Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 Console Misses Out on Easier Battery Replacement
Nintendo’s upcoming Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 console is shaping up to be a highly desirable collector’s item, but it will not include one of the most practical hardware changes coming to newer Switch 2 units in Europe.
Nintendo has recently revised selected Switch 2 hardware to better align with European right-to-repair rules. These updated models are starting to appear at retailers in Europe and feature a battery design that is easier to access and replace compared with the original version.
However, fans hoping the special Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 would include the same repair-friendly design may be disappointed. Nintendo has clarified that the themed console will not come with a user-replaceable battery.
The Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 is being released as part of Nintendo’s celebration of the iconic franchise, with the design featuring a premium gold-and-green look inspired by The Legend of Zelda. The system is also arriving around the highly anticipated Ocarina of Time remake, which is expected to launch on November 5.
Pre-orders are already open for the special edition console, priced at $519.99 in the United States and €529.99 in Europe. That is only a modest increase over the standard Switch 2, which costs $499.99 or €499.99. Even without a packed-in game, the themed design is likely to make it appealing to collectors and longtime Zelda fans.
Still, the lack of the newer battery-access design could matter to buyers who plan to keep the system for many years. Battery wear is one of the most common long-term issues with handheld gaming devices, and easier replacement can help extend the lifespan of a console.
The revised European Switch 2 does not make battery swapping completely effortless. Owners still need to remove the back housing, take out screws, and disconnect the battery before replacing it. The key improvement is that Nintendo has removed some of the more frustrating obstacles, including a heat shield that previously blocked access. The updated model also avoids the need to remove and reapply adhesive holding the battery in place.
That makes the newer revision more repair-friendly, but not exactly a quick plug-and-play battery swap. It is still a process that requires patience, care, and the right tools.
Interestingly, the Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 may have one advantage over the revised European model: battery capacity. The special Zelda console is listed with a 5,220 mAh battery, while the newer EU-focused revision reportedly drops slightly to 5,172 mAh.
The revised hardware is also a bit heavier, weighing 548 grams compared with 534 grams for the Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2. While the difference is small, it may still be noticeable to players who use the console in handheld mode for long gaming sessions.
Nintendo is also preparing an updated Pro Controller, expected to arrive ahead of or around the Ocarina of Time remake launch window. A future controller revision planned for winter is expected to include a replaceable battery, but the Zelda-themed Pro Controller is not expected to receive that same update.
For now, the Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 remains a tempting special edition for collectors, especially with its standout design and connection to one of Nintendo’s most beloved franchises. However, players who prioritize repairability and long-term maintenance may want to keep an eye on the revised Switch 2 models appearing in Europe.
In short, the Zelda edition offers style, collectability, and slightly better battery capacity, while the newer European revision offers a more repair-friendly design. For many fans, the decision will come down to what matters more: owning a limited Zelda-themed console or choosing hardware that may be easier to service in the future.
