I Tested Switch Front Shell Replacement: A Step-by-Step Guide to Revive My Console
If you’re like me, your Nintendo Switch has been a constant companion through countless gaming adventures. But after a while, wear and tear can take its toll, especially on the front shell that protects the console’s screen and internal components. When cracks, scratches, or damage start to affect not only the look but also the feel of your Switch, it’s tempting to consider a front shell replacement. I’ve been there, and I know how daunting the idea can seem at first. Luckily, replacing the front shell can breathe new life into your device, restoring both its appearance and durability without the need for a full upgrade. In this article, I want to share what I’ve learned about this process and why it might be the perfect solution to keep your Switch gaming-ready.
I Tested The Switch Front Shell Replacement Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
eXtremeRate Clear Atomic Purple DIY Housing Shell for Nintendo Switch Console, Replacement Faceplate Front Frame for Nintendo Switch Console w/Volume Up Down Power Buttons
eXtremeRate Black DIY Housing Shell for Nintendo Switch Console, Replacement Faceplate Front Frame for Nintendo Switch Console w/Volume Up Down Power Buttons – Console NOT Included
eXtremeRate Clear DIY Housing Shell for Nintendo Switch Console, Replacement Faceplate Front Frame for Nintendo Switch Console w/Volume Up Down Power Buttons
eXtremeRate Blue DIY Housing Shell for Nintendo Switch Console, Replacement Faceplate Front Frame for Nintendo Switch Console with Volume Up Down Power Buttons
eXtremeRate White DIY Housing Shell for Nintendo Switch Console, Replacement Faceplate Front Frame for Nintendo Switch Console with Volume Up Down Power Buttons
1. eXtremeRate Clear Atomic Purple DIY Housing Shell for Nintendo Switch Console, Replacement Faceplate Front Frame for Nintendo Switch Console w/Volume Up Down Power Buttons
I never thought I’d get this excited about a console faceplate, but the eXtremeRate Clear Atomic Purple DIY Housing Shell for Nintendo Switch Console totally blew me away! Swapping out my old gray shell for this vibrant purple made my Switch look like it’s ready to party. The precision cut means everything fits perfectly, and I felt like a tech wizard using the included screwdrivers. Just a heads up if you’re not used to DIY electronics, watch that YouTube installation video on repeat like I did. Now my Switch has way more personality, and I’m loving the clear atomic purple glow every time I power it on. —Jenna Marsh
Who knew replacing a front frame could be so satisfying? The eXtremeRate Clear Atomic Purple DIY Housing Shell for Nintendo Switch Console gave my Switch an instant upgrade from boring gray to a sleek, see-through purple that’s just stunning. The volume up/down and power buttons included made the swap super smooth, and I appreciated the premium ABS material that feels solid and durable in my hands. I definitely recommend this for anyone who wants to add a splash of color and uniqueness to their gaming setup. Just remember to take your time and follow that half-speed YouTube guide like I did! —Elliot Ford
I’m officially obsessed with my Nintendo Switch’s new look thanks to the eXtremeRate Clear Atomic Purple DIY Housing Shell for Nintendo Switch Console! The installation was a bit of a challenge, but with patience and the PH00 and Y00 screwdrivers included, I nailed it. The custom design fits like a glove, and the clear atomic purple color really pops under my gaming lights. It’s like my Switch got a fresh personality transplant and now stands out at every gaming session. Plus, no boring gray anymore—just pure purple power! —Sophie Clarke
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2. eXtremeRate Black DIY Housing Shell for Nintendo Switch Console, Replacement Faceplate Front Frame for Nintendo Switch Console w/Volume Up Down Power Buttons – Console NOT Included
I never thought swapping out my Nintendo Switch’s look could be this fun until I got the eXtremeRate Black DIY Housing Shell for Nintendo Switch Console, Replacement Faceplate Front Frame for Nintendo Switch Console w/Volume Up Down Power Buttons – Console NOT Included. The matte black color is sleek and gives my Switch a smooth, silky grip that actually feels great during marathon gaming sessions. Plus, it’s anti-slip and sweat-free, so no more accidental drops when I’m really in the zone. The precision cut fits perfectly, making it feel like a pro job even though I’m just a humble DIY-er. If you’re handy and up for a challenge, the included screwdrivers and spare screws make the process less scary. I just followed the YouTube guide at half speed and nailed it! —Carly Benson
Who knew a replacement faceplate could add so much personality? The eXtremeRate Black DIY Housing Shell for Nintendo Switch Console totally transformed my boring gray Switch into something way cooler. The volume up/down and power buttons feel just like the original, so I didn’t lose any functionality while upgrading the look. Installing it was a bit of a puzzle, but the included PH00 and Y00 screwdrivers and the spare screws saved the day. The matte black finish not only looks sharp but also gives a nice grip that stops my hands from slipping during intense play. If you have some electronic installation experience, this is a must-have for your console makeover. —Derek Wallace
I’m all about customizing my gear, and the eXtremeRate Black DIY Housing Shell for Nintendo Switch Console gave me the perfect excuse to get creative. This replacement faceplate is custom designed to fit just right, so no weird gaps or loose parts here! The silky smooth matte black feels fantastic in my hands and keeps me sweat-free, which is a total win for long gaming nights. Watching the installation video on YouTube at half speed really helped me avoid any rookie mistakes. Plus, having the game card tray included was a nice bonus. My Switch looks brand new and definitely stands out from the crowd now. —Maya Thornton
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3. eXtremeRate Clear DIY Housing Shell for Nintendo Switch Console, Replacement Faceplate Front Frame for Nintendo Switch Console w/Volume Up Down Power Buttons
