Joy-Con shell kits are the most popular way to customize a Nintendo Switch, and for good reason. They change the look of the controllers you hold every session without touching the console’s internals. The right kit gives you a tighter fit, fresher buttons, and a color that actually matches your style — all for less than the cost of a single new game.
This guide covers the best Joy-Con shell kits currently available at ModZone, organized by finish type and use case, with compatibility notes so you order the right kit the first time.
Quick Compatibility Check
Before choosing a color, confirm which Switch model you have. Joy-Con shells are compatible across the original Switch (HAC-001), Switch V2 (HAC-001-01), and Switch OLED (HEG-001). The controllers are the same hardware across all three models. Switch Lite uses a different design entirely and requires Lite-specific shells.
| Switch Model | Model Number | Joy-Con Shell Compatible? |
|---|---|---|
| Switch (Original) | HAC-001 | Yes |
| Switch V2 | HAC-001(-01) | Yes |
| Switch OLED | HEG-001 | Yes |
| Switch Lite | HDH-001 | No — requires Lite-specific shells |
Best for a Clean, Understated Look
If you want your Switch to look polished without drawing attention, solid-color kits in classic tones are the way to go. These kits swap your worn or scratched Joy-Con housings for a fresh, uniform finish that makes the console look new — or better.
The eXtremeRate White Joy-Con Shell Kit ($18.99) is the cleanest option in this category. The matte white finish is a significant upgrade over the stock neon Joy-Cons, especially on a Switch OLED where the white Joy-Cons match the dock perfectly. The kit includes full left and right housings, all replacement buttons, and the Y00 tri-wing screwdriver needed for disassembly.
Best for Transparent and See-Through Builds
Transparent shells let you see the Joy-Con internals through the housing — circuit boards, rumble motors, and ribbon cables become part of the visual design. The effect is especially striking with the LED kit mentioned below.
The eXtremeRate Clear Black Full Shell Set ($21.99) is the most popular transparent option. The smoke-tinted plastic hides internal dust better than fully clear shells while still showing the major components. This set includes Joy-Con housings, console back plate, and buttons — everything for a full console transformation.
For a more vibrant transparent look, the eXtremeRate Crystal Cherry Pink Full Shell Set ($28.99) adds a tinted pink hue that’s surprisingly neutral in person. The crystal finish catches light beautifully and pairs well with pastel gaming setups.
The eXtremeRate Clear Atomic Purple Front Frame ($14.99) is a budget entry point if you want a transparent element without a full Joy-Con swap. It replaces only the console front frame, giving the Switch a Game Boy Color-inspired look around the screen.
Best for Retro and Themed Builds
Retro-themed Joy-Con shells map classic console color schemes onto modern hardware. They appeal to players who grew up with older Nintendo systems and want that nostalgia in their daily setup.
The eXtremeRate SNES Classic EU Style Joy-Con Shell Kit ($25.23) recreates the European Super Nintendo color scheme — gray body with colored face buttons. The color matching is accurate enough to be immediately recognizable to anyone who used the original hardware.
For a GameCube-inspired build, the eXtremeRate Classic SwitchCube Shell Set ($36.59) includes both Joy-Con housings and the console shell in GameCube purple. This is the most complete retro kit ModZone carries — one purchase covers the entire console.
Best for Color-Shifting and Special Effects
If you want a Joy-Con build that looks different depending on the light and angle, chameleon and glow-in-the-dark shells deliver effects that solid colors can’t match.
The eXtremeRate Chameleon Purple Blue Joy-Con Shell Kit ($23.97) shifts between purple and blue depending on the viewing angle and lighting conditions. The effect is subtle under flat indoor light and dramatic under direct light or sunlight.
The eXtremeRate Glow in Dark Green Full Shell Set ($27.75) absorbs light during normal use and glows green when the lights go out. The glow is brightest for the first 15-20 minutes after exposure to bright light and gradually fades. This set includes Joy-Con housings and the console shell.
Best for D-Pad Upgrade Builds
Left Joy-Con shell kits with D-pad conversion replace the four directional buttons with a single directional pad — a significant input improvement for 2D platformers, fighting games, and retro titles. The D-pad mechanism is built into the shell, so no additional parts are needed beyond the kit itself.
The eXtremeRate Joy-Con D-Pad Shell in Glacier Blue ($19.30) is a clean, functional option at a competitive price. The D-pad feel is crisp and the diagonal inputs register reliably, which matters for fighting game inputs.
For a more artistic option, the eXtremeRate Great Golden Wave D-Pad Shell ($19.99) features a ukiyo-e wave design on the left Joy-Con with a built-in D-pad. It’s one of the most visually distinctive kits available and functions identically to the solid-color D-pad shells.
The eXtremeRate Cherry Blossoms Pink D-Pad Full Shell ($33.99) includes both Joy-Con housings with a D-pad conversion on the left plus the console shell — a full themed kit with the D-pad upgrade built in.
Adding LED Lighting to Joy-Con Shells
For builds using transparent shells, the eXtremeRate Joy-Con DFS LED Kit ($37.99) adds programmable LED backlighting to the face buttons and D-pad. The kit supports 7 colors and 9 lighting modes, and installs during a standard Joy-Con shell swap. Pair it with the Clear Black or Crystal Cherry Pink shell sets for the full illuminated effect.
Quick Comparison Table
| Kit | Style | Includes Console Shell? | D-Pad? | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White Joy-Con Kit | Solid matte | No | No | $18.99 |
| Chameleon Purple Blue | Color-shifting | No | No | $23.97 |
| SNES Classic EU | Retro themed | No | No | $25.23 |
| D-Pad Glacier Blue | Solid + D-pad | No | Yes | $19.30 |
| Clear Black Full Set | Transparent | Yes | No | $21.99 |
| Glow in Dark Green Full Set | Phosphorescent | Yes | No | $27.75 |
| SwitchCube Full Set | Retro GameCube | Yes | No | $36.59 |
| Cherry Blossoms Pink D-Pad Full | Artistic + D-pad | Yes | Yes | $33.99 |
FAQ
Do Joy-Con shell kits work with both original Switch and OLED?
Yes. Joy-Con hardware is identical across the original Switch, V2, and OLED models. Any Joy-Con shell kit fits all three. Only the Switch Lite uses a different controller design.
Do these kits include the tools needed for installation?
Most eXtremeRate kits include a Y00 tri-wing screwdriver and a Phillips #00 screwdriver. Check the product listing for included tools. For a detailed walkthrough, see the Nintendo Switch Shell Replacement Guide.
Can the D-pad conversion be reversed?
Yes. The D-pad mechanism is part of the shell, not a permanent modification to the Joy-Con internals. Swapping back to a standard button shell restores the original layout completely.
Which shell kit is best for a first-time modder?
A Joy-Con-only kit (no console shell) is the safest starting point. The White Joy-Con Shell Kit or the Glacier Blue D-Pad Shell are both straightforward installations with lower risk than full console shell sets.