This is due to the new replaceable battery requirements in all electronics in the EU. So it’s not just that Nintendo are discontinuing it because they want to, it’s because all Switch units would need to have replaceable batteries.
You’ve got a source for that? Because usually legislation didn’t apply to existing products.
The discontinuation notice was part of an announcement outlining upcoming battery-related revisions to several Nintendo products in Europe, mainly in the Switch 2 family. Starting this summer, Nintendo will begin using user-replaceable batteries that comply with new European Union regulations.
This is from the article. If Nintendo want to keep producing new Switch 1 models they would have to have replaceable batteries. That’s how I’ve read it going by their wording. As such I’m assuming Nintendo has decided instead of changing the original Switch models to comply, they have decided to discontinue them in EU.
Would’ve loved to see a S1 with an easily replaceable battery, but I guess it doesn’t make sense for them to spend resources creating a new revision for a console that’s being phased out.
I assume existing means existing stock, if they wanted to sell new stock they would need to change the chassis (which Nintendo doesn’t want to do for three additional models)
A little sad to see them go, but it probably means we will soon see something like a Switch 2 Lite (or similar moniker), but certainly priced higher given the current market combined with Nintendo nintendoing everything
It’s on the FAQ about the Switch 2 battery revisions, under “What does that mean for Nintendo Switch consoles in Europe?”. From what I’ve read, it’s about the production date. After February 2027, all newly made devices need to have replaceable batteries, but remaining stock can still be sold.
