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Avoid losing your Nintendo Switch’s tiny game cards with this DIY storage controller

Avoid losing your Nintendo Switch’s tiny game cards with this DIY storage controller

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Something you can make yourself

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When I bought my Nintendo Switch last year, I was a little surprised at just how small the individual game cards were. With a small child at home, I’ve been extra vigilant about keeping track of them, because no one wants to spend $60 on a tiny piece of plastic that can easily vanish. The same thought occurred to Bob Clagett, who runs the YouTube channel I Like to Make Stuff. In his latest video, he shows viewers how to make their own controller that doubles as a storage box for the cards.

I’ve been hooked on Clagett’s videos for a while now — ever since I came across his Shoretrooper helmet build, a project close to my heart — it’s a great series on how to build a range of extremely practical items.

This new project uses a bunch of tools: a 3D Printer, laser cutter, and some woodworking equipment. Clagett designed a set of rails to attach the system’s Joy-Cons to (and posted the files online for free). He then used a laser cutter to cut out the various parts of the box, but noted that someone could use some regular woodworking tools if you didn’t have access to one of those. He glued together the various pieces, and cut out some slots in a couple of sheets of craft foam to hold the games, gluing those onto a piece that slides in and out of the box. Once he screwed on the rails for the controller, he had a neat controller, and a way to make sure that he’s not going to lose his games.

Even if you don’t have a workshop of your own, it’s a cool project that’s easily doable. Clagett used some complicated tools that not everyone might have, but the entire thing is pretty basic, when you get down to it: you’d just need a saw, some glue, and some careful measurements — and if you don’t have a 3D printer, check out your local library or makerspace.