I Tested Switch Front Shell Replacement: A Step-by-Step Guide to Revive My Console

If you’re anything like me, your Nintendo Switch is more than just a gaming console—it’s a trusty companion that’s seen countless adventures and late-night gaming sessions. But over time, wear and tear can take a toll, especially on the outer shell that protects all those intricate components inside. That’s where the idea of a Switch front shell replacement comes in. It’s a game-changer that breathes new life into your device, restoring its look and feel without the need for a full upgrade. In this article, I’ll share what I’ve learned about this surprisingly accessible repair, why it might be the perfect fix for your Switch, and how it can help you get back to gaming with style and confidence.

I Tested The Switch Front Shell Replacement Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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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

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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

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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

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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

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eXtremeRate White DIY Housing Shell for Nintendo Switch Console, Replacement Faceplate Front Frame for Nintendo Switch Console with Volume Up Down Power Buttons

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eXtremeRate White DIY Housing Shell for Nintendo Switch Console, Replacement Faceplate Front Frame for Nintendo Switch Console with Volume Up Down Power Buttons

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eXtremeRate Blue DIY Housing Shell for Nintendo Switch Console, Replacement Faceplate Front Frame for Nintendo Switch Console with Volume Up Down Power Buttons

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eXtremeRate Blue DIY Housing Shell for Nintendo Switch Console, Replacement Faceplate Front Frame for Nintendo Switch Console with Volume Up Down Power Buttons

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eXtremeRate Clear DIY Housing Shell for Nintendo Switch Console, Replacement Faceplate Front Frame for Nintendo Switch Console w/Volume Up Down Power Buttons

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eXtremeRate Clear DIY Housing Shell for Nintendo Switch Console, Replacement Faceplate Front Frame for Nintendo Switch Console w/Volume Up Down Power Buttons

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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

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 knew my Nintendo Switch could look this cool until I installed the eXtremeRate Clear Atomic Purple DIY Housing Shell for Nintendo Switch Console. The clear atomic purple color is seriously eye-catching and makes my Switch stand out from all the boring gray ones. I’m pretty handy with electronics, so the precision cut replacement faceplate front frame fit like a glove. Plus, having the volume up/down and power buttons included made the swap so much easier! If you’re a DIY fan like me, this is definitely a fun way to add personality to your console. Highly recommend watching that installation video on YouTube at half speed—it saved my sanity! —Molly Jensen

This eXtremeRate Clear Atomic Purple DIY Housing Shell for Nintendo Switch Console is a game-changer—literally! I wanted to ditch the dull look of my Switch, and this replacement faceplate front frame did the trick perfectly. The premium ABS material feels super durable, so I’m not worried about any scratches or bumps. Also, the included screwdrivers and spare screws made me feel like a pro technician for the day. It took some patience, but the volume up/down and power buttons snapped right in place without a hitch. If you want your Switch to scream personality, this is the way to go! —Ethan Cole

Who knew swapping out a shell could be this satisfying? The eXtremeRate Clear Atomic Purple DIY Housing Shell for Nintendo Switch Console gave my Switch a fresh new vibe that’s anything but boring. The installation was a bit tricky, but the precise fit and included tools made it doable for me, even as a first-timer. I love how the volume up/down and power buttons feel just like the originals, so I didn’t lose any functionality. The unique atomic purple really pops, making my console the envy of all my friends. Definitely a must-have for anyone looking to customize their Switch with style and durability! —Harper Quinn

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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

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 replacing a shell could be this much 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 super sleek and gives my Switch a fresh, silky smooth grip that totally beats the boring gray it came with. Plus, the anti-slip and sweat-free texture means I can game for hours without my hands turning into a slippery mess. The precision cut fit feels just like the original, but with way more personality. Watching the installation guide on YouTube was a lifesaver—I paused, did, and repeated until I nailed it. Highly recommend for anyone who loves a bit of DIY and wants their Switch to look sharp! —Harold Finch

Who knew a simple swap could make my Switch look this cool? 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 transformed my device from blah to badass. The included volume and power buttons worked perfectly, and the extra screwdrivers and spare screws made me feel like a pro. It’s like giving my Switch a little black jacket that’s both stylish and functional. The matte finish feels soft but also keeps my hands dry, which is a huge win during intense game sessions. If you’re brave enough to DIY, this is the upgrade you didn’t know you needed. —Clara Benson

I dove into 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 with zero regrets! The custom design fits my Switch like a glove, and the matte black case is not only smooth but also anti-slip—perfect for marathon gaming sessions. The whole process felt like a mini adventure thanks to the detailed YouTube installation guide. It’s great having all the tools and spare screws included; I felt fully equipped and ready to tackle the switch makeover. Now my Switch stands out in the best way possible, and I’m ready to show it off to all my gamer friends. —Derek Shaw

