Joy-Con 2 replaceable battery model numbers tell you whether the controller was built for a battery change at home. For the revised design, the left controller is BEE-012(-01) and the right is BEE-014(-01). The originals are BEE-012 and BEE-014, without that suffix.
Nintendo is introducing the revised controllers alongside the battery-replaceable Switch 2 in Europe, then selling revised controllers separately. The two versions still work as Joy-Con 2 controllers; the difference is what happens when their rechargeable batteries eventually wear out.
Joy-Con 2 replaceable battery model: numbers and serial prefixes
On the revised left Joy-Con 2, the serial number begins HM. On the revised right controller, it begins HN. Nintendo lists HB for the original left model and HC for the original right. Those are useful checks because the physical differences can be easy to miss.
Check the markings near the magnetic connector on the back of each controller. A revised Joy-Con 2 has a model number ending (-01) and an OSM production code. The older version has a BEE code. Nintendo’s illustrations show exactly where these tiny markings sit.
Joy-Con 2 replaceable battery model: check the serial prefix
Attach or pair the controllers with Switch 2. From the HOME Menu, go to System Settings, select System and open Serial Numbers. The serials for both connected Joy-Con 2 controllers are displayed. Match each prefix to its correct side rather than assuming the pair was manufactured together.
You can also read the serial label beside the magnetic connector. This is often quicker than navigating settings. The Joy-Con 2 replaceable battery model uses HM for left and HN for right, not the older HB or HC.
Joy-Con 2 replaceable battery model: screws and packaging
Nintendo’s identification guide shows cross-head Phillips screws on the revised Joy-Con 2, while the originals have Y-shaped screw heads. This is a visual identification method, not permission to open the original controller with a different tool.
For packaged revised controllers, look for BEE-012(-01) and/or BEE-014(-01) in the box contents details and the OSM code above the barcode. Older Joy-Con 2 packaging uses BEE codes. A standard promotional photo will not establish which version a seller ships.
The updated controllers come with the revised Switch 2 console. Nintendo lists winter 2026 as the estimated earliest availability for separately sold revised Joy-Con 2 pairs and individual controllers, subject to the same rolling-stock limitations as the console.
Does the newer Joy-Con 2 last longer?
Both revisions have 500mAh batteries. Nintendo’s official specification estimates around 20 hours of controller play, depending on conditions. The revised left Joy-Con 2 weighs around 68g rather than 66g; the revised right weighs around 69g instead of 67g.
The appeal of the Joy-Con 2 replaceable battery model is being able to fit a new battery after years of use. Nintendo hasn’t advertised faster performance, new buttons or a longer charge from this hardware revision.
Left and right replacement kits are not interchangeable
Nintendo’s planned battery kit for the revised left controller is BEE-004(-01L). The matching right-hand kit is BEE-004(-01R). Their battery shapes and fittings are different, so don’t swap a left pack into the right controller.
Our Joy-Con 2 battery replacement guide explains the official process for both versions. No UK kit pricing or fixed retail date has been confirmed in the available Nintendo materials.
Don’t confuse Joy-Con 2 with older Switch Joy-Con
Don’t confuse Joy-Con 2 with Joy-Con for the first Nintendo Switch. That older controller family has different model and serial identifiers, including AX and AW on newer user-replaceable versions. None of those prefixes tells you which Joy-Con 2 you own.
If you’re checking a Joy-Con 2 replaceable battery model before repair, stick to the BEE-012(-01) or BEE-014(-01) code and HM or HN serials. A controller with HB or HC is the older non-user-replaceable version.
Your existing Joy-Con 2 controllers still work normally even if they’re the older versions. When their batteries eventually need servicing, Nintendo Customer Support is the replacement route. There’s no reason to replace a working pair solely to get the newer screws.
What to confirm before ordering
Ask the retailer for the exact model and packaging code, and check it once delivered. Nintendo’s autumn revised console includes updated Joy-Con 2 controllers, but separately purchased controllers could be old or new stock.
When you’re buying a used controller, look for the model number first, then confirm the serial prefix and screws. A Joy-Con 2 replaceable battery model should have all three identifying details. If they don’t match, ask the seller or Nintendo Support before attempting repairs.
Official manufacturer information: Nintendo Support.
