3D printing has become a cornerstone of the Nintendo modding scene, enabling hobbyists to produce bespoke accessories, replacement parts and display pieces that official channels rarely supply. The community's output for Switch, Switch OLED and the emerging Switch 2 ecosystem covers everything from practical dock mods to highly detailed retro-themed display cases. This feature catalogues the most useful and most impressive prints observed in production so far, with clear guidance on printers, materials and finishing techniques.

Standout Switch 2-focused prints

  • Dock covers and ventilation plates — Rapid iterations of custom dock covers that improve airflow or add a visual flourish are among the first items to appear. Designs frequently incorporate cut-outs to avoid blocking ports and to keep cooling intact.
  • Modular docking feet and risers — Adjustable feet for different TV setups and low-profile risers to aid cable routing are popular for owners who want a tidier living-room install without altering the official dock.
  • Protective cartridge cases — Compact multi-cart holders sized to new-format game cards provide convenient storage and travel solutions with a fraction of the cost of some commercial alternatives.
  • Controller and grip shells — Replacement shells and cosmetic panels allow colour swaps and themed builds. High-detail resin prints can reproduce embossed logos and textured surfaces for official-looking results.
  • Cooling and fan mounts — Clips and mounts for third-party fans that avoid obstructing ports or vents. Community designs often allow tool-free installation.

Universal and franchise-themed prints

  • Amiibo display stands and protective covers — Decorative stands, wall mounts and dust covers provide safer storage and more attractive display options for collections.
  • Themed joy‑con accessories — Thumbstick caps, D‑pad conversions and faceplate swaps featuring IP-inspired motifs are widely shared. Most creators request the files be used for personal builds only to respect copyright.
  • Portable travel stations — Compact multi-part cases that hold a console, controllers and a handful of cartridges; designed to be printed in pieces for easy assembly and packing.
  • Retro display and storage solutions — Replica NES-style or Game Boy cartridge stands, controller holders and shelf inserts for collections remixed with modern finishes.

Recommended printers and materials

Choice of printer and filament depends on intended use. The most common setups observed across the community:

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  • FDM (filament) printers — Creality Ender-series and Prusa i3 machines remain the go-to for structural parts and large items. PLA suits prototypes and low‑stress accessories. PETG and ABS are preferable for heat resistance and durability (docks, feet, mounts).
  • Resin (SLA/DLP) printers — Anycubic Photon-style machines excel for fine-detail items like game-card shells, tiny logos and high‑quality decorative parts. Proper post‑cure and ventilation are essential when working with resins.
  • Flexible filaments — TPU is useful for grips, bumpers and parts that need impact resistance or a soft touch.

Post-processing and finishing

  • Supports and sanding — Remove support marks with careful sanding and use progressively finer grit for a smooth finish before priming.
  • Priming and painting — Use an adhesion primer suitable for the chosen material. Acrylic-based paints are common for PLA/PETG, while automotive primers and topcoats help for tougher, higher‑wear parts.
  • Sealing and smoothing — Vapour smoothing for ABS gives a factory-like finish but requires caution and appropriate ventilation. Resin prints require thorough washing and UV curing to reach full strength.
  • Fasteners and fit — Many designs integrate captive nuts, magnets or press-fit tabs. Trial-fitting and minor file adjustments are standard to ensure a snug result.

Where to find files and how to support creators

Common repositories for community designs include Thingiverse, Printables and MyMiniFactory, but many creators host exclusive files on Patreon or Gumroad. Purchasing or supporting creators on paid platforms helps sustain higher-quality releases and encourages thoughtful, legally compliant designs. Commercial marketplaces such as Etsy also list finished prints and commissioned builds from experienced makers.

Legal and practical considerations

  • Intellectual property — Nintendo IP is protected. Distribution of exact replicas bearing logos and characters for sale risks takedown notices and legal action. Community norms favour personal use and non‑commercial sharing unless explicit permission is provided by the creator or rights holder.
  • Safety — Printed parts used in heat zones (near docks or ventilation) should use heat-resistant materials. Resin handling requires gloves, eye protection and adequate ventilation.
  • Accuracy — Official dimensions and port layouts can differ between hardware revisions. Verify measurements and, where possible, test-print prototypes before committing to final materials.

Verdict

The 3D-printing community has produced a steady stream of functional and attractive Nintendo accessories that fill gaps left by official products. For Switch 2 owners, early designs gravitate towards dock protection, cooling solutions and compact travel cases, while franchise-themed items satisfy the collector market. Successful prints balance suitable materials, precise dimensions and careful finishing. The healthiest projects are those shared responsibly, with paid creators supported and intellectual property respected.

Selection remains fluid as hardware details evolve, but the fundamentals—picking the right printer, choosing materials for the task, and finishing with care—apply across the board. Community hubs continue to be the best source of tested files and build notes for modders seeking to enhance or personalise Nintendo hardware.