Nintendo has confirmed that the original Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED models will be discontinued in Europe, including the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy, starting mid-February 2027. The move is driven by upcoming European battery regulations that require user-replaceable batteries in consumer electronics.
Why the Switch Family Is Being Discontinued
New European regulations coming into effect in mid-February 2027 mandate that devices must have user-replaceable batteries. Nintendo is revising many of its products to comply, but the Switch family—comprising the original Switch (launched 2017), Switch Lite, and Switch OLED—will not receive such updates. Instead, these consoles will be phased out entirely.
According to a Nintendo spokesperson, selected products in Europe will be replaced on a rolling basis starting summer 2026 with revisions that include user-replaceable batteries. The first revised products are the neon red and blue Joy-Con controllers and other selected colors, with no change in battery capacity or weight.
Revised Products and Timeline
Nintendo has outlined a phased rollout of revised products:
- Summer 2026: Original neon red and blue Joy-Con controllers and other selected colors.
- Autumn 2026: Switch 2 console with a battery approximately 1% smaller than the current version, and Joy-Con 2 controllers with user-replaceable batteries. The console will be roughly 10g heavier (401g without Joy-Cons, 534g with).
- Winter 2026: Revised Joy-Con 2 pair and individual left/right models, plus the Switch 2 Pro Controller.
- Early 2027: Revised N64 controller for Switch and GameCube controller for Switch 2.
Battery replacement kits for each product will be available for purchase separately in Europe.
Impact on Sales and Availability
Nintendo sold over 155.92 million units across the Switch family, surpassing the Wii's 101.63 million. The original Switch alone sold more than 96 million units. Despite the discontinuation, Nintendo stated that the Switch family will continue to be manufactured through 2026 and should be widely available in Europe for most of the year. After mid-February 2027, Nintendo will no longer sell these consoles to retailers or on the Nintendo Store.
However, existing Switch owners can continue to play games, use the eShop, and access Nintendo Switch Online services for the foreseeable future. The company advises checking with local retailers for remaining stock after the discontinuation date.
Full List of Discontinued Devices
- Nintendo Switch
- Nintendo Switch Lite
- Nintendo Switch – OLED Model
- Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) Controller for Nintendo Switch
- Pokémon GO Plus +
- Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
- SEGA Mega Drive Control Pad for Nintendo Switch
- Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) Controller for Nintendo Switch
A Nintendo spokesperson added: "Nintendo Switch has an extensive library of games that continues to grow, and Nintendo Switch owners can continue to enjoy all their existing Nintendo games and accessories."
