EU’s Battery Regulation Rattles Console Makers — The Rise of Replaceable Batteries in Handhelds

Once upon a time, we enjoyed a game on our clunky, battery-dependent handheld devices, the epic battles interrupted only when we ran out of double-As. Our gaming experiences have since evolved, with sleek, chargeable consoles replacing the battery guzzlers of yore. However, a wave of new regulations from the EU could be about to bring a dash of nostalgia to our gaming futures.
As part of their effort to combat electronic waste and make tech products more consumer-friendly, the European Union has decided to return to our gaming roots. The console evolution is set for another turn of the wheel — from 2027, new handheld gaming devices will require replaceable batteries. That’s right, the gaming industry is now headed back to the future, with future successors of beloved consoles like the Nintendo Switch or the Steam Deck being impacted by these changes.
The directive comes in the wake of a larger effort to control the life cycle of batteries, keeping them “safe, sustainable, and competitive”. A nod to the growing concern for our environment and the waste generated by tech. The plan is simple: make batteries easier to replace and recycle. From 2027, any portable batteries incorporated into devices should be user-removable and replaceable.
The EU is giving companies ample time to adapt their products to this requirement, terming it a consumer-centric provision. While handheld gaming devices aren’t the focal point of these new rules, they inevitably fall within the scope. What this means for companies like Nintendo, with their upcoming Switch successor, is a significant design alteration to bear in mind.
Teresa Ribera, the Spanish minister for the ecological transition, in commenting on the new regulation, emphasized the strategic importance of these rules.

“Batteries are key to the decarbonization process and the EU’s shift towards zero-emission modes of transport. Moreover, end-of-life batteries contain many valuable resources. We must reuse these critical raw materials rather than relying on third countries for supplies.”

She goes on to discuss how these rules will boost the competitiveness of the European industry, ensuring new batteries contribute to the broader green transition. It’s not just about gaming; it’s about our planet’s future. It’s about reducing waste and championing sustainability.
This move mirrors the EU’s push towards standardization of charging cables. Last year, it mandated the use of USB Type-C for all portable electronic devices sold in the EU by autumn 2024. As a result, even tech giant Apple confirmed the adoption of the USB-C port for its iPhone, despite its initial hesitation.
As the gaming community braces for this change, a sense of anticipation mingles with nostalgia. The return to replaceable batteries may seem like a step backward, but in reality, it’s a leap forward toward sustainability. And while the regulations might seem challenging, they also spur creativity, innovation, and new possibilities for console design and tech development.
The era of disposable batteries might be long past, but the era of replaceable batteries is just on the horizon. It’s time to dust off the battery compartment, gamers. The future is almost here. And it’s greener than we thought it would be.

What is the latest EU battery directive?
The updated directive features guidelines for the collection of portable batteries (45% by 2023, 63% by 2027 and 73% by 2030) and for light means of transport batteries – a new category covering e-bikes and scooters – (51% by 2028 and 61% by 2031).
What is the EU Battery Regulation 2024?
As of 1 July 2024, all batteries will require a carbon footprint declaration; From 1 January 2027, they will have to declare the content of recycled cobalt, lead, lithium and nickel.