Gamers around the world might soon need to travel to Europe if they want a wireless mouse with a battery they can easily swap out. Starting in February 2027, new European Union regulations will require electronics manufacturers to make batteries user-replaceable. However, Logitech plans to offer replaceable battery versions of its computer mice exclusively in European markets, keeping traditional designs for the rest of the world.
According to Robin Piispanen, head of Logitech's gaming division, designing repairable hardware involves significant design tradeoffs. Standard wireless mice currently use lightweight soft-pack lithium batteries. While these save weight and cost, soft batteries are flexible and can puncture easily, creating a fire risk if handled incorrectly by consumers.
To meet European legal requirements safely, Logitech will equip its European mice with hard-pack batteries, which feature a rigid outer casing that is far harder to damage accidentally. The company will also sell official replacement battery packs across Europe. However, Logitech has no plans to roll out these changes in regions like the United States. Internal forecasts suggest that few customers outside Europe would actually open up a $50 to $100 mouse to replace a degraded battery, preferring instead to buy a new device.
The decision has sparked debate within the right-to-repair movement. Critics argue that tech companies should make long-lasting repair parts available to all consumers rather than treating peripherals as disposable items. Piispanen acknowledged that Logitech remains cautious about trusting customers with broader repairs, such as replacing worn-out rubber grips or internal mouse switches, out of concern that users might accidentally damage their devices. However, he noted that the company is reviewing which wear-and-tear components could potentially be offered as official spare parts in the future.