Nintendo has officially updated its Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers in Europe, modifying the hardware design to allow users to replace the internal batteries themselves. The revision quietly rolled out on the official Nintendo Store on July 16, introducing a physical change to the controller’s casing that brings the hardware into compliance with upcoming European Union regulations.
The most notable difference in these updated controllers—which carry a model number ending in (-01)—is the switch from proprietary Y-head security screws to standard Phillips cross-head screws. By moving away from specialized fasteners, Nintendo is actively lowering the barrier for consumer repair. The company has already published an official, step-by-step battery replacement guide on its website and confirmed that standalone battery replacement kits, complete with the necessary tools, will be sold in the future.
This hardware refresh is a direct response to the EU’s strict battery sustainability regulations slated to take effect in February 2027. These mandates require consumer electronics to feature easily accessible and replaceable power sources to reduce electronic waste. While the change currently applies to the standard Neon Blue and Neon Red Joy-Con models, Nintendo plans to phase in additional color variants with the new screw design throughout the year.
Importantly, these physical alterations do not impact the core functionality or performance of the controllers, which remain identical to previous iterations. The strategy ensures that legacy accessories remain viable as the platform transitions; Nintendo has noted that these updated peripherals will remain fully compatible with its upcoming hardware, including the Switch 2. The move marks a rare, pro-consumer shift in hardware manufacturing for the Japanese gaming giant, establishing a design philosophy that will also extend to upcoming Switch 2 consoles and Pro Controllers later this year.
