Can’t Find a Nintendo Switch? You Can Build One Entirely From Replacement Parts!
If you want a Nintendo Switch right now, you may be able to assemble one entirely out of replacement parts for as little as $200.
When the Nintendo Switch launched in March of 2017, its immense popularity caused serious supply shortages that made it very difficult to find a console to purchase. The problem was exacerbated by resellers who would purchase as many consoles as they could as soon as they became available, and then turn around and sell them at a huge markup. We’re currently experiencing a similar problem due to shortages that are a result of COVID-19-related manufacturing and shipping delays. But, if you want a Nintendo Switch right now, you may be able to build one entirely out of replacement parts for as little as $200.
You’d currently have to pay around $600 to buy a new Nintendo Switch from a reseller, which is twice the normal retail price for the console. The highly-anticipated release of Animal Crossing: New Horizons on March 20th has created a serious demand for the Nintendo Switch, and many people are being forced to pay those exorbitant asking prices just to play the game. Imgurian Sarbaaz37 was excited to play the new game with friends, but those friends were unable to find even a used Nintendo Switch for a reasonable price. They thought it might be cheaper to construct the console entirely from replacement parts, and it turns out they were right.
This entire build relies on the fact that replacement parts are still relatively easy to find, even though the consoles are not. Sarbaaz37’s project, which contains used parts, cost about $200. But they estimate that it would cost between $300 and $400 to replicate right now using new replacement parts. There isn’t any real hacking going on here, all you have to do is source all of the parts that make up a Nintendo Switch. You can then assemble them just like the factory would have done with a new console. While $400 is still a lot more expensive than the normal $299 retail price, it is more affordable than what resellers are currently charging. You also gain the benefit of being able to customize the color of your Nintendo Switch to suit your tastes.
