Nintendo will cease sales of its original Switch consoles in Europe by mid-February 2027, marking the end of an era for the decade-old hardware.
The decision impacts the Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch Lite, and Nintendo Switch – OLED Model. According to Nintendo's announcement, these consoles will continue manufacturing throughout 2026 and are expected to remain widely available in Europe during that year. However, from February 2027, Nintendo will no longer supply these hardware models to European retailers.
This withdrawal appears to be linked to upcoming European Union regulations mandating that electrical goods feature user-replaceable batteries. While Nintendo will release new versions of its controllers, including Joy-Cons, with user-replaceable batteries, the company stated that the original Switch console range will not receive similar battery upgrades and will instead be phased out.
While this announcement specifically concerns Europe, some observers have raised questions about potential global implications, noting the absence of regional caveats in Nintendo's statement. The company has indicated that console production will wind down in 2026, leading some to speculate about a broader discontinuation of manufacturing.
Despite the impending end of hardware sales, Nintendo has assured players that the original Switch will continue to be supported. Existing games, accessories, the Nintendo eShop, Nintendo Switch Online services, and other functionalities will remain available for the foreseeable future. However, the company is increasingly focusing on its successor console, the Switch 2, with upcoming major releases such as the Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake, Pokémon Pokopia, Pokémon Winds and Waves, all slated to be exclusive to the new platform.