The Nintendo Switch is a one-of-a-kind machine. It can pretty much be used as a tablet where gamers can play right on the small screen, or they can “switch” it to a loading dock to have fun on a larger television. Nintendo definitely tapped into the fact that everyone likes to have options in how they play video games. One thing that people also like to have control over is how their video game consoles represent them. Back in the 1990s, everyone was clamoring for a golden Nintendo 64 to show off how “with it” they were. How many times did you play at a friend’s house and see them with five different N64 controllers, all different colors, and textures?

Well, Nintendo knows how much people like this, and in turn they created a dull colored console probably for the sole purpose of getting people to buy accessories for it. Well-played Nintendo! People are answering the call, and are doing a number of things to add some color or uniqueness to their Switch console. While some of them are great and incredibly creative, others are sloppy and unimaginative. Playstation and Xbox consoles have gone through the same thing over the years, but we all know that Nintendo fans are going to ratchet up the creativity. With animated and colorful characters like Mario, Link, Metroid, and the days of older consoles; fans have a lot to pull from. So, join us for checking out ten of these awesome creations, and another ten of the worse. Maybe you will get some ideas.

20 Dope: Just Like The Good ‘Ol Days

via gointendo.com

We have seen a couple of other DIY console cabinets, and they have all been amazing in their own ways. Retro is in, and it is time to show it off in many different formats. A fan showed off his custom arcade cabinet that displayed the ultimate arcade experience: Street Fighter. Various main characters of the series adorn each side of the portable enclosure. How cool is that? There are times when it pays to go back to retro roots, and this is undoubtedly one of those times. Before long, someone is going to create a full-length Switch cabinet that hits the gaming blog airwaves, and we would not be disappointed if it did. In the meantime, you will catch us enjoying this awesome cabinet mod.

19 Terrible: Let’s Leave The Gamecube Where It Was

via digitaltrends.com

The Nintendo Gamecube was awesome for its time. While the bulbous nature of the console was excellent for the early 2000s, it just looks widely out of place here. This design makes the Nintendo Switch look outdated and old school (and not in a good way). There are some minimalistic features from the past that complement modern gaming in a great way. The bulky but minimal design features of the NES and Super NES go great with the Nintendo Switch, but the Gamecube does not translate well to 2017. Purple was an odd coloring choice for the Gamecube, and it looks even stranger today. So, while we totally respect the guy’s hustle and his idea to merge the two, this one was better left in the past.

18 Dope: Party Like It's 1998

via youtube.com (Crazy Dopetastic)

While the last DIY project did not go over so well, this one passes with flying colors. A YouTuber remembered the days where you could get a clear controller or console to be the envy of your friends. Well, he decided to do the same thing with his Nintendo Switch. He went through a pretty long and detailed process of creating a clear skin for the console and Joy-Cons. The finished product looked so good; it would rival any store-bought version. This is what is cool about the video game community and the advent of YouTube. Creative gamers can come together and show off their creations that others can replicate. Sometimes, the most fun in these projects is working through it yourself for a sense of accomplishment.

17 Terrible: In The Bed…Really?

via reddit.com

Someone got the bright idea to set up their Nintendo Switch like a desk lamp. They attached the console to an adjustable cable that was fastened to the bunk above them. While this seems cool in theory, how in the world can you play a game while laying down and looking up at a screen? Also, it does not look pretty safe, and if that $300 majority plastic console came tumbling down, we would hate to see what the ramifications would be. All in all, this looks pretty janky, and not secured. We would tell this guy just to make a wall mount for the thing and enjoy it when you are awake enough. From the look of the room, it would seem this guy has some exams he needs to be paying more attention to.

16 Dope: Is That Real Wood???

via comicbook.com

MakoMod is responsible for this one, and we have to say, these guys took modding seriously. A YouTuber shared a Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild mod, and it is incredibly striking. Buttons are adorned with ancient symbols, and the covering over the loading dock resembles actual stone. The console itself looks so much like wood; I would be fearful of getting a splinter. There even looks to be black and golden cloth around the perimeter of the screen. Not only did this seem painstaking to make, but it also looks like it took a lot of time and care to put it on. This is what we are talking about if you are going to go the extra mile take it all the way! Link would be proud.

