The new EU Nintendo Switch 2 model lets you swap its battery, but don’t

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Nintendo has started selling a new version of the Switch 2 in Europe, and its headline feature is one gamers have wanted for a long time: you can now swap out the console’s battery on your own.

If you have ever owned a handheld that could barely last an hour after a few years of use, you will appreciate this change. But does the new model bring anything else to the table? Not really, if a teardown shared by modyfikatorcasper on X is anything to go by.

What’s different under the hood?

Modyfikatorcasper opened up both the original model (BEE-CPU-01) and the new one (OSM-CPU-01) to compare their internals. Both consoles run on an identical NVIDIA chip and pack 12GB of RAM, although Nintendo is now sourcing that memory from another supplier. The changes come down to a reworked motherboard, a different fan, and the new swappable battery.

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You may have also seen reports that the new Switch 2 comes with a display assembled by Sharp. Don’t count on it just yet. The console modyfikatorcasper examined still used the original panel, and he will be looking at other units to see if that changes.

In short, the new model is designed to be easier to build and fix, not to run games better. His teardown showed no signs of improved graphics, extra memory, or a stronger cooling system.

Are there any other noticeable changes?

The only other difference you might spot is a slight bump in weight. Others who have gotten their hands on both consoles found that the original Switch 2 weighs around 400 grams without controllers and about 534 grams with the Joy-Con 2 attached. The new model tips the scale at roughly 410 grams on its own, and once you add the Joy-Con 2, it’s about 12 grams heavier than the original.

So, should you buy the new model?

If you already have the original Switch 2, there’s little point in swapping it for the new one. But if you are buying your first Switch 2, this is the version to get. Being able to replace the battery means your console can keep up with your gaming sessions for many years to come.

RELATED COVERAGE:

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Rachit Agarwal Rachit is a seasoned tech journalist with over ten years of experience covering the consumer technology landscape.

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