The eXtremeRate Great Golden Wave D-Pad Shell ($19.99) combines two features that no other Joy-Con kit at ModZone offers together: a functional D-Pad conversion and an artistic surface design. The shell features a gold ukiyo-e wave pattern — inspired by Hokusai’s iconic “The Great Wave off Kanagawa” — printed on a dark base. At $19.99 it’s one of the most affordable D-Pad shells available.
What Makes This Kit Unique
| Feature | Great Golden Wave | Other D-Pad Shells |
|---|---|---|
| Surface design | Artistic wave pattern in gold | Solid color only |
| D-Pad included | Yes | Yes |
| Price | $19.99 | $19.30 – $33.99 |
| OLED compatible | Yes (Joy-Con shells are universal) | Yes |
| Console back plate included | No (Joy-Con only) | Varies by kit |
The wave pattern is printed directly onto the shell surface using UV-resistant ink — it’s not a sticker or decal. The print is sealed under a clear protective layer that resists wear from normal handling. Under fingernail or sharp object pressure, the print is more vulnerable than a molded-in color, but during typical gameplay the design holds up well.
D-Pad Shell Comparison at ModZone
ModZone carries four D-Pad conversion shells. All replace the left Joy-Con’s four individual directional buttons with a single directional pad:
| Product | Design | Includes | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Golden Wave | Gold wave art on dark base | Left + Right Joy-Con shells, D-Pad, buttons, tools | $19.99 |
| Glacier Blue | Solid glacier blue | Left + Right Joy-Con shells, D-Pad, buttons, tools | $19.30 |
| Cherry Blossoms Pink | Solid pastel pink | Joy-Cons + console back plate, D-Pad, buttons, tools | $33.99 |
| Great Golden Wave (alternate listing check) | — | — | — |
For a deeper look at what the D-Pad upgrade changes functionally, see the D-Pad Shell Upgrade Guide.
Who This Shell Is For
Japanese art enthusiasts. The Great Wave is one of the most recognized artworks in history. On a Joy-Con, it’s an immediate conversation piece that appeals to players who appreciate cultural aesthetics alongside gaming.
Players who want a D-Pad at the lowest price. At $19.99, this is $0.69 more than the cheapest D-Pad option (Glacier Blue at $19.30) and $14 less than the most expensive (Cherry Blossoms Pink at $33.99). The artistic design is a bonus at no significant price premium.
2D gaming fans. The D-Pad makes platformers, fighting games, retro compilations, and menu navigation significantly more comfortable than the stock four-button layout.
Installation Notes
Installation follows the standard Joy-Con shell swap process — see the complete shell replacement guide. The D-Pad-specific alignment step is critical: the conductive rubber membrane beneath the D-Pad must be centered over the four contact points. If directions register incorrectly after assembly, the membrane is rotated — remove, reposition by 90°, and test again.
Handle with care during installation. The printed wave design is more delicate than solid-color molded shells during handling. Avoid pressing the shell face-down on rough surfaces during assembly. Work on a microfiber cloth to protect the print.
Pairing Suggestions
The gold-on-dark color scheme pairs well with:
- Clear Black Back Plate ($18.92) — dark tint complements the wave shell’s dark base
- DFS LED Kit ($37.99) — gold LEDs set to warm color modes enhance the golden wave aesthetic
Long-Term Durability
The printed design is the primary durability concern. Unlike molded-in colors (which can’t wear off because the color is the plastic itself), a printed design exists as a surface layer. Under normal gameplay conditions — holding the Joy-Cons, pressing buttons, storing in a case — the print lasts without visible degradation. Abrasive contact (keys in a pocket, rough bag interior) can scratch the print layer over time. Using a Switch carrying case or dock for storage prevents this.
FAQ
Is the wave pattern on both Joy-Cons?
Check the product listing for exact design placement. Patterned shells may feature the art on one or both Joy-Cons, with the design potentially differing between left and right sides to create a continuous image when the Joy-Cons are attached to the Switch.
Can I use the right Joy-Con shell from this kit with a different left Joy-Con shell?
Yes. Each Joy-Con shell installs independently. You could use the Great Golden Wave right Joy-Con with a Clear Black left Joy-Con, for example. Mix-and-match is fully supported across all eXtremeRate kits.
Does this shell fit the Switch OLED?
Yes. All Joy-Con shells are universal across original Switch, V2, and OLED. See the OLED vs Original Compatibility Guide.
How does the D-Pad feel compared to a traditional controller D-Pad?
The Joy-Con D-Pad mod uses a rocker-style mechanism that approximates a traditional D-Pad feel. It’s a significant improvement over four individual buttons for directional input, but it doesn’t perfectly replicate the feel of a Pro Controller or DualSense D-Pad due to the Joy-Con’s smaller form factor and thinner shell.