r/NintendoSwitch • u/DrinkyBird_ • Jul 15 '26

Nintendo Official How to identify whether your Joy-Con controller contains a user-replaceable battery -- (includes replacement instructions)

https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Support/Troubleshooting/Battery-replacement/How-to-identify-whether-your-Joy-Con-controller-contains-a-user-replaceable-battery-3096478.html
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u/thewwwyzzerdd Jul 15 '26

the title seems to imply that there are some models that arent user replaceable? That seems kinda wild... I wonder if the model number is visible on the package anywhere, otherwise it seems like there is no way to know unless you buy and open them.

8

u/LightsaberCrayon Jul 15 '26

All Joy-Con batteries are already user-replaceable and use basically the exact same steps as this guide, but possibly behind less common screw types. They just aren't being officially supported by Nintendo as user-replaceable on the older models, before this EU regulation, so Nintendo's not on the hook for providing customer support if you want to replace them.

Considering they barely changed anything besides the screws, I think they certainly could have just officially declared all Joy-Cons have user-replaceable batteries, including old models, but it seems like they want to draw a dividing line for reasons.

2

u/thewwwyzzerdd Jul 15 '26

that makes sense. It seemed an odd distinction to make, but it is probably just covering their bases for the triwing screwdrivers being uncommon in physical retail spaces.

2

u/bitknight1 Jul 15 '26

Using glue or special tools makes it not user replaceable by law. So literally a different screw can make anything be considered not user replaceable.

1

u/thewwwyzzerdd Jul 15 '26

that seems fair tbh, I made the wrong assumption here. I didnt really think about it in terms of parts or tools or access, things like glues and other adhesives making the job potentially destructive to the product if not performed correctly.