According to a new law from the European Union, handheld gaming consoles may be required to have replaceable batteries by 2027. Devices like the Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch, and Asus Rog Ally currently on the market will not be affected, but future versions will need to be redesigned to allow users to remove and replace batteries using commonly available tools. This regulation, which was first reported by Eurogamer, is part of the Council of the European Union’s effort to regulate the entire life cycle of batteries and promote safety, sustainability, and competitiveness.
The new regulation is linked to the right of end-users to repair their products. Instead of having to take a defective battery to a service center, consumers will be able to easily replace it at home without specialized tools, unless those tools are provided with the product for free. Manufacturers will have four years to adapt and redesign their products to accommodate removable batteries, and they will also be required to provide detailed manuals and safety instructions to assist users with easy removal. It’s important to note that these requirements only apply to devices sold within the European Union, but they open up possibilities for zero-emission transportation as batteries are integral to the decarbonization process.
Although the regulation does not explicitly mention handheld gaming devices, an EU source revealed to Overkill that they will also be covered under the same rules. However, companies may push back against these requirements in order to maintain control over their services and maximize profits.
It remains unclear when Nintendo will release a successor to the Switch and whether these proposed regulations will affect upcoming devices. According to a report in May, the Japanese gaming giant is not expected to launch a new console until at least April 2024. While there were rumors of a Switch Pro, they seem to have subsided. Nonetheless, the demand for a new Nintendo gaming system has become increasingly evident since the release of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, as the Switch has struggled to deliver smooth framerates.
Meanwhile, the Steam Deck and Rog Ally are relatively new devices, and Valve does not appear to be considering new iterations of these consoles at the moment. Other companies, such as Sony PlayStation, have entered the handheld market with Project Q, a device that allows users to stream games from the PS5 console using Remote Play or Wi-Fi. Project Q features an 8-inch 1080p LCD screen with buttons and analog sticks similar to the DualSense controller on either side.
Overall, this new regulation from the European Union aims to ensure that handheld gaming consoles have replaceable batteries, promoting user repair rights and contributing to a more sustainable future. Companies may resist these requirements, but they will have ample time to adjust their designs and comply with the regulations. Only time will tell how these changes will impact the gaming industry.
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Eugen Boglaru is an AI aficionado covering the fascinating and rapidly advancing field of Artificial Intelligence. From machine learning breakthroughs to ethical considerations, Eugen provides readers with a deep dive into the world of AI, demystifying complex concepts and exploring the transformative impact of intelligent technologies.
