Unveiling the Ultimate Red Dead Redemption Custom Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons

Highlights

Nintendo fan creates custom Red Dead Redemption-themed Switch Joy-Cons inspired by the game's recent Switch port.

The Custom Joy-Cons exhibit a smooth red color and incorporate the artwork from the game's box cover.

To customize the Joy-Cons, the design is digitally refined and then applied to standard Joy-Con shells using a flatbed printer. This customization process is expected to be priced at approximately $50.

A highly talented Nintendo fan recently took the time to create a remarkable set of custom Switch Joy-Cons with a Red Dead Redemption theme. This impressive accomplishment gained attention online shortly after Rockstar brought Red Dead Redemption to the Switch and PS4, possibly serving as inspiration for the fan. Customizing Joy-Cons has been a favored hobby among creative Switch owners since the console's release, with numerous projects showcasing custom designs inspired by beloved franchises such as The Legend of Zelda and Pokemon.

Reddit user GameTraderZero_Mods recently showcased their latest creation - a pair of custom Switch Joy-Cons inspired by Red Dead Redemption. The result is a set of unique controllers in a striking matte red shade, slightly darker than Nintendo's classic Neon Red color for the right Joy-Cons.

The left Joy-Con boasts a simple yet captivating dirt-like pattern, complemented by U.S. flag star shapes directly derived from the Red Dead Redemption box cover art. On the other hand, the design for the right Switch controller draws inspiration from the same artwork, featuring clean silhouettes of horse riders surrounding the analog stick. These figures can also be found in the upper-right corner of the game's original box cover. GameTraderZero_Mods explained that they initially digitally crafted the design before transferring it onto regular Joy-Con shells with a flatbed printer, demonstrating their intricate technique.

Flatbed printers, also known as UV printers, are specialized machines that utilize ultraviolet light to cure and polymerize flat surfaces. This makes them ideal for printing on various materials such as paper, plastic, wood, ceramic, and metal. The creator of these unique Red Dead Redemption-themed Joy-Cons did not disclose the cost of this custom design, but it is reasonable to assume that it may have been in the range of $50. This estimation is based on the fact that replacement Switch controller shells are commonly available for about $20 per pair worldwide, and the cost of UV-printing two plastic objects similar in size to a Joy-Con is approximately the same.

This impressive customization project likely drew inspiration from the Switch version of Red Dead Redemption, which was released on August 17. The game received a mixed reception from fans, many of whom were hoping for a remastered edition rather than a simple re-release. Combined with Rockstar's decision to charge $49.99 for a 13-year-old action-adventure game, the Red Dead Redemption ports faced considerable pushback and even received negative reviews as a result.