Ten 3D Printable Things: Mods and Accessories for the Nintendo Switch

Welcome to Ten 3D Printable Things. Every week I’ll be showcasing 10 fantastic and FREE 3D printable projects, designs and models from all over the web. As always, you can email me your feedback and theme suggestions, and I always love to see what 3D printing projects you’ve been working on. You can also find me on Twitter @SJGrunewald, so say hi and feel free show off what you printed. Tag it #103dpthings and you’ll get a RT.

The Nintendo Switch hybrid gaming system.

This year, legendary video game company Nintendo released their 7th major home video gaming system, the Nintendo Switch. The Switch is a hybrid system that can be used as a mobile gaming device with a touchscreen interface, or plugged into a docking system and played on a television like a standard gaming system. After the lukewarm reception to the Wii U, Nintendo really needed a hit, and with the Switch their habit of taking risks and pushing the boundaries of gaming seemed to have paid off. In just the first 2 weeks Nintendo shipped 1.5 million Switch game systems, making it the fastest selling game console in history.

The unique and innovative system, which includes travel capabilities and the multi-use controller that they call a JoyCon, is perfect for customization and personalization using 3D printers. Naturally, the 3D printing community wasted no time in developed some amazing enhancements, accessories and modifications to make the already flexible gaming system even more user-specific.

Here are Ten 3D Printable Things for the Nintendo Switch:

45 DEGREE STAND FOR TABLETOP GAMING

Nintendo Switch 45° Stands for JoyCon Channels by andyleer

Found on: Thingiverse
Cost: Free

While the Switch is being used in its tablet mode, it is basically a handheld mobile gaming device. That’s fine for some games, but it can often be uncomfortable for more intensive games. Many users have expressed a desire to be able to set the Switch on a flat surface while gaming, so there are a ton of options available for this exact purpose. These fantastic 45° stands allow the Switch to sit at a comfortable angle on any flat surface, and slide right into the side channels where the JoyCons attach.

The designer created 2 different versions of the stands; the first is smaller and slimmer so it will print quickly and will be easier to take with you on the go. The second raises the Switch up a bit so the charging cable can be plugged in while you play.

ADJUSTABLE ANGLE STAND

Nintendo Switch – Adjustable Stand by Tim

Found on: MyMiniFactory
Cost: Free

If a 45° angle isn’t the right fit for your personal comfort level, then this handy adjustable stand may be just what you’re looking for. The stand can tilt the Switch at five different angles to suit whatever surface you may be playing on. It is also elevated high enough for the charging cord to be plugged in during use.

The adjustable stand prints in just four simple parts, and should assemble together pretty easily. A few of the parts may need a bit of support, but nothing too difficult to manage.

JOYCON CONTROLLER NUMBERED WALL MOUNTS

Nintendo Switch controller wall mount by Brent Ed

Found on: MyMiniFactory
Cost: Free

Anyone with a video game console of any kind understands the pain of dealing with extra game controllers. And considering the JoyCon can be separated into different parts, that’s a lot of pieces to keep track of. This cool wall-mounted holder is a great way to keep track of your JoyCon sticks. It has rails on each side, so both JoyCons can be slid into place, with a holder on top for straps or other accessories.

There are 4 different versions of the wall-mounted holder, each labeled “Player 1” through “Player 4”. The mounts can be attached to the wall with a simple double stick adhesive strip so it can be put just about anywhere.

CLIP-ON SUN SHIELD

Nintendo Switch Sun Shield by reini1305

Found on: Thingiverse
Cost: Free

Phone and tablet manufacturers still haven’t managed to perfect a touchscreen that doesn’t reflect the glare of direct sunlight, often making outdoor gaming difficult at best. Sadly, the Switch suffers from the same malady. But this easy to print sun shield is an excellent solution that doesn’t include scrambling for shade every time the sun shifts.  

The sun shield clips onto the top of the Switch while still leaving the top buttons accessible. The clearance was designed to be a little wider than the Switch, so you can add on some tape to the parts that touch the screen, preventing any scratches or unnecessary wear and tear. Sadly, the shield doesn’t fold up, so it’s not the most portable accessory, but it’s perfect for gaming in your backyard or out on your patio.