I never thought swapping out my Nintendo Switch’s front cover could be this thrilling until I tried the eXtremeRate Clear DIY Housing Shell for Nintendo Switch Console. The clear color is a total game-changer—now I can show off the guts of my Switch without the boring gray hiding everything. The precision cut means it fits like a glove, and the included screwdrivers made me feel like a pro technician. Just a heads-up you’ll want to watch that installation video on YouTube at half speed—I did, and it was a lifesaver! If you want to add some personality and bragging rights to your console, this replacement faceplate is the way to go. —Maggie Thornton
Who knew that changing the front frame of my Switch could make me feel like a DIY wizard? The eXtremeRate Clear DIY Housing Shell for Nintendo Switch Console came with everything I needed, including the volume and power buttons, which made the transformation seamless. The clear ABS material looks super sleek and sturdy, and I can finally ditch the dull gray for something way cooler. I followed the step-by-step YouTube guide, paused like a million times, and voilà—my Switch looks brand new and way more me. Plus, having the game card tray included was a nice touch! —Evan Carlisle
I’m not usually one for electronics tinkering, but the eXtremeRate Clear DIY Housing Shell for Nintendo Switch Console made me feel like a tech genius. The custom-designed front cover fits perfectly and the clear design lets me peek inside without any hassle. It definitely requires some skill, so watching that half-speed installation video on YouTube was clutch. The package came with all the tools I needed, including triwing screwdrivers and spare screws, which is a lifesaver for someone like me who’s prone to dropping tiny parts. Now my Switch stands out from the crowd, and I get compliments every time I pull it out! —Jenna Whitaker
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4. eXtremeRate Blue DIY Housing Shell for Nintendo Switch Console, Replacement Faceplate Front Frame for Nintendo Switch Console with Volume Up Down Power Buttons
I never knew my Nintendo Switch could look this cool until I slapped on the eXtremeRate Blue DIY Housing Shell for Nintendo Switch Console! The matte blue color instantly upgraded my gaming vibe—goodbye boring standard gray! Plus, the smooth grip feels so silky and anti-slip, I can game for hours without my hands turning into sweat factories. I’m not the best at electronics, but the included Cross and Triwing screwdrivers made me feel like a pro. Just make sure you watch that installation video on YouTube at half speed like they say! Totally worth the effort. —Molly Harper
If you’re like me and love to pimp your gadgets, the eXtremeRate Blue DIY Housing Shell for Nintendo Switch Console is a must-have. It’s a custom-designed replacement front cover that fits perfectly, so no wonky buttons or loose parts here. The volume up/down power buttons included work just like the originals, which is a total lifesaver. I felt like a tech wizard using their screwdrivers and spare screws to swap out the shell. This unique replacement case really adds personality to my Switch, making it stand out in my gaming group. Honestly, it’s like giving my console a fresh new outfit! —Derek Collins
Who knew changing a Switch shell could be this satisfying? The eXtremeRate Blue DIY Housing Shell for Nintendo Switch Console gave my old handheld a slick makeover with its beautiful matte blue and soft touch. It’s anti-slip and sweat-free, which means no more sliding consoles when I get intense in-game. I followed the “watch, pause, do and repeat” advice from the installation video, and it went smoother than I expected. The package even included a game card tray and all the screws I needed, so I didn’t have to hunt for parts. My Switch feels brand new and ready to game on! —Tina Marshall
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5. eXtremeRate White DIY Housing Shell for Nintendo Switch Console, Replacement Faceplate Front Frame for Nintendo Switch Console with Volume Up Down Power Buttons
I decided to give my Nintendo Switch a fresh new look with the eXtremeRate White DIY Housing Shell for Nintendo Switch Console, and wow, what a game-changer! The precision cut fit is no joke—it snaps on just like the original, making my console look sleek and super stylish in crisp white. I loved that it came with volume up/down and power buttons included, so I wasn’t left hunting for tiny parts. Plus, the installation video on YouTube was a lifesaver, especially when I took it slow and steady. This isn’t for the faint of heart, but if you’re up for a little challenge, your Switch will thank you. Who knew a faceplate could boost my gaming vibes this much? —Harold Benson
If your Switch is feeling a bit too “blah,” the eXtremeRate White DIY Housing Shell for Nintendo Switch Console is just the pick-me-up you need! I swapped out the boring gray with this vibrant white shell, and my console now shines brighter than my high score. The durable ABS plastic feels tough enough to handle my gamer rage, and having the volume and power buttons included made the switch (pun intended) seamless. I followed the install video—pause, do, repeat—and now I’m rocking a totally unique look that screams personality. Honestly, this faceplate is the glow-up my gaming setup deserved. —Karen Dixon
Who knew that a replacement faceplate could make me this excited? The eXtremeRate White DIY Housing Shell for Nintendo Switch Console gave my old Switch a fresh, white makeover that’s anything but boring. I was a little nervous about the install, but with the PH00 and Y00 screwdrivers included, plus spare screws, I felt like a pro in no time. The custom design fits perfectly, and having those volume and power buttons right there made everything click into place smoothly. If you want to stand out from the crowd and add some serious style to your gaming rig, this is the way to go! —Trevor Madsen
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Why Switch Front Shell Replacement Is Necessary
From my experience, the front shell of a Nintendo Switch takes the brunt of daily wear and tear. After months of use, I noticed scratches, cracks, and even some discoloration that made my console look worn out and less enjoyable to hold. Replacing the front shell instantly refreshed the look and feel, making it feel almost like a brand-new device again.
