We have taken a look at the YouTube channel Macho Nacho Productions a few times on Nintendo Life (remember the world's smallest GameCube and the 'thicc boi SP'?), but we were particularly interested in the channel's latest video, which saw a Switch OLED get converted into a dedicated home console, and run a lot cooler in the process.
In the video (above), Tito from Macho Nacho showcased the TVii Switch Re-Shell Mod (working title), created by a modder called Set. This build converts a standard Switch into a dedicated home console, removing the chance for handheld play, but letting the system run much cooler in the process. The casing even works on Switch consoles without a working display — making handheld play impossible from the get-go.
Perhaps the biggest perk of the mod, however, is its increased cooling capacity. The build packs in an 80mm fan, which helps to keep the motherboard from excessive overheating, even on consoles that are overclocked. Tito's tests reveal that the casing is capable of reducing an overclocked Switch's temperatures by anything from 2-8°C, actually allowing it to run cooler than a regular, unmodified console.
The process of putting the mod together actually seems like a relatively straightforward one (as far as mods go, that is). The above video from Macho Nacho provides a full tutorial, demonstrating how to line up all of the Switch's internal components inside the casing and where to apply the provided screws.
Of course, the build does remove the handheld functionality that many of us rely on for hours of playtime, but the ability to rescue the console from a broken display and keep it cooler in the process makes this mod a pretty neat one. The designer has made the build available for purchase from their Etsy shop which bundles the casing, fans, screws and USB dongle for around £40 — which seems fairly reasonable if you have the technical know-how and required patience.
What do you make of this Switch mod? Let us know in the comments.
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[source youtube.com]
Comments 35
Removed - unconstructive; user is banned
There should be a version of the Switch as a home console for those who don't use the portable option, reducing the price.
I mean, this is kind of interesting. If you ask me, this is partially what I hoped the Switch would have been: a dedicated box next to your TV, but the handheld was connected to it. When connected to the box, the graphics and performance would be boosted, but when in handheld mode, it would run fine, but would not look as pretty as on a TV.
Maybe the successor to the Switch will be like this. Who knows?
This is cool and all, but it’s something to do with your old Switch, or better yet Switch Lite w/ a broken screen or Joycon drift, then turning a $350 OLED into a home console.
I was hoping for one of these for a couple of years after Switch launched, figured they could hit $200 for a screen less tablet and no battery packaged w/ a Pro instead of Joycon, but I eventually realized it wasn’t happening. Could be possible w/ the Switch 2 if it’s $399 and they think they could sell a home version for $299 but at this point we’re probably more likely to get a Switch DS and they couldn’t drop both screens.
Edit: Just for fun, here’s my post from just over 6 years ago, June 2017, wanting what I called a “SwitchTV”. Most of the other comments are discussing the potential “Switch Lite” but I don’t think anyone actually guessed that, should have been “SwitchBoy”. 😂
https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/06/switchcase_hopes_to_give_your_switch_more_comfortable_grips
“My nephew is spending the weekend, his parents too, and I still dont' like the Joy-Con, nor the Joy-Con in the Grip. I was holding the Grip next to my X1 controller and boy what a difference. So if Ntineod wants to make a SwitchTV, no screen, Joycon or Grip, just a brick and a Pro controller for $199, I'm in. I need that Pro controller so I'm looking at $369 as it is now. I'm willing to sacrifice the portability and out of the box multiplayer to save $170. Mario, XC2 and maybe Mario + Rabbids. My kids can buy the Joycon for $70 and whatever games they want to play on the TV. Normal Joycon should still work w/ the Switch Brick (that's what I'm calling it) so games like ARMS, 1 2 Switch Snipperlciips etc should still work just fine, just no portability or tabletop. But we have a 52" TV, who needs tabletop? No reason a SwtichTV coudlnt' be $199, wouldn't even need no fancy-shmancy USB-C, just a normal plug and HDMI. People would just have to find another way to charge their Joycon, but by the time Switch TV were to release they'll be plenty of those chargers. No HD rumble. No Grip. No screen. Sounds like $130 to me, $70 for the Pro. Maybe I should wait.”
It wouldn't surprise me if this was how the Switch 2 will be. Have a main home console and then their handheld will be a solid form like the Switch Lite. I rarely link mine to the TV so having the option to buy separately or as a bundle wouldn't be a bad idea..
@marcelominucelli I mainly play my Switch on my TV, so I get what you mean. But the Switch is largely marketed as more of a handheld with the ability to connect to a TV.
Heck, look at the Switch Lite: it's purely a handheld; no ability to connect to a TV at all. All your Switch games still work on it, but for all intents and purposes, it's not a Switch, because it doesn't "switch" from Docked Mode to Tabletop Mode or Handheld Mode. It's basically a beefed up Game Boy at that point.
It reminds me of the 2DS, really. It removed the core feature of the system, even though it plays the same games. Basically, the 3DS was a DS with autostereoscopic 3D features; removing that in the 2DS basically just makes it a regular old DS again, even though it plays 3DS games (which you can't play on the original DS, DS Lite, or DSi) and uses the 3DS operating system.
Personally, I would like to see the successor to the Switch have a dedicated box that you can dock the handheld into, but it significantly boosts the resolution and framerate up to 4K and 60 FPS when played in Docked Mode. In Handheld Mode, it still boasts a respectable resolution (maybe 1080p), but sacrifices the framerate down to 30 FPS.
saw this video yesterday and actually very interested. Not with my own switch oled tho haha. Glad someone is working to give new life to busted consoles!
