Handheld game consoles will soon be required to use replaceable batteries

According to a new EU law, the next generation of handheld game consoles must use replaceable batteries. The European Union adopted this law on July 10, whose main goal is to help improve environmental sustainability and reduce battery waste.

In this regard, the Spanish Minister of Environment has said that batteries are actually the key to the decarbonization process. Batteries are very valuable resources that we need to limit their use.

This law covers all batteries, including portable batteries, electric vehicle batteries, industrial batteries, combustion batteries and batteries for light vehicles such as electric bicycles and scooters. This rule also covers handheld game consoles such as Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck.

In this way, until 2027, you will be able to remove and replace the battery of your handheld game consoles. Companies are also required to publish information about the carbon footprint of their batteries. This information should be provided in labeling format by 2026 or in QR code format by 2027.

Although this law only applies in the European Union, it could force console manufacturers to use replaceable batteries everywhere in the world. The European Union has also mandated the use of USB-C charging cables from 2024.

Source: Cnet