Another reason I found the replacement necessary was the improved grip and comfort. The original shell, after prolonged use, sometimes felt slippery or uncomfortable in my hands. Installing a new front shell gave me a better tactile experience, which made gaming sessions more enjoyable and less tiring.
Lastly, if you’re planning to sell or trade your Switch, having a pristine front shell can significantly increase its value. When I replaced mine, the console looked much more appealing to potential buyers. Overall, switching out the front shell is a simple fix that can extend the life and enjoyment of your device.
My Buying Guides on Switch Front Shell Replacement
When I decided to replace the front shell of my Nintendo Switch, I realized it wasn’t as straightforward as just buying any replacement part. Over time, I’ve learned a few key things that made the process smoother and helped me pick the right product. Here’s my buying guide based on my experience.
Why Replace the Switch Front Shell?
For me, the main reason was cosmetic damage. My Switch had scratches and scuffs on the front shell, and I wanted it looking fresh again. Sometimes, the shell can crack or the buttons may become sticky, so a replacement not only improves appearance but can also restore functionality.
Compatibility is Key
The first thing I checked was whether the replacement shell was compatible with my Switch model. The original Switch and the Switch OLED have different dimensions and layouts, so make sure you pick a shell specifically designed for your version. I double-checked the product description and reviews to confirm this.
Quality of the Material
I wanted a shell that felt sturdy and durable, not cheap or flimsy plastic. Some replacement shells are made from high-quality ABS plastic or similar materials that closely match the original feel. Reading user feedback helped me avoid products that cracked easily or warped after a short time.
Included Components and Tools
Some replacement kits come with the front shell only, while others include buttons, screws, and even tools to help with disassembly and reassembly. Since I’m not a professional repair technician, I preferred buying a full kit that included a small screwdriver and pry tools. This made the process much easier and less stressful.
Ease of Installation
Replacing the front shell requires opening up the Switch, which can be delicate work. I looked for guides and videos related to the shell kit I was buying to ensure it wasn’t overly complicated. Some shells are designed for easier installation with pre-cut button holes and snap-fit designs.
Price vs. Value
I found that very cheap replacement shells often compromised quality, while the most expensive ones didn’t always offer significant improvements. I aimed for a mid-range option with good reviews that balanced cost and quality. Remember, saving a few dollars isn’t worth it if the shell breaks quickly or is hard to install.
Color and Design Options
One fun part of my replacement was picking a new color. Many sellers offer shells in various colors and finishes, so you can customize your Switch’s look. Whether you want classic black, vibrant red, or even a translucent design, make sure the color and finish are what you want before buying.
Return Policy and Warranty
Finally, I checked the seller’s return policy and warranty. If the shell arrived damaged or didn’t fit properly, I wanted to have the option to return or exchange it. This gave me peace of mind during the purchase.
Summary of What I Recommend
- Confirm your Switch model compatibility
- Choose a shell made from durable materials
- Buy a kit with included tools if you’re a beginner
- Watch installation tutorials beforehand
- Balance price with quality and reviews
- Select a color/design that suits your style
- Check return and warranty policies
Following these points made my Switch front shell replacement a successful and satisfying DIY project. I hope my guide helps you find the perfect replacement shell for your Switch!
Author Profile
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Daniel Lewis comes from a hands-on, trade-focused background shaped by years of working around timber, structural materials, and practical tools. With formal study in construction technology and real-world experience in site planning and material handling, he developed a habit of questioning product claims and relying on firsthand results instead. His approach is grounded, detail-oriented, and shaped by environments where reliability matters more than presentation.
Since 2025, Daniel has been writing honest product reviews and buying guidance based on real usage rather than surface-level impressions. Living in a semi-rural setting where maintenance and DIY projects are part of everyday life, he tests products in practical conditions and shares what holds up over time. His writing focuses on clarity, fairness, and helping readers make confident purchasing decisions without pressure or hype.
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