Nintendo confirms EU Switch 2 revision with ‘OSM’ packaging

Nintendo has confirmed on its European website that it will release a dedicated European revision of the Switch 2 to comply with the EU Batteries Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2023/1542). The company plans unique model numbers and an additional packaging code, “OSM,” to identify compliant units sold in the European Union.

The EU rule requires batteries integrated into certain appliances sold in the bloc to be easily replaceable by end users at any time during the product’s lifetime, with the requirement taking effect on February 18, 2027. Nintendo says it is preparing product versions that meet those standards for the European market.

For current products whose model numbers begin with “BEE,” Nintendo says future compliant versions will carry distinct model numbers and show the “OSM” code on packaging to designate them as separate products for regulatory tracking. The company wrote that the European revisions may not include visible cosmetic changes to the hardware.

Nintendo wrote on its site: “Nintendo products are fully compliant with these requirements, and Nintendo cooperates fully with authorised regional institutions to facilitate the proper collection and environmentally sound recovery or disposal of its batteries.” The notice describes the code and numbering changes as measures to meet regulatory obligations rather than changes to consumer-facing design.

The Batteries Regulation also sets limits on hazardous metal content, requires specific labelling, and sets rules for safe removal of batteries, collection and recycling. Nintendo previously issued quiet hardware revisions for the original Switch in 2019 that altered internal components without changing outward appearance. The company separately announced price adjustments for the Switch 2 in western markets that are scheduled to take effect in September.

The EU-specific revision will apply only to devices sold in the European Union and is intended to ensure products can be identified and tracked for compliance with the new battery rules.