Nintendo has confirmed its intention to continue selling the original Switch console globally, following an earlier announcement that sales would be suspended in Europe. This clarification addresses questions arising from the European withdrawal and reassures players in regions like North America and Japan that the console will remain available.
Sales of new Switch 1 hardware and its accessories will cease in Europe in mid-February 2027, approximately ten years after its initial launch. This move is in line with new EU legislation requiring user-replaceable batteries, which Nintendo will be implementing for the upcoming Switch 2 hardware this fall. However, the company has explicitly stated that the Switch 1, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED Model will continue to be manufactured throughout 2026 and will be widely available in Europe until the February 2027 cutoff.
While the European market will see a discontinuation, Nintendo confirmed to IGN that sales will persist in other territories. "We plan to continue selling Nintendo Switch in regions outside of Nintendo of Europe," the company stated. This means players in North America, Japan, and potentially other markets will still be able to purchase the console beyond the European phase-out date. The Switch 1 continues to receive new game releases, such as Rhythm Heaven Groove, and offers a more budget-friendly entry point to the Nintendo ecosystem compared to its successor.