How to Swap Out Your Joy-Con Shells

Today we tackle Nintendo Joy-Con shell-swap surgery.

If you still need to pick up your shells, tools, or really anything else you need, check out our online shop and Etsy pages below:

Also, give us a follow on Instagram or Twitter, and let us know what's on your mind:

Thanks so much for watching.

[FetchingTech]

For anyone wanting to know how to swap out the SL/SR buttons, I finally got around to creating a video for you. Sorry it took me so long 🙃

[creechrfeechr]

For beginners wanting to give this a go - this video is the best one. He takes his time, talks through most of the trickier bits and really helps you do this. I only had to slow it down for one or two little bits. My thanks to Fetching Tech for this excellent tutorial!

[juleskai]

I found this video before considering switching shells, and it was what made me confident enough to try it. Coincidentally, I actually ended up ordering my shells from your store! I scanned the QR code the shells came with and was surprised to see this familiar video. The swap went perfectly because of this video, and I'm super happy with my new joycon colors. Thank you!

This is the best tutorial for swap the joycon shells: good camera, good narration, good angles and no stupid introduction or over-explanation. Thank u so much!

[hughjorgen]

If you're nervous about doing this, you're not alone. This video is the best and easiest to follow - HUGE thanks to @FetchingTech for this video. The payoff is worth it, folks. You got this!

Pro Tips: Watch it a couple of times first before diving in, so you can get mentally ready. Pack your patience and take your time. Get the right tools first. Avoid distractions, if possible. For removing ZL and ZR, I used a large ziploc, and removed them while the joycon was in the bag in case a spring popped out and could be easily rescued.

[notpinhead]

Tip: A better technique to get the ZR / ZL button is to use a wedge tool at the top corner of the button, that way you 'pop' it out without the springs flying everywhere. Hover your finger over the bottom side of the button (minimal pressure). Hope this helps

[DarkBlaziken]

I recently bought a red transparent shell for my joycons and thanks to your guidance I was able to safely swap the original shells with the new ones! Thank you so much!

[adribabey]

It’s my first time ever actually taking apart something so complex for me. Thank you for making easy and simple instructions, with good camera angles and lighting. I can’t say how much I appreciate it!!!

[ericpeterson]

Your channel has helped me out randomly throughout the years and it wasn't until now that I realized this. So I thank you!

[vanthon]

Thank you for sharing! You make it look so easy. I followed your guide and it took my about an hour each. Mind you I have no experience in DIY technical electronics skills but I just watched your techniques handling each component and was able to completely change out my shell successfully. Again, many thanks!

[CaptainRazvix]

4 years later, this is still the best and most complete tutorial for Joy-Con disassembly and reassembly. Great work!

[wen]

When I tried it for the first time, I got so many errors in several parts that I even had to start all over again once. But after 3 hours, I can't believe I did it, a perfect joy-con appeared in front of me, your video really helped me a lot, thank you!
Remind other people who want to try it, be sure to double check if you are right. After the first one, it is best to take a break and drink some water. The more anxious you are, the more you can't continue. I also recommend you buy some double-sided tape, Because mine doesn't have it, so. I'm worried about the battery shaking during games.

[ya.ghostie]

I know this vid is 3 years old but I hope you understand how helpful this is. You made this look incredibly simple. Gonna look up the tools, pick out some nice new shells and come back to this vid. Much appreciated!

[VegetaSoup]

I’ve bought a pair of custom joycons but I’ve always wanted to try my hand at doing it myself. This video makes it so much easier to follow because I learn better with visuals. Thank you!

[Lekdro]

This video may be a year old but the instructions make it so easy to see what to do when replacing all of the parts. Thank you so much

[iyeetpaste]

*_THANK YOU_* for taking the time to upload this!
Because you did, I was able to easily do this project. After the first one, I was able to do two more pairs without this video due to how simple yet thorough you made it.

[wtkprol]

Nice video. Just finished changing my shells using your video and everything I needed to know was mentioned. Good camera work and good explanation. Keep it up man!

[DhyanaKimie]

This tutorial was extremely thorough! And the camera angles were very helpful too. I did find though that the Y00 screwdriver actually worked better for me. The Y0 was too big for the screws on my joycons… but thank you for this great tutorial! There were no gaps or changes in the clicking of buttons when I finished.

[Daytooth]

I am preparing to shell swap a pair of joy cons shortly, this is by far the best guide I have found. Very well-structured and you present fluidly and clearly. Keep it up, I'm going to explore your channel a bit more.

[cgshuler]

Great tutorial, the camera work is perfect. Thank you!