EU Wants Gaming Handhelds To Include Replaceable Batteries By 2027

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Malik Usman

At HI Digital I test and write about different hardware configurations to show other PC users what they can expect from their build. My end goal is to educate the masses to make the right decision when they are looking for new PC parts to buy

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The Council of the European Union has confirmed new laws to regulate batteries in the continent. According to the European Union, replaceable batteries should become the standard from 2027 onwards.

Following this law, upcoming handhelds, such as the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch successors, will also require replaceable batteries by 2027.

Why it matters: Dead batteries can contain many valuable resources. This move would ensure they are recycled instead of being wasted.

Regarding the law’s application to gaming handhelds, a representative confirmed they would be included.

Since the law will not go into effect before 2027, companies like Nintendo and Valve have plenty of time to implement changes. The date also means that companies can release hardware without replaceable batteries within the next three years.

The EU believes this change is essential for consumers. Moreover, batteries have a vital role in the decarbonization process, and the EU wants a zero-emissions mode of transport in the coming years.

Previously, the EU approved laws to enforce similar regulations for smartphones. In the coming years, demand for raw materials to create batteries is expected to rise considerably.

Therefore, this move will contribute to the recycling of batteries and help meet this demand. The European Union has also forced Apple to comply with the laws of USB Type-C ports for the next iPhone lineup.

In addition to the environmental benefits, this move would be consumer-friendly for the handheld gaming market. Dying batteries are a common concern for owners, but allowing users to access these components easily would eliminate much of this concern.

Nonetheless, the Nintendo Switch successor is expected to release sooner, potentially arriving next year. However, Nintendo is known to release various revisions over time, and a future revision is likely to include replaceable batteries.

Malik Usman

[How-To Guides Expert]

Laiba, our tech guru at HI Digital, simplifies and crafts How-To Guides with a Google IT Support Certificate. Beyond tech, she captures the city’s aesthetics through her lens. Join her journey where tech meets creativity!

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