A new version of the Nintendo Switch 2, featuring a user-replaceable battery, has reportedly surfaced in Europe. While visually identical to the original model, this iteration boasts slight changes in weight and battery life, alongside a significantly improved repairability factor.
Subtle Changes, Big Implications
Spanish media outlet Nintendúo first reported on September 3rd that the European market has seen the emergence of a Nintendo Switch 2 console with a removable battery. Although the exterior design remains unchanged from the initial launch version, the console’s weight and battery performance have been altered.
Nintendo has apparently not provided detailed information about this new console version in the European market. At first glance, the packaging for the removable battery Switch 2 appears identical to the standard version. However, consumers can identify the specific model through three key details on the packaging:
- Barcode: Since June, Nintendo has updated the barcode for the removable battery Switch 2 to start with ‘OSM’. If the barcode on the box does not begin with ‘OSM’, it is the standard version.
- Serial Number: The standard Switch 2 serial numbers begin with ‘HAE’, while the removable battery version’s serial numbers start with ‘HLE’. Both consumers and retailers can find this information on the packaging and underneath the console’s kickstand.
- Physical Details: On the standard NS2 console, the areas on either side of the JC2 connection slot lack screws. In contrast, the removable battery version includes screws in these locations. This detail can be observed by closely examining the packaging or by removing the Joy-Con controllers.
Weight and Battery: A Minor Trade-off
The removable battery version of the Switch 2 weighs approximately 545 grams when the Joy-Con controllers are attached. This is a slight increase from the standard version’s weight of 534 grams. According to the report, this difference in weight is barely noticeable when holding the console, only becoming apparent when weighed on a scale.
Furthermore, the removable battery Switch 2 is equipped with a 5172 mAh battery, compared to the standard version’s 5220 mAh battery. This reduction of approximately 0.92% could potentially lead to a slight decrease in battery life, measured in minutes.
Enhanced Repairability
The original Nintendo Switch 2 presented a significant challenge for battery replacement. The process involved heating the console with a hairdryer to remove side stickers, using specialized tools to undo unique screws, and carefully prying the battery from the firmly adhered casing, all while risking damage to other internal components.
The removable battery version, however, simplifies this process dramatically. Consumers can now replace the battery using a standard Phillips head screwdriver, readily available in most stores. Nintendo is also planning to offer replacement battery kits, and users who follow the official disassembly tutorials will reportedly retain their console’s warranty, greatly enhancing the device’s longevity and user serviceability.
