From 2027, device batteries in Europe must be removable, by law. If initially it was thought that it would only cover mobile phones, we bring you news: also portable consoles such as Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally.
He European Union Battery and Waste Cell Regulation seeks to accelerate the decarbonization process in the region. The interest is also in recycling critical raw materials, rather than relying on third countries for supplies.
The European authority lays down the law for portable batteries, electric vehicle batteries, industrial, starting, lightning and ignition (SLI) (mainly used for vehicles and machinery) and batteries for light means of transportation (for example, electric bicycles, electric mopeds and electric scooters).
And of course, they come in there portable consoles.
Portable video game consoles and the new battery law in Europe
The specialized portal Overkill spoke to a source in the European Union, who confirmed that “batteries in handheld gaming devices are covered by the regulations on batteries and waste batteries”.
When applied from 2027, and with the imminent change of technology, companies they will be able to start preparing early for the next generation.
Thus, the new regulation would affect only to Nintendo Switch 2 or the upcoming Steam Deck, For example.
The aim is that the batteries “can be easily removed and replaced by the end user at any time during the useful life of the product”. explains the named regulation.
“A portable battery shall be considered easily removable by the end user when it can be removed from a product with the use of commercially available tools, without the need to use specialized tools, unless they are supplied free with the product,” he adds.
In the first instance, Both the environment and the users win. It remains to be seen how much companies lose, especially since they have to redesign their devices.