Nintendo to End European Sales of Original Switch Models by February 2027

Nintendo has announced that it will cease selling the original Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite and Switch OLED in Europe from mid‑February 2027. The decision is driven by a new EU regulation that requires portable electronic devices to have user‑replaceable batteries, a change that would be costly to implement across the three existing models. Instead, Nintendo will focus on its upcoming Switch 2, slated for release in late 2026, which will feature a removable battery to comply with the rule.

The company will stop restocking the devices on its European eShop, and retailers will only be able to sell existing inventory until it runs out. While European consumers will lose a lower‑priced entry option, the Switch line will continue to be sold in other markets. Nintendo Switch has sold over 155 million units worldwide, making the withdrawal a notable shift for the European gaming market.

The EU’s “right‑to‑repair” legislation aims to extend product lifespans and reduce electronic waste, prompting similar adjustments across the tech industry.