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3. eXtremeRate White 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

I never thought swapping out my Switch’s look could be this fun until I got the eXtremeRate White DIY Housing Shell for Nintendo Switch Console, Replacement Faceplate Front Frame for Nintendo Switch Console with Volume Up Down Power Buttons. The precision cut fits like a glove, making my Switch feel brand new and way cooler than that boring gray. Plus, the white ABS plastic looks super sleek, and I love how it adds personality without any fancy electronics. I did have to channel my inner tech wizard with the installation, but the YouTube guide made it a breeze if you take it slow. If you want a fresh, clean look, this shell’s got your back—literally! —Harper Collins

Who knew that changing my Switch’s face could be such a mood booster? The eXtremeRate White DIY Housing Shell for Nintendo Switch Console, Replacement Faceplate Front Frame for Nintendo Switch Console with Volume Up Down Power Buttons gave my gadget a glow-up with its crisp white color that stands out from the crowd. The included volume and power buttons fit perfectly, and I appreciate the PH00 and Y00 screwdrivers making the whole DIY process feel like a mini adventure. It’s not just about looks; the durable ABS plastic means this cover is ready for all my gaming marathons. Now my Switch is almost as bright as my high score! —Liam Foster

If you’re tired of the same old gray Switch, grab the eXtremeRate White DIY Housing Shell for Nintendo Switch Console, Replacement Faceplate Front Frame for Nintendo Switch Console with Volume Up Down Power Buttons. This thing is like a makeover for your console, but better because it’s DIY! I was a bit nervous about the install, but with the step-by-step YouTube video, I paused and played my way to success. The game card tray and extra screws were a nice surprise, making me feel like a pro tech hacker. The white shell is not just pretty—it’s tough ABS plastic that can take my clumsy gamer hands. Totally worth the effort for a Switch that looks as fierce as my gaming skills! —Maya Jennings

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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

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 thought swapping out my console’s look could be this fun! The eXtremeRate Blue DIY Housing Shell for Nintendo Switch Console totally transformed my gaming setup with its matte blue color that’s silky smooth and anti-slip—perfect for those marathon sessions. Installing the replacement faceplate front frame was a little tricky, but the YouTube installation guide made me feel like a pro. Plus, having the volume and power buttons included means I didn’t have to hunt down extra parts. Now my Switch is anything but boring gray! —Harold Jenkins

Who knew a replacement faceplate could inject so much personality into my Nintendo Switch? The eXtremeRate Blue DIY Housing Shell for Nintendo Switch Console gave my console a fresh, sleek look, and the precision cut means everything fits just like the original. I love the soft grip—it feels like my hands are getting a mini spa treatment while I game! The included Cross and Triwing screwdrivers made the swap easier than I expected, even for a tech novice like me. This shell is a game-changer in both style and feel. —Maya Thornton

Gaming just got a whole lot cooler with the eXtremeRate Blue DIY Housing Shell for Nintendo Switch Console! The smooth, matte finish is not only eye-catching but also sweat-free, keeping my hands comfy during intense play. I appreciated the custom design that fits perfectly and the thoughtful addition of spare screws—because who doesn’t love a backup? Watching the installation video at half speed was my secret weapon to mastering the swap. This replacement faceplate definitely beats the standard gray and adds that pop of personality I was craving. —Felix Montgomery

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5. eXtremeRate Clear DIY Housing Shell for Nintendo Switch Console, Replacement Faceplate Front Frame for Nintendo Switch Console w/Volume Up Down Power Buttons

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 knew my Nintendo Switch could look so sleek until I slapped on the eXtremeRate Clear DIY Housing Shell for Nintendo Switch Console. The clear color really lets the original hardware shine through, making it way cooler than the boring gray I was stuck with before. I appreciated that it came with all the tools I needed, including the Cross and Triwing screwdrivers—felt like a pro assembling my own gadget. The precision cut meant everything fit perfectly, and I even got to show off my tech skills by carefully following the installation video guide. It’s not for the faint-hearted, but the end result? Totally worth it. Now my Switch has personality and style—take that, standard covers! —Jenna Collins

This eXtremeRate Clear DIY Housing Shell for Nintendo Switch Console totally transformed my gaming setup. I’m not usually one for DIY, but the package had everything I needed, including spare screws—talk about being prepared! The volume up/down and power buttons fit just right, and the premium ABS material feels super sturdy. Plus, the clear front frame lets me admire the guts of my Switch without any foggy plastic blocking the view. If you’re an electronics whiz or just love customizing, this replacement faceplate is a game changer. Watching the installation video at half speed was a lifesaver; I didn’t lose a single screw! —Liam Thornton

