Nintendo Switch Original Lineup Ending in Europe by February 2027
▼ Summary
– Nintendo will discontinue sales of the original Switch, Switch Lite, and OLED models in Europe from mid-February 2027 due to new EU battery accessibility laws.
– The consoles will be manufactured through 2026 and widely available in Europe until the discontinuation date.
– Accessories like the original Pro Controller, Pokémon Go Plus +, and several retro controllers will also be affected by the change.
– Nintendo will release the Switch 2 this summer, with replacement controllers and battery kits available later.
– The EU legislation requires manufacturers to make batteries accessible to consumers using standard tools by 2027.
Nintendo is officially ending sales of its original Switch lineup across Europe by mid-February 2027, a move driven by new EU battery accessibility regulations. The change will affect the standard Switch, Switch Lite, and OLED models, all of which will cease being supplied to retailers and removed from the Nintendo Store at that time.
Manufacturing for these three models will continue through 2026, and Nintendo has stated they “should be widely available in Europe” until the February 2027 cutoff. Beyond the consoles themselves, the discontinuation also impacts several accessories, including the original Pro Controller, Pokémon Go Plus +, the NES controller, the Sega Mega Drive Control Pad, and the SNES controller.
This transition comes as Nintendo prepares to roll out the revised Switch 2 consoles this summer. Replacement Joy-Con 2 controllers and a new Pro Controller are scheduled for release this winter, while Nintendo 64 and GameCube controllers are expected to launch in early 2027. The company also confirmed that battery replacement kits will be available for purchase through the Nintendo Store in Europe.
Nintendo acknowledged that “due to a variety of factors, revised products may not become available in all European countries simultaneously,” but emphasized there is “no difference in functionality” between current and revised products. However, the company has not yet clarified how this revision will impact existing Switch 2 owners or their warranty status within the EU.
The underlying driver is the EU’s new legislation, which mandates that manufacturers make batteries accessible to consumers by 2027. This requires using standard or specialized tools for replacement, along with providing clear instructions and safety information. The policy is designed to reduce electronic waste and extend product lifespans across the region.
(Source: GamesIndustry.biz)
