The recent publication of the “EU’s toughest battery rules” has attracted a lot of attention due to its impact on iPhones and the demand for a removable battery, a change that has been strongly supported by the public. However, the EU’s impact is much wider than just mobile phones, heralding a wider impact on the consumer electronics sector. Running forward, the upcoming game consoles will not be able to avoid these changes too. The Nintendo Switch is no exception.
All new mobile phones and portable gaming devices sold in the EU will have to be equipped with easily replaceable batteries under the recently passed EU legislation, which is due to come into force in 2027. To be considered ‘replaceable’, batteries must be easy to remove using readily available tools, or the manufacturer must provide special tools free of charge.
This legislation applies not only to smartphones, but also to other portable devices such as the popular Nintendo Switch and SteamDeck, requiring a fundamental change in the way these products are designed. To properly comply with the EU regulations, manufacturers must prioritize easy battery replacement.
Beyond the impact on product design, this legislation gives customers the freedom to change the battery themselves as it loses power over time. This is a significant change from the current situation, where consumers often rely only on official or third party service channels for battery replacement.
There are several reasons for switching to replaceable batteries. First and foremost, it supports environmentally beneficial activities and is in line with the EU’s broader sustainability goals. The EU wants to make it easier to replace batteries in order to reduce e-waste and increase the longevity of devices, which will ultimately have a lesser impact on the environment.
Replaceable batteries on all game consoles
It also encourages a more consumer-centric approach by giving customers the autonomy to maintain and extend the life of their devices. This newfound prerogative to change batteries not only improves user convenience, but also promotes a sense of ownership and independence among customers.
While this new legislation offers opportunities for innovation, it also presents obstacles for companies who may need to rethink their supply networks and production methods. Companies could explore cutting-edge battery technologies and more modular designs that allow for easy replacement without compromising performance or appearance.
The EU’s bold move to tighten battery restrictions is likely to set the bar for other countries around the world, sparking conversations about sustainable business models and ethical consumer electronics manufacturing. We can expect the future of technology to be greener and more user empowering as the industry adapts and consumers embrace the change.
