:

NINTENDO ENDING ORIGINAL SWITCH SALES IN EUROPE

INDUSTRY DESK1 MIN READ
MON, JUL 6, 2026

■ AI-SUMMARIZED FROM 3 SOURCES ▸ TIMELINE

Nintendo will cease selling all versions of the original Switch—including the Lite and OLED models—across Europe starting mid-February 2027. The discontinuation comes nearly a decade after the console's 2017 launch.

The company announced the decision through an updated FAQ addressing hardware revisions in the region. All three iterations of the original Switch will be phased out simultaneously, clearing inventory ahead of the Switch 2's expansion. The timing aligns with Nintendo's compliance efforts for European battery regulations. The Switch 2, Nintendo's next-generation console, will feature a replaceable battery to meet new EU standards—a requirement the original Switch models do not fulfill. The original Switch has been a commercial juggernaut, selling over 139 million units worldwide. The OLED variant, released in 2021, represents the final refresh of the decade-old hardware line. Nintendo's decision to halt European sales provides retailers and consumers a defined window to complete remaining purchases before the cutoff takes effect.

■ SOURCES

The VergeTechmemeEngadget

■ SUMMARY WRITTEN BY AI FROM THE LINKS ABOVE

■ MORE FROM THE GAMING DESK

EverQuest, a foundational MMORPG from over 25 years ago, is experiencing a resurgence as its most dedicated players drive the franchise forward. EverQuest Legends enters preorder beta ahead of a July 28th release.

JUST NOWIndustry Desk

Cloud Imperium Games' space MMO Star Citizen has reached $1 billion in lifetime funding after 12 years in development. The game remains in alpha with no confirmed release date.

22H AGOAI Desk

Microsoft's Game Pass subscription service is adding Subnautica 2 and Forza Horizon 6 in May, alongside titles like Mixtape. Discord's Nitro subscription now bundles a version of Game Pass with its premium tier.

YESTERDAYIndustry Desk

Palworld has reached version 1.0 as the creature-catching game continues its momentum. This week's indie roundup also features Tiny Bookshop's mobile expansion and other notable releases.

JUL 11Industry Desk

■ SUBSCRIBE TO THE DAILY BRIEF

ONE EMAIL, 5 STORIES, 06:00 UTC. UNSUBSCRIBE ANYTIME.