This Poke Ball Nintendo Switch Cartridge Case Is Easy to Create

Warn your spouse or significant other, because we're about to introduce you to your next weekend [...]

By Matthew Hayes

Warn your spouse or significant other, because we're about to introduce you to your next weekend DIY project. We have everything you need to 3D print and assemble an adorable, unique Nintendo Switch cartridge case in the form of a working Poké Ball! Even if you don't own a 3D printer, this is something you can do without spending much money at all.

"Kickass 3D Prints," true to their name, have released everything you need to get started on this project. Keep scrolling, and by the time you're finished reading, you'll have the files you need to 3D print all of the parts, you'll have an easy-to-understand video that will show you step by step how put everything together, and you'll have the resources to find the most viable 3D printer service around you.

Please keep in mind that these files have been made available, for free, for everyone. Don't go getting stars in your eyes thinking you'll assemble dozens of these things and opening your own Etsy shop. You're going to get called out if you try making money off of these, so just enjoy them for what they are!

Let's get started.

Get Your Files Ready

3D printer

First thing's first. You're going to need the actual blueprint or model design before anything else. These, as mentioned, are available for free. You can find them right here. The files that you download here contain everything that you need to print every single part of this Poké Ball. There aren't that many parts for this project, which is nice, and you don't even have to print them yourself.

Finding a 3D Printer

Don't own a 3D printer? No problem! You have a couple of immediately-viable options if you're looking to get these parts for cheap.

The first thing you should do is call your local library. There's a chance that if you live near a city, or even a big town, that your library has a 3D printer for members to use. This will be your cheapest option, and assuming your library lets you use the printer for free, all you'll have to pay for is the plastic.

There are also multiple websites that will accept your model files and 3D print the parts for you. Shapeways is probably the most popular. Don't worry, you'll be able to upload the files first and get a quote. When it's all said and done, they'll do the printing and sanding for you, and ship the parts right to your door. Pretty nifty!

Now all you have to do is put it together.

Assembly

Kickass 3D Prints put together the video above to show you, step by step, how to assemble your Poké Ball once you have all the parts in-hand. Check it out above.

The video creator and assembler also included some tips in his video description that I'm sure you'll need to know:

  • The spring release I used is actually from a cheap Pokeball I had around at home that you can buy online for a few bucks. Some 1.75mm filament will also work as a hinge that can be opened manually.

  • The holes where the wire go in place may not print properly because of how fine they are, so you might have to drill or heat up a pin to puncture the holes instead.

  • You'll need to make sure to remove the support materials where the button clicks into position on the upper and lower inside parts as they can get easily missed. If not the button might be too sensitive.

Will you try it?!

Trending Now: