Nintendo released an updated Switch 2 in Europe - how to distinguish it from the old one

Nintendo released an updated version of the Switch 2 in Europe with simplified battery replacement to comply with EU right-to-repair requirements.

An updated version of the Nintendo Switch 2 has arrived in European stores: Nintendo has simplified battery replacement to make the console compliant with EU right-to-repair requirements.

Outwardly, the new model is almost identical to the original, although there are a few internal changes. According to Nintenduo, the battery is now easier to replace. To achieve this, Nintendo redesigned the internal structure. The battery capacity has decreased by about 1% – by 48 mAh, and the console itself with attached Joy-Cons has become 14 grams heavier.

The mounts have also changed. The screws near the Joy-Cons are now easier to access: the stickers that hindered disassembly have been removed. The heat shield has also been redesigned – it no longer covers the battery, which has received its own insulating layer.

The new version can be identified by its serial number: it starts with "HLE". The model was released shortly after the price increase of the Nintendo Switch 2 in early September and complies with new EU requirements for electronics repairability.