# EU Battery Rules Impact Nintendo While Exempting Meta Exemptions for wearable technology spark controversy in the EU. - **Source:** [The Next Web](https://brifing.si/source/afe24b20-b275-4c19-b9a6-8bb3c8babae7) - **Published:** 2026-07-14 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/190b6f18-d943-4ef3-b4c1-ed43138658e9 ## Changes in EU Battery Rules The European Commission has exempted wearable technology from rules requiring user-replaceable batteries. This decision removes a major obstacle for Meta's new smart glasses entering the EU market. ## Nintendo's Response Nintendo has decided to discontinue the original Switch in Europe rather than comply with the EU's battery rules. These rules mandate that portable devices must have replaceable batteries by 2027 to extend product life and improve recycling. ## Meta's Advantage Meta's smart glasses have been exempted from battery rules, giving them a significant advantage in entering the EU market. This decision is seen as a major step forward for wearable technology. ## The EU's Decision Process The European Commission stated that the exemption decision was based on technical and safety grounds. However, there are criticisms that the decision was influenced by industry pressure. ## Consumer Organizations' Reaction BEUC, Europe's largest consumer organization, warned that this exemption could set a dangerous precedent. The organization emphasized that exemptions should be based on technical and safety evidence. ## Future Implications This decision could facilitate the widespread adoption of wearable technology in the EU market. However, questions regarding privacy and security remain unanswered. ## Sources covering this story - https://thenextweb.com/news/nintendo-is-pulling-a-console-from-europe-over-battery-rules-metas-glasses-just-got-exempted-from-them — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._