Like many other things, the Nintendo Switch has been suffering immense shortages worldwide. There are numerous reasons for this, ranging from the Coronavirus to ill-intentioned would-be entrepreneurs, but the problems that arise from it affect everybody. Not only is the console incredibly difficult to find, it is also being sold at well above market value.
In order to fix this problem, one Reddit user, Sarbaaz37, has actually built his own Nintendo Switch from scratch using parts that anyone could buy. Additionally, he has created an entire guide on how anyone can build their own console as well for close to the same amount it costs to buy one fresh.
Of course, it is worth noting that the procedure is in no way easy, and The Best War Games does not recommend attempting to build a custom Nintendo Switch as that can be just as harmful to the Nintendo as piracy or scalping, but the feat is impressive nonetheless.
The Coronavirus pandemic has caused people to purchase the Switch and its popular games such as Animal Crossing: New Horizons in droves, but the real source of the shortage comes from scalpers, people who purchase large quantities of the Switch and then sell them back at higher price, sometimes double the market value. This kind of behavior not only damages the company but also takes advantage of consumers and is very selfish, especially when paired with the crisis that is the ongoing international pandemic.
Sarbaaz37's custom Nintendo Switch makes use of a 100% working OEM Nintendo Switch replacement logic board motherboard, which allows it to run all Nintendo Switch games at full functionality. This is also the most expensive and difficult to procure piece of the build, sitting at around $95. Altogether, the build comes out to an estimated $200, a full $100 cheaper than the market value of the actual Nintendo Switch. Of course, this doesn't factor in the time it would take to build it and the risk of doing so incorrectly or damaging any of the parts. All in all, it is still generally a better idea simply to buy the console, but that isn't an option for many at the moment.
Public reaction to the feat has widely been one of disbelief, and many understandably feel that they do not have the technical know how to pull something like this off. That said, Sarbaaz37's guide is relatively step by step, but many still prefer to wait until the Switch comes back in stock.
The Nintendo Switch is available now.