Modder makes ugly box thing with meaningless name that completely misses the point of the Nintendo Switch
@marcelominucelli I kinda would like the switch 2s dock to have a gpu inside of it to boost the performance when it docked mode. I think that would be the smartest option for docked play.
I feel like Nintendo should have made a dedicated home Switch with 4K upscaling capability.
As a mod this is pretty cool, but I seriously doubt Nintendo would ever go for such a thing as being hybrid is the main point of the Switch, not to mention the costs and the potential confusion for customers and they certainly don't want another Wii U situation!
If transferring save data back and forth wasn't a complete pain in the ass I'd actually be willing to give this a go.
Something to this extend is what I pictured a TV-only model would function, especially with the game card. Also, offering an external hard drive option for game storage to move games around from the handheld/hybrid.
I've only be saying that a Shield TV device should be added to the family of systems. They have a handheld only and two hybrids, the next step would be adding a box for underneath your TV. Call it an optional hub for those who prefer the handhelds and hybrids, or if you want to just play on your TV, then you have the choices. Apple does it with the iPhone, iPad and Apple TV; most the apps will run between all three devices. I think the Switch 2 will have a new hybrid, lite and a TV only models.
I like this project as it brings new life to a damaged console that may have a damaged screen, joycon rails or controls in the case of the lite version.
As for having Nintendo making the Switch 2 into a dedicated box? The ability to play in docked or handheld is the main charm of the Switch. Personally, I hope that the Switch 2 follows a similar play dynamic but with boosted tech and hall effect joycons with backwards compatibility.
I really hope that the next Nintendo console is a home console rather than something that is comparable with last gen systems and be stuck with poor ports still.
They could do what Sony is doing with the Portal and allow people to stream to thier existing Switch for those that prefer portable play and the rest of us get a system that can manage current gen games without the ridiculous cutbacks
I make use of both the handheld mode AND two docks in separate rooms, but I have a friend who would much prefer TV only option. Might be nice for the Switch 2.
@Folkloner Commenter self-owns by failing to appreciate that the modder is showing off a product primarily for those interested in it, and not implying it should be the norm.
Something to do with damaged Switch and out of warranty. But do this at your own risk should be noted. And they won't make a table console that would be shooting themselves in the foot. Nintendo is about hybrid gaming.
PS TV, Switch edition!
After Switch Lite was announced, I made a joke about a Stationary/Home version called: Switch Heavy!
LoL
@marcelominucelli Absolutely. I use my Switch docked almost 100% of the time, so I'd love a version that was cooler, quieter, and ideally with some extra horsepower
I'm surprised Nintendo haven't done this already, they have made a switch version that's purely handheld so where's the version that's purely for TV play.
I would prefer a tv-only console instead of a tablet if nintendo offered it.
@Link-Hero yup. Me too. I hope the next Nintendo system is a dedicated home console.
While cool, why would anyone sacrifice a Switch with beautiful OLED screen just to make a consolized version in an ugly shell only to play it on an ugly LCD HDTV?
Ah, the flip-side of the Nintendo Switch: the Nintendo... Keep?
As someone who plays 99% of the time docked, i like it
They have a choice PS4, XBOXS or Emulators. Switch is going to be Hybrid and one can cry blue in the face. This is the future of Switch and it's not going to change. They know when they have a winning product. Those wanting Switch to be a "Coffee Table" console don't understand how this will be detrimental to Switch future and Nintendo Survival to keep innovating. The mere fact there is going to be a 4k/dlss/rt Switch just scares some on here to make such comments that it can get 1st party games coming that they would put down the Switch itself. We can think we know what's good for Nintendo but in this instance the "Coffee table" for Nintendo days age long gone.
@AstroTheGamosian
So you wanted the Wii U?
@blindsquarel In a sense, but the handheld part could be taken anywhere, unlimited by range due to being networked with the box next to your TV (whereas the Wii U only had a range of a few meters).
So you could take it with you on the go like the Switch, but if you wanted a better gaming experience (as in, boosted resolution and framerate), you could play it through the box next to your TV.
@AstroTheGamosian
I see, that’s actually a really good idea. Hopefully Nintendo has similar thinking.
Really cool, as nice as it is to have a console-handheld hybrid, the Switch is frankly an eyesore on the entertainment center, hope the next gen figures out a way to make it look better
@blindsquarel Well, considering I came up with the idea of Princess Zelda turning into a dragon and Link having to turn her back to normal (plus using an updated version of an existing game map; Ocarina of Time's map for my idea) years before Nintendo ever thought of either, I figure we do operate on the same wavelength.
@AstroTheGamosian I thought this as well but the Switch wouldn't be the box, the Switch would be the console that you can play away from the box, which would basically act like those laptop graphics boxes that you can plug into and get a considerable boost. I think it would be way too expensive that way as you're talking about 2 different hardware with their own chips, graphics cards.
@Ejadaddy Well, I was kind of basing it off of rumors as to the nature of the original Switch, back when it was still codenamed NX (before the official reveal). The rumors sounded interesting to me.
Obviously, I absolutely love the Switch as it is now, but it would be nice to see Nintendo try to make something a bit beefier in the future, if only so that it can continue to draw third-party support. I don't want to see them have another Wii U on their hands, as much as I love that system, as well.
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