PORTABLE CHARGING STAND

Nintendo Switch Portable Charging Stand by Ospi

Found on: Thingiverse
Cost: Free

One of the few gripes that new owners of the Switch have had is the inability for it to be charged while it was being used in tablet mode. However this simple print allows the Switch to be held upright so it can be played independent of the dock while being charged.

The designer created 3 different versions, each suited for different angles depending on how and when you’re using the Switch. You can either keep all of them on hand and use each for different scenarios, or just print the version that best suits your needs.

INDIVIDUAL TRAVEL CARTRIDGE HOLDERS

Nintendo Switch Cartridge covers & Nintendo Switch cartridge holder, key chain. by Brent Ed

Found on: MyMiniFactory
Cost: Free

Unfortunately Nintendo did not give users a lot of options for travelling with their games other than a large, unwieldy box. Thankfully, 3D printing is here to save the day. Your first option is this simple cartridge cover that can be printed in less than 20 minutes. The two parts snap together, so you can toss your games in a pocket or backpack and not have to worry about them collecting dust or getting damaged.

There is also this simple key chain cartridge holder option that allows you to snap a game into place and take it with you, hanging from a backpack or on a set of keys.

MARIO HAT STAND

Nintendo Switch Mario Hat by Forrest D. Ross

Found on: MyMiniFactory
Cost: Free

If you’re looking for a Switch stand that is a little more whimsical than some of the more utilitarian options on this list, then it’s-a Mario to the rescue. This simple stand looks like a Mario hat, and even includes a small hole in the back to run the charging cable through.

The designer also included 4 different letters that print separately, so you can change the color of the hat and have a Luigi, Wario or Waluigi hat if you’d prefer. The letters just snap in place.

CAR SEAT HEADREST MOUNT

Nintendo Switch car mount by Joshua Camacho

Found on: MyMiniFactory
Cost: Free

Because the Switch was created specifically so you can take all of your games with you wherever you go, it’s naturally going to be a staple of the long car ride or road trip. Rather than trying to play games while holding the Switch, this great little print allows you to clip it to the back of a car seat, for a hands-free gaming experience.

The mount prints in a single piece and includes a bar at the back that will fit between the car seat and the headrest, so the Switch will sit at about eye-level. There are 3 arms in the front that hold the Switch in place, and you just need to slide it in to get gaming. This print will require some supports, and it’s probably a good idea to do some sanding or painting to prevent scratching.

JOYCON CONTROLLER MODS

Nintendo Switch Dpad & Nintendo Switch Joystick Extender by EmperorFaiz

Found on: Thingiverse
Cost: Free

Because the JoyCons were designed to be versatile and have many different uses depending on the game, the controller controversially excluded a few features that have become industry standard. The one that I see the most users complaining about is the lack of a proper d-pad. Thankfully, 3D printing can fix that for you. You can just snap 1 of 5 different styles of d-pads onto your left JoyCon and the controller will feel a lot more natural.

The relatively diminutive joysticks on the controllers have also been a point of contention, especially with games that require a lot of very precise movements. This simple joystick extender easily snaps on and makes them easier to use. They can also easily be taken off for social gaming or games that don’t need quite as much precision.

JOYCON WAND ACCESSORY

Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Wizard Accessory by fotis mint

Found on: MyMiniFactory
Cost: Free

“The wand chooses the wizard, Mr. Potter” …unless Harry had himself a 3D printer, that is. I really don’t need to say much about this cool JoyCon accessory, because it’s a wand. Everyone wants a wand, especially one that can actually be used to play games. The wand simply slides into the channel on the side of the detached JoyCon, making it perfect for multiplayer games.

Depending on the size of your 3D printer, the wand can be printed as a single part, standing up on its end, or cut into two parts that simply need to be glued together. You can choose to print your wands to match the colors of your JoyCon, but personally I think using a wood-based filament and staining it would look much cooler.

Wands up! Now get to a 3D printer and get to work!

That’s it for this week, see you next week and as always thanks for reading. Discuss in the Nintendo Switch forum at 3DPB.com.