Updated
Updated · Polygon · Jul 18
Nintendo Ends 3 Switch Models in Europe by February 2027 as EU Repair Law Bites
Updated
Updated · Polygon · Jul 18

Nintendo Ends 3 Switch Models in Europe by February 2027 as EU Repair Law Bites

3 articles · Updated · Polygon · Jul 18

Summary

  • February 2027 is Nintendo’s cutoff to stop producing the original Switch, Switch Lite and Switch OLED for the European market.
  • EU right-to-repair rules requiring easily removable, replaceable batteries forced the move, and Nintendo appears unwilling to redesign the aging original Switch line for compliance.
  • Nintendo is instead updating Switch 2 hardware for Europe with a replaceable battery, along with revised Pro Controller, Joy-Con and Joy-Con 2 models.
  • The decision removes a lower-cost entry point in Europe, where the original Switch started at $200 and the Switch 2 is expected to reach $500 amid a broader memory shortage.

Insights

Is Nintendo using Europe's repair laws as the perfect excuse to launch a more expensive console?
Will Europe's green laws inadvertently make video gaming a luxury only the wealthy can afford?