15 Terrible: F For Effort

via newmobilelife.com

Is it cool that this person decided to pull from a retro console to create a loading deck? Yes, it is. Could it have been a little cleaner and more appealing? Definitely! This must have taken a lot of work, but it looks like someone mistakenly dropped their Switch into an N64 console and that the thing is about to explode. It would have been great if the look of the N64 could have been modded a bit to increase the level of attractiveness. Also, did the Switch really need another type of loading dock? It already has one that can be molded and shaped into something cooler. So while it is a nifty idea, the Switch already has a loading dock and did not really need a regular looking retro console.

14 Dope: A True Homage To Nintendo’s Roots

via digitaltrends.com

What is the most iconic sound you think of when you think of Mario? Most would say that notable “bloop” as he descends into the sewers. Other fans felt the same way, and someone created a Green Pipe controller holder with Mario on top. How better to hold onto some controllers than to attach them to the foundation of one of the greatest gaming franchises of all time? What is even cooler about this item is that the article also states there are 3D printers where fans can make their own. We are seriously in the future when you can make video game equipment on a printer. Who saw this coming? Maybe we can make the whole gaming console using the 3D printer in the future.

13 Terrible: Boring!

via youtube.com (Extreme Consoles)

Alright, the way this article is going to go is that these consoles are being graded in comparison to the others on the list. This means that if you have someone that went the extra mile and tricked out their console compared to someone who just painted the thing another color, well they are likely going to be cited as terrible. This is the case with this entry. Someone decided just to have their Switch gaming controllers painted the color of the Metroid gaming suit in the games. Ummmm…can we say boring? If you are going to go with a legendary character like Metroid, please be sure to add some texture or a direct homage to the game. This is not memorable in the least.

12 Dope: A Nintendo Arcade Cabinet All Fans Can Love

via youtube.com (Jordan Ramzell)

Do you remember the days of throwing quarters away in arcades? There is a feeling that time brings that cannot be replaced. Well, some creative gamers are trying to bring it back with full force. A YouTuber decided he wanted to play his Switch on a tabletop, and to a retro way to do it. He grabbed an Arcade tabletop cabinet created for the Switch, but he felt it still didn’t have the personality he wanted. He then modded the coloring to included some of Nintendo’s most legendary characters in a great graffiti style. Wow! This had to take a lot of time and dedication, but that is what passionate gamers do. Major kudos to him for going the extra mile and showing what gaming is all about.

11 Terrible: Did we Really Need This?

via 3dprint.com

Okay, so from the outset this looks really cool. However, did we really need a wand attached to a controller? Honestly, is there a new Harry Potter game coming out for the Switch that we did not know about? Other than this being the case, what sense would it make to do this? How can you play Mario Kart and not wreck yourself or your friends with this thing? Again, it looks unique, but there is no real purpose for it being there. This does seem also to be produced by a 3D printer, so it has that going for it. Other than that, it does not really seem to have any other reason to exist. You could use it as part of a Harry Potter Cosplay, we guess.

10 Dope: Miss The Traditional D-Pad?

via youtube.com (Engadget)

Now, we are going to get into a bit of the functional side on this one. The Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons have individual buttons for each direction in place of a traditional D-Pad. While this is great for some games, many might have issues with others that require a quick change of direction. Well, say hello to the 3D printer again! Someone found a nifty way to make a D-Pad that could be put on top of the individual directional buttons that creates a more cohesive and less frustrating gaming experience. This invention has probably single-handedly prevented some Switches from being thrust into the wall or a nearby television set. Check out how it is done here, and see if it is something you might need.

9 Terrible: Seriously?

via gizmodo.com

One thing we know for sure is that Nintendo did not consider the problems with the materials they used for the Switch. The loading dock is plastic and is easily susceptible to scratching and damage. Well, players have noticed this problem and have come up with their ways of dealing with it. One, in particular, put pantyhose over the loading dock. Even more concerning is the fact that he took a picture of it and posted it for the world to see. Others have created cute knitted covers or purchased a professional covering. This creative individual modded it by using a stretchy form of women’s clothing. This guy was definitely resourceful, that is for sure. Hopefully, this person eventually breaks down and get an actual covering before inviting friends over.

8 Dope: The RIGHT Way To Do Retro

via mashable.com

We have another cool and inventive arcade cabinet! Again, it is crazy to believe that we live in a time where people can print attractive gaming equipment on a printer. A guy by the name of Concave Chest created the design for the tabletop arcade cabinet. The siding includes an embossed Nintendo Switch symbol that makes it look just like it came directly from Nintendo headquarters. What is also cool about this particular one is that it also doubles as a cooling stand. This person also included USB ports on the front for easy access to controllers. He seriously thought of everything and deserves two major thumbs up for what he accomplished with this thing. Maybe Nintendo needs to give him a call on this one.

