Nintendo Switch Game Storage Controller // How-to | I Like To Make Stuff
1,626,028
Published 2018-01-18
Subscribe to my channel: bit.ly/1k8msFr
Join Honey today for FREE at www.joinhoney.com/iltms
Second Channel: bit.ly/iltms-2
TOOLS & SUPPLIES (affiliate links):
Nintendo Switch - amzn.to/2FPKBMX
www.thingiverse.com/thing:2758102 - .STL file for rails
kit.co/iliketomakestuff/digital-fabrication-tools-…
kit.co/iliketomakestuff/shop-safety-gear
We got our kids a Nintendo Switch for Christmas this past year and we really love it. Wanting to practice 3d modeling more, I designed a set of rails to hold the Joy-Con controllers so they can be attached to anything.
If you aren't familiar with the Switch, it's a game system that has two removable controllers that attach to the game's portable screen. When the screen is docked, the controllers come off and you hold them in separate hands. I know you can buy aftermarket products that hold the Joy-Cons making it look like a traditional, unified game controller, but newsflash...I like to make my own stuff.
I liked the idea of designing and 3d printing just the attachment rails that the Joy-Cons would slide into; that way, someone could attach them to anything, allowing people to make their own truly unique game controller. We went back and forth on what the center item would be; a Lego build plate, a beautiful piece of figured wood, or maybe a bucket of popcorn, all you need are flat sides.
After looking at the Switch, I found that I didn't like the unnecessarily oversized boxes that the SD card-sized games came in. I thought it was a huge waste and decided that the center item should be a holder for our games. Since I was already using digital modeling and 3d printing for the rails, I decided to make this Nintendo-centric project all about digital fabrication. I designed a simple box that would open at the top to receive a sliding plate that would hold the games. I used my Glowforge to laser cut the pieces and assembled the shallow wooden box with CA glue (of course I added my logo for good measure). The sliding plate matched the inner dimensions of the box, but I left room for some thin sheets of foam. I again used the Glowforge to cut spaces in the foam that would securely hold the game cards. I used spray adhesive to attach this layer to the sliding card. To add a little more friction to the slide, I glue an extra piece of foam inside the box as well. I CA glued a thin strip of teak to the top of the slide to act as a pull tab, which also worked as a cap for the box. I applied a few coats of spray lacquer and it was ready for assembly.
With the game holder all finished, I set the 3d printed rails in place and marked the screw holes. I pre-drilled the holes and attached the rails using small brass screws that I had to grind down to length. With everything in place, it was ready for the Joy-Cons. I slid the controllers in place and loaded up the game holder. Everything held tight and felt comfortable in my hands, it was really satisfying.
This project used primarily digital design and fabrication products, which I know not everyone has access to. BUT, they were incredibly valuable for a project like this. I had to change elements of my design many times, (the final product was version 6!) and using 3d printing allowed me to make quick design changes using inexpensive material. The final product was a perfect fit and this project was completed in about a day. If you are interested in digital fabrication, you can seek out local Maker Spaces, use online 3d printing services, or you can get entry-level 3d printers for around $200 and they make great prints. If you want to see more rapid prototyping and digital fabrication, you can check out my other 3d printing, laser cutting, and CNC milling videos to see what's it all about!
Subscribe: bit.ly/ILikeToMakestuffSubscribe
Check out my TopVideos!: bit.ly/ILikeToMakeStuffTopVideos
Learn 3d modeling, get digital plans, and cool merch at
iliketomakestuff.com/
Want to support ILTMS? Get exclusive content and more...
www.iliketomakestuff.com/patreon
FOLLOW:
instagram.com/iliketomakestuff
twitter.com/iliketomakestuff
facebook.com/iltms
#ILikeToMakeStuff
About I Like To Make Stuff:
We have lots of projects including woodworking, metalworking, electronics, 3D printing, prop making and more!
These videos are our attempt inspire and empower others to make the stuff that they want to have. Hopefully you'll see something here that will inspire you to make something that you're passionate about!
Nintendo Switch Game Storage Controller // How-to | I Like To Make Stuff
• Nintendo Switch Game Storage Controll...
I Like To Make Stuff
youtube.com/Iliketomakestuff
All Comments (21)
-
you should make this into a mass production. as a switch owner i will definitely buy it. great work man.
-
Bob: "Thanks, honey." Me: oh stop it, you
-
My 10 year old was in shock after seeing this all together! Jaw in the floor shocked. Lol. We got a switch this year too and are loving it too! Truly a work of art Bob! Really enjoyed it!
-
I came home today and CRAVED to sit in my studio and design more projects instead of eat, sleep, play games or watch TV. And a huge reason for this beautiful habit I'm creating is because you show me whats REALLY possible if you can imagine it. We really appreciate your work, man! Thank you.
-
Who would have thought that using tape to remove other tape would be so satisfying X) You're killing it dude!
-
Great way store games and controllers in a small space. Very cool project!!
-
I know you were worried that you were using non-traditional tools, but what a cool project! I've been watching your channel for about a year now, and this is one of my favorites. I think I really just like the blending of technology, woodworking, and problem solving. Keep 'em coming!
-
So sweet! Love my Switch, was thinking of building a cool wooden travel case for it myself. Those game cartridges are ridiculously small, so easy to lose!
-
Another example why subscribing to this channel is a good idea. Thanks Bob.
-
Another great video! I love it that we can still watch the video, when you are talking about your sponsors, that's the way to go!
-
You absolutely ooze this kind of strange magic that inspires the hell out of me, every time I watch a video you've made, to get up, go to my tools and components, and make things. The feeling is addictive and I can't thank you enough for the inspiration. Also sandwich rails.
-
Too bad YouTube doesn't have a super "like" button. Awesome job!
-
I love how a lot of your projects reflect your family life. Great vid!
-
I love this project! Seeing all the pieces fit together was so satisfying
-
Awesome video Bob! The breath of projects you come up with never ceases to amaze me. I got a switch recently as well so I may have to give this a try!
-
My son would love this, so I guess I need to start saving up for a Lazer cutter :)
-
Loved this one bob! It all fit together so perfectly & works amazingly :)
-
Great idea! Adding a way to charge the controllers while docked on the case you've been neat. Maybe version 2.0.
-
Having read "Making Time" has given me a new perspective when watching these videos. It's cool to see the progression in techniques over time!
-
Thanks for the continuous flow of projects Bob! Me and a couple friends have completed a couple of your projects in our shop class, and our teacher loves them. Thanks again for the great ideas!
