintendo explains that “in preparation for upcoming changes in European battery regulations coming into effect in mid-February 2027, selected Nintendo products in Europe will begin to be replaced on a rolling basis.” While the list includes some Nintendo Switch accessories and all the Switch 2 ones, as well as the console itself, it doesn’t include the actual Nintendo Switch 1 consoles. One of the FAQs is “What about other products that aren’t listed in the table?”, and Nintendo explains that the list of products above will no longer be offered on the Nintendo Store after mid-February 2027.
Nintendo doesn’t exclude the possibility that retailers might still have Nintendo Switch 1 models across Europe even after the deadline for the battery replacement legislation in mid-February 2027. However, they may end up becoming harder and harder to find as time goes on, or they might be targeted by scalpers for a profit on third-party websites, should availability be affected on a large scale. Even then, three of the previously listed products will no longer be available, period, as they are exclusive to the Nintendo Store. These are the NES controller, the SEGA Mega Drive control pad, and the SNES controller for Nintendo Switch.
Scratch & Peek
Identify the cover art while scratching off as little foil as
possible.
On top of that, the Nintendo Switch 2’s battery life is going to be worse than before with these changes, as it’s getting a reduction in size to make it removable. While the change is minimal, from 5220 mAh to 5172 mAh, it’s still a less durable battery to accommodate the new legislation. Older Switch 2 models will still be available at retailers, most likely, so fans will have to double-check what they are getting, should they decide to purchase a new Switch 2 in 2027.