7 Terrible: No Forethought Whatsoever

via youtube.com (Tettan Zone)

This is another instance of an awesome idea that was not fully thought out. It is evident that the person was trying to step away from the stand-up loading dock, and he wanted to option to be able to plug up his console to a traditional charging station. While this is commendable, we have a couple of questions. Did he realize that he would have to elevate the console with this charging station still? How is he going to organize the various cords that will likely be flailing around? Even if it is not the most favorable arrangement, the loading dock doubles as a charging station and holder for the console. That is why it was created to operate the way it does.

6 Dope: When Slacking Off At Work Went Well

via wololo.net

A Redditor named Jolimon wanted to play Breath of the Wild at work. However, he knew that he could not get away with this with a bulky loading dock station. So, instead, he broke it apart took out the hardware he needed and created a smaller travel charging station. This thing is 75 percent smaller than the actual Switch loading dock. He showed a screenshot of this equipment on Reddit, and everyone went wild. He had so many orders he could not fill them. Now, he has his eyes on creating a “How-To” video to help everyone also take their Switches to work for a day of slacking off. Again, Nintendo needs to give this guy a call. There seems to be a need for smaller charging stations.

5 Terrible: Leave Console Development To The Pros!

via technobuffalo.net

There is a reason why console development happens in a headquarters. However, when we live in a world where individuals can see how to fix a car or build a home on YouTube, people start to think they can do anything. An engineering student felt he could create a more affordable Nintendo Switch. While his efforts were definitely admirable, they were not without flaw. The console itself was insanely bulky, it does not seem to be customizable, and it only plays 50 games. It definitely feels like a Switch knock-off, which was probably not the original intent. Remember those knock-off hand-held consoles of the 90s that only played one game, and they could be picked up at Walmart or Target? This kind of feels like that.

4 Dope: Now This Really Is A Work of Art

via zokia64.deviantart.com

The name is this article refers to “a work of art” in a tongue in cheek type of way. However, this entry is a serious art form. So many Switch gamers go the easy route and purchase a readymade skin for their Switch console or controllers. This DeviantArt artist went the extra mile and made their own. The level of detail on this thing is nothing short of astounding. It has all the main characters of the Breath of the Wild game as well as an otherworldly glossiness to it. Commenters on the youtube video that showcases this custom skin were asking for prices and how to make this thing. Considering all of the shortcuts people take, it is awesome to see someone actually go through the process themselves.

3 Terrible: C For Effort

via comicbook.com

These are fan-made custom Pikachu Joy-Con controllers. While they are imaginative, they are not as creative as some of the other efforts on this list. They are pretty average compared to what some other fans have done concerning Pokemon. Also, they make the Joy Cons look like a cheap buy. The creator can definitely be commended for their paint job, and the time spent to do this, but it would have been nice to see some other designs along with Pikachu and the thunderbolt. There are times when it is better to buy some stickers or decals, and this is one of those times. This would have also been more striking if the artist had decided to also handpaint the console itself. Gotta give this one a C for effort.

2 Dope: Can’t Leave Out Anime!

via digitaltrends.com

Anime fans are some of the most diehard out there. This entry shows this off to a T. A man in Thailand was so in love with Gundam Wing that he decided to trick out his Nintendo Switch console and loading dock station into a one-of-a-kind custom homage to the anime series. He took the time to paint the console the signature golden color of the series. He then created the famous gold insignia and attached it to the loading dock. First thing, this guy is brave to want to attach anything to a console that cost hundreds of dollars. He also must know that he is going to be the envy of everyone in town. This is what it’s all about, enjoying fandom the way you choose to.

1 Terrible: Ummmm This Could Have Stayed In The Past

via digitaltrends.com

Again, we have a great attempt but lackluster execution. A fan decided to create a model of an old Zelda NES cartridge and use it as a loading dock for their Switch. It is a creative idea and one that does have a bit of cool factor to it. The issue here is the execution. This thing definitely looks homemade, and there is no place for the person to keep wires from getting unorganized. The cool thing about the Switch is the fact that the loading dock is there to charge the console while doubling as a holder wirelessly. Maybe some people are not fond of that setup, but at least consider an alternative method that takes care of the wiring and looks a little more professional.