Summary
ASuper Mario Bros.fan has 3D printed an impressive custom Piranha Plant and Warp PipeSwitchdock. Since theSwitchwas released, multiple third parties have made their own docks for the console, but this one could be the most unique.
Nintendo made history in 2017 by having the first hybrid console made by one of the big three industry manufacturers. Due to the hybrid nature of the Nintendo Switch, owners either play the console handheld or on the TV. Because of the portability of the Switch, many gamers have multiple docks so they can take the unit from one TV to another. Going beyond the official or thethird-party Switch dock equivalents, some fans have custom units that implement the same tech. Noticing a design flaw in a Switch dock available on Etsy, oneSuper Mario Bros.fan has made an incredible Piranha Plant dock.
YouTuber Below Average Gaming recently shared a video showing off how they created a unique Piranha Plant Switch dock. The content creator was inspired by a Switch dock that he received as a gift which was less sturdy than they anticipated based on its online listing. Similar to its inspiration, this Piranha Plant dock features rails to connect up to 4 JoyCons and slots for 24 individualNintendo Switch game cartridges. Unlike the inspiration, the YouTuber’s Piranha Plant looks more accurate to theSuper Mario Bros.character. This iteration has 3D-printed teeth, thorns going up the vine, and a Warp Pipe base that has three components threaded together.
How Was This Piranha Plant Switch Dock Made?
Below Average Gaming primarily used Fusion 360 to nail the design of the Piranha Plant Switch dock. For the YouTuber to achieve the right shape, they implemented the measurements and design of a standardNintendo Switch consoleto create the dock inside the Piranha Plant’s mouth. A motherboard is wired at the base of the inside of the Warp Pipe which includes HDMI, USB, and USB-C ports on the front. Compared to the former dock, this YouTuber’s creation covers most of the Nintendo Switch screen, it’s a bit shorter, and it doesn’t tip over. The video concludes with footage highlighting how well the Piranha Plant dock works, withMario Kart 8 Deluxerunning in the background.
Given how popularSuper Mario Bros.and its spinoff titlesare on the Nintendo Switch, this Piranha Plant dock may be coveted by many fans. Although Below Average Gaming didn’t share the Fusion 360 files they used, the highlighted design process may help others make similar projects.
Switch
A late addition to the eighth console generation, the Nintendo Switch is a hybrid platform that can be experienced as a home or portable system. Launching with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, the platform has amassed a wide selection of triple-A and indie titles. Since the console’s debut, Nintendo has released two other models: the Switch Lite and OLED.
