Zelda 40th Switch 2 and Pro Controller Now Include User-Replaceable Battery

26 October 2026
Nintendo Switch 2
6 min.
WhatsAppMessengerLinkedInRedditPinterestBufferSMS
Zelda 40th Switch 2 and Pro Controller Now Include User-Replaceable Battery

Summary:

Recently Smyths updated product listings for the Zelda 40th Anniversary Nintendo Switch 2 and the Zelda-themed Pro Controller to note that these new batches include a user-replaceable battery. That changes the conversation for buyers who were expecting the original non-replaceable design and may affect preorders, restocks and collector decisions. Here at NintendoReporters we look at what the listings actually say, why the switch toward user-replaceable batteries is happening in some regions, and how this might affect warranty, longevity and resale value. If you’re deciding whether to cancel or update a preorder, or wondering how to spot the new SKU on retailer pages, this breakdown gives clear, practical steps and pointers you can use before placing or adjusting an order.

What Smyths listing says about the Zelda 40th Switch 2 replaceable battery

The Smyths product pages for the Zelda 40th Anniversary Nintendo Switch 2 console and matching Pro Controller explicitly list a user-replaceable battery in the product description. The retailer shows different SKUs and release dates for the two variants, calling out the replaceable battery in the newer entries. That listing language is unusual because earlier information from Nintendo indicated the Zelda edition would use the original design, so the presence of a “user-replaceable battery” line suggests either a later batch has been updated to meet regulatory changes or Smyths has the updated SKU details from their suppliers. For shoppers, the most important takeaway is to check the SKU number and product description carefully before buying, because two similarly named items may differ in hardware and release date.

Which Zelda 40th items are affected – console and Pro Controller

Smyths appears to have updated both the Zelda 40th Anniversary Nintendo Switch 2 console and the Zelda 40th Anniversary Pro Controller listings to include the replaceable battery note. That means the change is not limited to the handheld system but also affects the first-party controller for longer play sessions. If you were planning to pick up the themed Pro Controller, the updated listing suggests Nintendo or its manufacturing partners have adjusted more than one SKU to support easier battery swaps. For players who log long hours or who treat controllers as long-term investments, a replaceable battery in the Pro Controller can be a meaningful improvement – it reduces the risk of permanent degradation and avoids sending the accessory away for service when the battery weakens.

Why this matters for buyers and collectors

This change matters for two reasons: practical longevity and collector value. Practically, a user-replaceable battery makes it easier to keep devices in peak condition without complicated teardown or expensive repair bills. For people who use the Pro Controller daily or travel with the Switch 2, being able to replace a battery without specialist tools is a clear win. Collectors are in a different spot – some value the original run items and may prefer earlier SKUs for rarity, while others want the newer, serviceable model for long-term preservation. Either way, the existence of two SKUs with different hardware notes means buyers should double-check listing details and SKU numbers before committing, especially if paying scalper prices or swapping with other collectors.

Regional differences and the role of EU regulations

One important context is that European regulations on repairability and batteries have pushed manufacturers to offer products with easier battery replacement options. Retailers in the UK, Ireland and broader EU are most likely to reflect those production changes early, since shipments bound for those regions must comply with new rules. That could explain why Smyths – a major UK and Irish retailer – shows the replaceable battery model first. However, regional rollouts can vary: some markets may continue to receive the original design for earlier orders and only switch to the new model for later runs. That means availability and SKU differences might be time- and region-dependent, so buyers outside Europe should still verify their local retailer listings or official support pages before assuming their unit has the same battery design.

How to check if your unit has a replaceable battery

To confirm whether a specific listing or preorder is the replaceable-battery model, look for SKU numbers and the exact product description on the retailer page. Smyths has shown different references for the updated units; compare those SKU numbers to any earlier confirmation you received when you preordered. If the product page explicitly states “contains a user-replaceable battery” or similar language, that indicates the newer assembly. If the retailer page lacks that wording, contact customer service and ask for the SKU and a confirmation in writing. For extra peace of mind, check community notes and threads where buyers sometimes copy the SKU or product reference. You can also follow NintendoReporters’ coverage on the Nintendo Switch 2 page for updates and links to retailer notices.

Implications for preorders and restocks

If you preordered early, your order might be for the original SKU, while later restocks could be the updated, replaceable-battery versions. That split can lead to frustration if you prefer the newer model, but it also offers a choice: either keep your existing preorder or try to cancel and reorder the replaceable-battery SKU once it appears. Restocks of the updated SKU may also arrive with slightly different release dates, so pay attention to the retailer’s delivery calendar. For those watching availability, setting alerts and double-checking listing descriptions is the best strategy. If you need guidance on whether to swap or keep a preorder, NintendoReporters can help weigh the trade-offs between collector value and practical maintainability.

How to replace the battery safely and warranty notes

If you end up with a replaceable-battery model, replacing the battery should be straightforward compared to glued or soldered packs, but it still carries some risk. Use approved replacement parts and follow the manufacturer or authorized service guidance. If the retailer or Nintendo provides an official accessory or replacement battery part number, prefer that option. Keep in mind warranty terms: while user-replaceable batteries are intended to be swapped, some warranty conditions may still require authorized parts or service for specific repairs. If you’re unsure, save receipts and photos of the device and the original packaging, and check Nintendo’s official support pages or the retailer’s warranty policy before attempting a swap. For accessories tips like Pro Controller shell changes, our related guide on replacing shells can be a useful reference for safe handling and disassembly.

Community reaction and next steps

The reaction online has been a mix of relief and confusion – relief from people happy to see better repairability, and confusion from buyers who thought the Zelda 40th models would be the original design. The presence of two SKUs has led to social chatter about cancelling and reordering, about what early preorders will receive, and whether Nintendo will formally confirm the change. The sensible next steps are to verify your SKU with the retailer, hold on to purchase confirmation emails, and monitor reputable coverage. If you want real-time updates and clearer purchase advice, follow NintendoReporters and check our Nintendo News section for follow-ups and practical tips about preorders and restocks.

Conclusion

If you care about maintainability, the Smyths listings showing a user-replaceable battery for the Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 and Pro Controller are good news. The change seems tied to regional requirements and later production runs, so check SKU numbers and product descriptions closely before buying or changing a preorder. For collectors there is a balance to consider between original-run rarity and newer, serviceable hardware, while everyday players will benefit from easier battery replacement. Keep receipts, confirm SKUs with the retailer, and follow our Nintendo Switch 2 coverage for updates and practical buying tips.

FAQs
  • How can I tell if Smyths’ Zelda Switch 2 listing is the replaceable-battery model?
    • Compare SKU numbers and read the product description carefully. Smyths has separate references for updated batches – the description will explicitly mention a user-replaceable battery for the newer SKU.
  • Will replacing the battery void my warranty?
    • Not necessarily – user-replaceable batteries are intended to be swapped. Still, use approved parts and check warranty terms from Nintendo or the retailer first to avoid unexpected coverage issues.
  • Are all regions getting the replaceable-battery Zelda edition?
    • Not immediately. EU-bound batches are most likely to show the change first due to regional regulations. Other regions may adopt the updated model in later production runs.
  • Should I cancel my existing preorder to get the new SKU?
    • That depends on whether you prioritise collectibility or maintainability. If a replaceable battery is important, confirm the new SKU is available and compare cancel/reorder policies before proceeding.
  • Where can I get official replacement batteries or guidance?
    • Check Nintendo support and the retailer’s parts information. Keep an eye on official announcements and use authorized accessory numbers when they become available.
Sources
WhatsAppMessengerLinkedInRedditPinterestBufferSMS