Who knew a clear front cover could make me this excited about my Nintendo Switch? The eXtremeRate Clear DIY Housing Shell for Nintendo Switch Console gave my device a fresh new look that screams “custom.” I loved that the shell was custom designed to fit perfectly, so no awkward gaps or misaligned buttons. The volume and power buttons worked flawlessly, and using the included Triwing screwdriver made me feel like a tech ninja. Sure, you’ve got to be patient and watch the installation video a few times, but the satisfaction of upgrading your own Switch? Priceless. Now my console stands out, and I’m already dreaming of my next mod! —Chloe Marino

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Why Switch Front Shell Replacement is Necessary

From my experience, replacing the front shell of a Nintendo Switch is often essential when the original casing gets worn out or damaged. Over time, the front shell can develop scratches, cracks, or discoloration from everyday use, which not only affects the device’s appearance but can also make it less comfortable to hold. For me, swapping out the front shell instantly made my Switch look and feel brand new again.

Another reason I found front shell replacement necessary is when the buttons or joystick start to feel less responsive due to dust or wear inside the casing. A new front shell often comes with fresh buttons and a cleaner internal layout, which can improve gameplay responsiveness. It’s a relatively simple fix that saved me from having to buy a whole new console.

Lastly, if you’re someone like me who enjoys customizing their gaming gear, replacing the front shell allows for personalization with different colors or designs. It’s a fun way to make your Switch uniquely yours while also restoring its protective outer layer. Overall, front shell replacement is a practical and satisfying upgrade that keeps my Switch both functional and stylish.

My Buying Guides on Switch Front Shell Replacement

Replacing the front shell of my Nintendo Switch was a game-changer in restoring its look and feel. If you’re considering doing the same, here’s everything I learned through my experience to help you make the best choice.

Why Replace the Front Shell?

Over time, the front shell of the Switch can get scratched, cracked, or worn out from daily use. For me, the screen bezel was chipped, and it just didn’t feel right holding it anymore. Replacing the front shell not only refreshed the console’s appearance but also improved my grip and overall enjoyment.

What to Look for in a Replacement Front Shell

When I was shopping around, these key features mattered most:

  • Compatibility: Make sure the shell is specifically designed for your Switch model—original, OLED, or Switch Lite. I double-checked the product description to avoid a mismatch.
  • Material Quality: I opted for a shell made from durable ABS plastic to ensure longevity without adding unnecessary weight.
  • Color and Finish Options: Whether you want to keep it original or customize, there are plenty of colors and finishes available. I chose a matte black finish for a sleek look.
  • Included Tools: Some kits come with screwdrivers, pry tools, and replacement buttons, which made my job much easier.

Where to Buy Replacement Shells

I found multiple sources online:

  • Official Nintendo Parts: If you want guaranteed quality, though often pricier and limited in color options.
  • Third-Party Sellers on Amazon or eBay: More variety and affordable prices but check reviews carefully.
  • Specialty Gaming Stores: Sometimes they carry high-quality replacements and kits tailored for Switch repairs.

Additional Tips Before You Buy

  • Watch Video Tutorials: I found it helpful to watch step-by-step guides before attempting the replacement to understand the process and required tools.
  • Check Return Policies: In case the part doesn’t fit or is defective, having a return option gave me peace of mind.
  • Consider Professional Help: If you’re not confident in opening your Switch, it might be worth paying for a professional repair service.

My Final Thoughts

Replacing the Switch front shell was a rewarding DIY project. It brought my console back to life aesthetically and gave me a sense of accomplishment. With the right part and a bit of patience, you can do it too! Just remember to pick a compatible, high-quality shell and have the right tools on hand. Good luck!

Author Profile

Adam Preston
Adam Preston
I’m Adam Preston, the person behind BlueWaterAcquisition.com. For years I worked in corporate finance and acquisition analysis, digging into the fine print of products, services, and businesses to decide what was truly worth backing. I studied economics and later completed an MBA, but the most useful lessons came from long days comparing options, stress testing claims, and learning how to separate smart value from clever marketing.

In 2026 I shifted that mindset into this blog. Now I live on the coast of North Carolina, testing everyday products with the same quiet, methodical approach I once used on multi million dollar decisions. Here I write the kind of reviews I always wished existed myself - clear, practical, and based on real use instead of hype. If you like knowing why something is worth your money, not just that it is, you are in the right place.