Nintendo has begun selling a revised Switch 2 model in Europe that reportedly makes battery replacement substantially simpler. After removing the rear cover, the battery can be accessed directly, avoiding the additional internal disassembly required on the original version.
The revision, informally referred to as the Switch 2 V2, was detailed in a teardown video from Spain. It uses standard Phillips-head screws rather than screws concealed beneath difficult-to-remove stickers, a change that should make entry into the console less complicated for repairs.
On the first Switch 2 hardware, reaching the battery requires removal of an internal metal shield after the back panel comes off. The revised European unit removes that extra step. Nintendo has also eliminated the foam surrounding the battery, and the battery itself carries an arrow marking the point where it can be lifted out.
The easier access comes with a small capacity change: the revised unit is fitted with a 5,172 mAh battery, compared with 5,220 mAh on the original model. The roughly 1% reduction is unlikely to create a noticeable difference in battery life.
Nintendo is expected to publish official battery-replacement instructions, which owners will need to follow to avoid potentially affecting warranty coverage. The company also plans tool-and-replacement-battery kits for Switch 2 and other battery-powered accessories, but has not announced their pricing or release timing.
