Email: Switch Recommendation

Hi Master Malstrom,

I’m not going to recommend anything on the game side since I see that other people and yourself have that covered well. What I will recommend are a few hardware mods to your Switch.

1. A D-Pad: https://www.amazon.com/BASSTOP-Translucent-Replacement-Electronics-D-Pad-Smoke/dp/B076T3M8GV/

I got the Atomic Purple set that replaced my entire shell and joycons. Somehow I didn’t get the kickstand to work properly and I stripped the battery wire in my right joycon (had to buy a new right joycon used from gamestop). I didn’t even bother removing the battery from the left joycon while changing its’ shell.

Aside from me just being bad at these sorts of things (dexterity with tiny objects isn’t my forte) I love the dpad. It’s made Sonic Mania, Shovel Knight, Azure Striker Gunvolt, Shantae (fun, funny, but very easy), Streets of Red – Devil’s Dare Deluxe (Digital only, very fun brawler, just your Nintendo coins it’s worth it – IT’S WORTH IT) and Hyrule Warriors (you only use it for swapping between allies and weapons, but it feels better than using the four buttons).

2. Metal lock buckles for your joycons: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B078X4YWCG/

Nintendo uses plastic, they eventually get worn down and won’t lock into your system anymore. These metal buckles fix that issue and they come with the triwing screw driver needed for opening the joycons.

3. Conductive Foam: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00871LQFM/

My right joycon had connectivity issues from day one, but I didn’t want to go over a week without being able to play my Switch. I never bought a pro controller, this is what you will want to use to fix that sync issue yourself. Just know that you’re going to only need less than 1% of the sheet that you buy. If you can find it cheaper elsewhere I’d go for it.

Very interesting links! Thank you for sending this.

I do wish it was easier to mod the Joy Cons. Come on, Nintendo, not everyone has the same size in fingers. Some people want larger buttons, more colorful buttons, or a FRACKING ACTUAL D-PAD!!!

*ahem*

Needing some more Switch bliss, I did buy a Xenoblade version of the Pro Pad. I know… I know… Still, I want it. They are not easy to come by anymore.

I’m hoping E3 will give us some new accessories. Knowing Nintendo, I doubt it. It will be LABO accessories and more ways for you to give Nintendo money for their ‘online service’.