The European Union (EU) announced a new regulation that requires all handheld gaming consoles sold in the bloc to have replaceable batteries by 2027. The move is part of the EU’s efforts to reduce electronic waste and extend the lifespan of devices.
According to the EU, about 12 million tons of electronic waste are generated in the union every year, equivalent to 16.6 kg per person. Electronic waste contains valuable materials that can be recycled but are also harmful substances that can damage the environment and human health.
The EU’s regulation aims to make electronic products more durable, repairable, and recyclable, as well as to improve their energy efficiency and performance. It covers a range of products, including smartphones (such as Apple’s iPhones and Samsung’s Galaxies), tablets, laptops, TVs, printers, and household appliances.
One of the products affected by the regulation is handheld gaming consoles, such as the Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and ASUS Ally. These devices typically have built-in batteries that cannot be easily replaced by most users or even repair shops. As a result, when the battery degrades or fails, the device becomes unusable or needs to be replaced entirely.
The EU’s regulation will require handheld gaming consoles to have batteries that can be removed and replaced by users or qualified professionals without causing damage to the device or compromising its safety. It will also require manufacturers to provide spare batteries and repair manuals for their products.
The regulation will apply to all handheld gaming consoles on the EU market from January 1, 2027.
