Nintendo has confirmed that a new model of Nintendo Switch 2 hardware is on the way, with the latest revision coming with a replaceable battery. However, Nintendo Switch 2 owners should not be prepared to replace their current hardware, save for a few possible exceptions.
It’s worth noting that traces of this new Nintendo Switch 2 hardware actually leaked back in January, although what this new model was intended for back then was unknown. Of course, the most obvious speculation was that Nintendo was already working on a Nintendo Switch 2 Lite or a Nintendo Switch 2 OLED, but it’s worth noting that the replaceable battery is the only change about this new model.
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New Nintendo Switch 2 Model w/ Replaceable Battery
A recent update to Nintendo’s official website, specifically Nintendo of Europe, states that its products are in compliance with or will comply with all European Union directives and regulations. Within this language is Regulation (EU) 2023/1542 that tackles batteries and waste batteries within the country, and within that regulation, which went into effect in February, is the mandate that “batteries integrated into certain appliances and sold in the EU must be easily replaceable by end-users at any time during the lifetime of the product.” As such, EU countries will be seeing a new Nintendo Switch 2 model with a replaceable battery in the near future.
Put the consoles in the correct order.
Put the consoles in the correct order.
Easy (5)Medium (7)Hard (10)
“For current products with model numbers starting with ‘BEE,’ future compliant versions will have unique model numbers and the additional code ‘OSM’ visible on the packaging, designating them as separate products for regulatory purposes,” states Nintendo. And while this new model is official, it’s uncertain if there will be any impact on the Nintendo Switch 2’s battery life or if this is simply the same battery, just more easily replaceable if they mess up near the end of the Switch 2’s lifespan. There’s also no mention, and it is perhaps unlikely, that this new model extends beyond Europe.
The rollout date of these new OSM-Nintendo Switch 2 devices is yet to be confirmed, but they will likely be released before September. As you should know, Nintendo announced a worldwide price hike on Nintendo Switch 2 devices recently, and it takes effect in September. For US device owners, that means from $449.99 to $499.99. For EU folks, that increase is from €469.99 to €499.99. That’s not the news anyone wanted to hear, but as long as AI data centers continue to drain the available RAM and memory supply, it’s bound to happen everywhere. Every gaming device has been affected by this, including the PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and the latest Steam Deck resupply.
Scratch & Peek
Identify the cover art while scratching off as little foil as
possible.
Identify the cover art while scratching off as little foil as possible.
EasyMediumHardPermadeath
That also throws a wrench in any plans for a Nintendo Switch 2 Lite or Nintendo Switch 2 OLED, presumably. Announcing and releasing new hardware would be difficult at this time, especially with the price hikes, but there’s also the uncertainty that, when all of this is said and done, memory supplies do not improve when RAMageddon eventually ends. And even if they do, there’s the bigger concern if companies will actually lower prices again. As such, while the eventual Switch 2 Lite model will almost certainly be cheaper than the base model, the OLED will only be even more expensive.
