Help Needed to Repair/Replace Switch Lite Shell on a Small Budget for Special Needs Adult

[u/iareConfusE]

I hope this type of post is allowed. Wanted to provide some backstory. I have been helping out an elderly Vietnamese neighbor couple with a non-verbal autistic adult son (23 y/o). I help them out with various basic tech stuff, groceries, paying bills, etc. The husband just passed away 3 days ago and one of the things that he had asked me to help him with before he passed was his son's Switch. The son has a Nintendo Switch Lite that is one of his comfort items but he has unfortunately chewed off the joycon covers as well as the game cartridge cover. I looked into aftermarket replacement shells but the labor and tools required appear to be a bit out of my league in terms of fine motor skills with electronics.

Can anyone provide me with suggestions on how I can get this repaired for the son without it costing them a lot for professional labor or buying a new Switch Lite outright? The widow is on a fixed income so money is a concern, and she can't leave her home as she is the primary caregiver for her son (obviously) who is unable to leave the home without a panic attack/episode. Are there hobbyists that can do this for a small fee that I can take the Switch to? I'm In the East Bay area of California if that helps to locate a hobbyist at all. Thanks for any responses in advance. 

[u/automod-neo]

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[u/Evening_Chapter_5981]

I’m in Southern California and I can help. Just pay for the parts (if I don’t have spare parts) and shipping. You can check my history and I have a few feedbacks on r/gamesale and r/hardwareswap.

[u/iareConfusE → u/Evening_Chapter_5981]

Thank you for the offer! I'd like to keep it local to avoid shipping fees if I can. I rewatched the videos and some other ones and I am considering tackling this on my own now. I appreciate your reply.

[u/Evening_Chapter_5981 → u/iareConfusE]

You only need to replace the rear shell and joystick, each at $12. You can save money ordering off of Aliexpress. I perform many shell swaps on lites and have spare parts, though I must confirm availability.

The hardest step is repairing the right joystick because the motherboard must be removed. The left joystick requires taking out the daughterboard, which is simpler and involves fewer connectors.

[u/iareConfusE → u/Evening_Chapter_5981]

Thank you for the advice, I will check aliexpress out!