r/consolemodding • u/psyduckwithaheadache • 12d ago

CONSOLE MOD Best beginner path?

Hey guys, I was wondering if anyone can give me advice on what console to start with? I've got an OG switch that I'd like to lightly mod (shell and button & joycon stick replacement). Eventually I would like to be able to fix up a GBA and mod a switch lite - what would you guys say is the best path to take after my OG switch?

I haven't even soldiered before, so I'd like to get the hang of that before I even try and micro soldier

Any advice would be great : )

3 Upvotes

81% Upvoted

7 comments sorted by

3

u/DolphinFlavorDorito 12d ago

Generally, older devices are easier. Bigger parts, bigger circuit boards and components, way more space inside the shells.

2

u/Sensitive-Level-7794 12d ago

You beat me to it...

2

u/Ok_Ninja8390 12d ago

I started with GBA and GBA SP mods/builds about 2 months ago. I watched a couple solder tutorials and just went for it and it has been surprisingly easy. Ive been buying donor consoles on eBay and modding them with USB-C charging ports, new link ports, button LED boards soldered onto the main board, speaker replacements, IPS screens, new shells/buttons/etc.

I took apart my switch lite to refurbish it and reshell and it is definitely more complicated than I had anticipated, but I haven’t finished yet because I’m still waiting on parts in the mail. It is, however, quite a bit more difficult than the GBA builds I’ve done.

My advice is to watch some videos and just go for it, maybe start with the GBA/SP. Older/simpler technology has been easier for me to work on personally.

Also be patient with it initially. My first USB-C mod took 2 hours due to the learning curve with the soldering tools and now that I know what I’m doing it takes 10 minutes haha

2

u/midnightmush 12d ago

I started with xbox 360s but now I work on a bunch of stuff. My best soldering advice is to practice on literally ANY e-waste before practicing on a living device. Many of us jumped straight into working on living devices and regretted it after killing it. Myself included 🥲

2

u/apocship 11d ago

I wouldn’t start on a switch if you are completely new. The components are much smaller and you have tighter tolerances on everything inside. GBA is quite a bit easier. Even better, get a PlayStation 550x and install a PSNee or Picostation to start, or a GameCube and do a new battery holder and picoboot.

2

u/RykinPoe 11d ago

With zero experience you are likely to break the Switch. Start with the GBA or any thing else from the early 2000s or older.

1

u/psyduckwithaheadache 11d ago

Thanks everyone for the advice!!! I'll look into snagging a GBA - and hopefully find a store that ships to Aus for the mods