The updated Nintendo Switch 2 model has started shipping, and players are taking it apart to see how it differs from the launch model. In case you’re unaware, Nintendo announced it’s developing new revisions of the Switch 2 console and its accessories that comply with the European Union’s Right to Repair directive and updated battery regulations.
In order to comply with the EU’s rules, battery-powered devices must allow users to easily access and replace their batteries. Nintendo previously said the new model would became available starting sometime this summer, and now the revised design has started hitting store shelves.
In a video comparing the launch model with the EU-compliant revision, YouTube channel Nintendúo opens up both units to show all the differences. As Nintendo’s updated designs revealed in July, the new model does indeed have a smaller battery. Battery capacity has been cut down by 1 percent, or about 48 mAh. The console – with Joy-Cons attached – is also 14 grams heavier.
One of the most immediately recognisable changes is how visible the screws inside the Joy-Con rails are, which previously were hidden under warranty void / anti-tamper stickers. This is what makes accessing the console’s insides much more straightforward.
After popping the back cover off, we can see the heat shield no longer extends to cover the battery, making it easier to access and replace. To protect against heat, the battery is now wrapped in thick insulation.
The two models are difficult to tell apart without physically holding the box. If you’re able to zoom in on the product page online, look for visible screws in the Joy-Con rails. The updated model also bears the OSM product code, with the serial number beginning with HLE in Europe.
The Joy-Cons and Switch 2 Pro Controller are all getting revisions at various times throughout the year, with the N64 and GameCube controllers instead getting updated in early 2027. The video does not show teardowns for any of the controllers. Nintendo is also planning on selling replaceable batteries alongside a kit that includes detailed steps on how to access, remove and replace the battery.
Nintendo is replacing Switch 2 models across retailers on a rolling basis, meaning you can’t pick which revision to purchase – without looking closely, as detailed in this story.
