Nintendo has announced that it will discontinue sales of the original Nintendo Switch consoles in Europe from February 2027, due to upcoming changes in European battery regulations. The decision affects the standard Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED Model, which will no longer be sold to retailers or on the Nintendo Store in Europe after mid-February 2027.
Reason for Discontinuation
The move is driven by new European Union battery regulations that come into effect in February 2027, requiring consumer electronics to have easily replaceable batteries. To comply, Nintendo will release updated versions of the Switch 2 console and accessories—including Joy-Cons, the Switch 2 Pro Controller, and the GameCube controller—with replaceable batteries starting in autumn 2026. Battery replacement kits for these products will also be sold via the Nintendo Store in Europe at a future date.
Impact on Sales and Availability
According to a Nintendo FAQ, the original Switch family will continue to be manufactured and widely available in Europe throughout 2026. However, from mid-February 2027, sales will cease, marking nearly ten years since the Switch launched in March 2017. Nintendo has not announced similar plans for other regions, suggesting the consoles may remain available in the US and Japan.
Market Context
The Switch is Nintendo's best-selling console, surpassing 155 million units sold earlier in 2026. The European discontinuation could hinder its chance of becoming the best-selling console of all time. Despite the phase-out, Nintendo continues to release new games for the platform, such as Rhythm Paradise Groove.
The decision reflects the cost of retrofitting older consoles with replaceable batteries late in their lifecycle, which Nintendo deemed not worth the expense. The original Switch will be supported with games and services beyond the sales cutoff.
