As part of its efforts to promote sustainability, the Council of the European Union has announced new regulations requiring all devices to have replaceable batteries by 2027. While these new EU regulations about replaceable batteries affect various electronic devices, this article will focus on its impact on the handheld gaming console industry, particularly on the Nintendo Switch 2, and look at the possibility of this being the reason for the Switch 2 delay.
Understanding the EU’s Regulation on Replaceable Batteries
The legislation attempts to control the full life cycle of batteries to assure the safety, sustainability, and competitiveness of batteries. It requires that all portable batteries included in appliances be detachable and user-replaceable. The operator will have enough time to modify their goods to meet the criteria because this regulation will apply to new devices in 2027.
Removable batteries will be back by 2027, thanks to an EU law.
The European Union will be forcing smartphone manufacturers to make phone batteries removable and replaceable by the phone users, if they want to sell those phones in Europe. pic.twitter.com/zqnFPwFnK6
— Alvin (@sondesix) July 16, 2023
The EU is pushing to adopt replaceable batteries since they produce less waste and can be recycled and reused more times. According to Spanish minister for ecological transition Teresa Ribera, “Batteries are key to the decarbonization process and the EU’s shift towards zero-emission modes of transport. At the same time, end-of-life batteries contain many valuable resources, and we must be able to reuse those critical raw materials instead of relying on third countries for supplies.”
Will EU Regulations on Replaceable Batteries Delay Switch 2?
The regulation will impact future iterations of handheld gaming consoles, such as the successor to the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck. These devices must have replaceable batteries accessible to consumers using commercially available or specialized tools and safety instructions. The EU representative has confirmed that the batteries of gaming handhelds are covered by the batteries and waste batteries regulation.
The regulation only applies to new devices starting in 2027.
- With that, the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck in their present versions are safe.
- However, the next versions of these consoles will have to comply with the new law.
- According to speculations, the anticipated release date for Nintendo’s upcoming system is 2024.
- It’s unclear if the legislation will impact and cause a delay in the release of the Switch 2.
Challenges for Manufacturers
The new laws pose challenges for handheld gaming console manufacturers. They will need to redesign their products to ensure that batteries are easily accessible to consumers. This also adds to the manufacturing costs, which may be passed on to consumers.
The EU’s regulation on replaceable batteries for handheld gaming consoles is a significant step toward promoting sustainability. Furthermore, the regulation will impact the future of the Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and other handheld gaming consoles. Although one question remains, will this lead to a price hike for these consoles?
Handheld Consoles Will Need Easily-Switchable Batteries By 2027, Says New EU Regulation https://t.co/2OhL0eecvy #Repost #News #Nintendo #NintendoSwitch #Europe #Industry pic.twitter.com/o2kOMyjcCD
— Nintendo Life (@nintendolife) July 17, 2023
What are your thoughts about these new laws passed by the EU? Will the new EU regulations for handheld consoles’ replaceable batteries delay switch 2? Comment down below and let us know how you feel. We would love to hear your opinion.
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