Level Up Your Look: A Guide to Custom Joy-Con Shells
Tired of the standard Nintendo Switch Joy-Con colors? Learn how to swap the shells for a custom look that reflects your style. This guide will walk you through the process, from tools to triumph.
The Nintendo Switch is a marvel of modern gaming, but the color options for the standard Joy-Con controllers can feel a bit limited. If you've ever wanted to personalize your Switch and make it truly your own, a custom shell replacement is one of the most rewarding DIY projects you can undertake. It's a chance to inject your personality directly into the hardware you use every day.
This guide will walk you through the entire process of swapping your Joy-Con shells. It might seem daunting at first, but with patience and the right tools, you can give your Switch a unique and stunning makeover.
A Word of Warning
Before we dive in, it's crucial to understand the risks. Opening your Joy-Cons will void your Nintendo warranty. The internal components, especially the ribbon cables, are delicate and can be easily damaged. This project requires a steady hand and a good deal of patience. Proceed at your own risk!
Gather Your Tools and Materials
Having the right equipment is essential for a smooth process. You can often buy complete kits online that include the new shells and all the necessary tools.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Custom Joy-Con Shells: Choose a design that speaks to you!
- Tri-wing (Y00) Screwdriver: This is for the external screws on the Joy-Con.
- Phillips (PH00) Screwdriver: This is for the internal screws.
- Spudger or Plastic Prying Tool: To safely separate the shell halves.
- Tweezers: For handling tiny ribbon cables and screws.
- A well-lit workspace and a container for screws: You'll be dealing with very small parts, so organization is key.
Image Credit: Photo by PublicDomainPictures on Pixabay
The Step-by-Step Process
The process is slightly different for the left and right Joy-Con due to their different internal layouts. We'll tackle them one at a time. Always work slowly and keep track of your screws.
Disassembling the Joy-Con
- Power Down: Ensure your Switch is completely powered off.
- Remove External Screws: Use your tri-wing screwdriver to remove the four screws from the back of the Joy-Con.
- Open the Shell: Carefully use a spudger to pry the two halves of the shell apart. Start from the bottom and work your way around. Be gentle, as the two halves are connected by ribbon cables.
- Disconnect the Battery: The battery is the first thing you'll see. It's usually lightly glued to the shell. Use your spudger to gently pry it up. Then, using your tweezers, carefully lift the connector straight up to disconnect it from the board.
Transferring the Internals
- Remove the Mid-frame: Unscrew the Phillips screws holding the plastic mid-frame (which houses the battery) in place and lift it out.
- Disconnect Ribbon Cables: This is the most delicate part. Each ribbon cable is held in place by a small latch. Use your tweezers to flip up the latch, and then gently pull the cable out. Take a photo before you begin so you remember where everything goes.
- Transplant Components: Carefully move the motherboard, buttons, and all other internal components from the old shell to the new one. This is where your patience will be tested. Ensure every button and membrane is seated correctly in the new shell.
- Reassembly: Once all components are in the new shell, work in reverse. Reconnect the ribbon cables by sliding them into their connectors and flipping the latches down. Re-attach the mid-frame, and then reconnect the battery.
- Close the Shell: Snap the new shell halves together. If they don't close easily, don't force them. Re-open the controller to ensure everything is seated correctly and no wires are being pinched.
- Final Screws: Secure the new shell with the tri-wing screws.
Tips for a Successful Swap
- Watch a Video: Reading steps is one thing, but watching a video tutorial of the process can provide invaluable visual context.
- Patience is Key: Rushing is the easiest way to break something. If you feel frustrated, take a break and come back to it later.
- Screw Management: Use a magnetic mat or a labeled container to keep your screws organized. They are not all the same size.
- Test Before You Close: Before you screw the backplate on, it's a good idea to slide the Joy-Con onto your Switch and test that all the buttons and the joystick are functioning correctly.
The Reward: A Switch That's Uniquely Yours
Swapping your Joy-Con shells is a challenging but incredibly satisfying project. At the end of it, you'll have a one-of-a-kind controller that will be the envy of your friends. So pick out your favorite design, gather your tools, and get ready to give your Nintendo Switch the custom look it deserves
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