How I Swap a Switch Back Plate in 15 Minutes
If you’ve been thinking about customizing your Switch but the idea of opening up electronics makes you nervous, this is the mod to start with. The back plate swap is the lowest-risk, lowest-effort change you can make, and it genuinely transforms how the console looks. I’ve done this enough times that it takes me about ten minutes now, but even my first attempt was done in fifteen.
What You Need
Two screwdrivers: a tri-wing Y00 and a Phillips #00. That’s it. Most shell kits include both. If yours doesn’t, pick them up separately — a precision screwdriver set with those two bits costs less than a coffee.
You also want a clean, well-lit surface to work on. A desk with a light-colored top is ideal because you can see small screws if you drop one. If you have a magnetic screw mat, great. If not, a small bowl or a piece of tape sticky-side-up works fine for keeping screws organized.
The Process, Step by Step
Power off the Switch completely. Not sleep mode — actually powered down. Hold the power button, select Power Options, then Turn Off. Detach both Joy-Cons.
Remove the four corner screws. These are tri-wing (Y00) screws, one in each corner of the back plate. Press down firmly while turning — these screws are soft metal and strip easily if your driver slips. Place each screw somewhere you won’t lose it.
Remove the two top-edge screws. Also tri-wing, located on the top edge of the console near the air vents. Same technique — firm downward pressure, slow turns.
Pop out the kickstand. Flip the kickstand out to its open position, then gently pull it away from the console. It’s held by a small pin that slides out. Set the kickstand aside.
Remove the two Phillips screws under the kickstand. Switch to your Phillips #00 driver. These two screws are recessed in the kickstand cavity. They’re tiny, so work carefully.
Lift the back plate off. Start from the bottom edge. Slide a fingernail or plastic spudger into the seam and gently pry. The plate is held by clips around the perimeter — they’ll release with light pressure. Don’t force it. If a spot won’t budge, you probably missed a screw.
Transfer the kickstand to the new plate. The kickstand assembly includes a small metal plate and spring. It presses into the new back plate the same way it came out of the old one. Line up the pin, push until it clicks.
Snap the new plate on. Align the top edge first, then press around the perimeter until all clips engage. You should hear small clicks as each clip seats.
Replace all screws. Phillips under the kickstand first, then the six tri-wing screws. Don’t overtighten — snug is enough. The plastic threads can strip if you crank them.
Done. Power on, reattach Joy-Cons, and admire the new look.
The One Thing That Trips People Up
The kickstand screws. People forget they’re there because they’re hidden. If you’ve removed the six exterior tri-wing screws and the back plate still won’t come off, it’s almost certainly those two Phillips screws under the kickstand. I forgot them on my first attempt and spent five minutes trying to pry the plate off before I realized what was happening.
Why I Recommend This as a First Mod
There’s nothing inside the console exposed during this swap. No ribbon cables, no battery, no motherboard. The back plate is purely an exterior piece. The worst thing that can happen is stripping a screw, and even that is fixable. It builds confidence for Joy-Con swaps and gives you a feel for how Nintendo’s assembly works without any real stakes.
FAQ
Do I need to disconnect the battery for a back plate swap?
No. You never touch the internals. The back plate lifts off without exposing the battery or any electronics. This is why it’s the safest mod you can do.
Will a Switch V1 back plate fit a V2?
Yes. The original Switch (HAC-001) and V2 (HAC-001-01) share the same external shell dimensions. Back plates are interchangeable between them. OLED is a different shape entirely.
Can I reuse the original screws with a new back plate?
Yes. The original screws work with aftermarket plates. Some kits include replacement screws, but your originals are fine unless they’re stripped.
How often can I swap back plates without wearing out the screw holes?
Many times. The screw holes are in the console’s internal frame, not the back plate itself. As long as you’re not cross-threading or overtightening, you can swap plates repeatedly without issues. I’ve done it at least a dozen times on the same console.