We're currently experiencing an exceptionally high workload and are working through a large backlog of customer emails and mail-in consoles.

As a result:
✉️ Email responses may take much longer than usual.
⏱️ Current turnaround time for console mods and repairs is approximately 14 days.

Every console receives the same level of care and attention, and we won't compromise on quality to rush jobs through. We sincerely appreciate your patience and support while we work through the backlog, and we're truly sorry for any delays in email replies.

General & Service Inquiries

What Nintendo Switch models do you modify? We install modchips on all Nintendo Switch models, including the V1, V2, Lite, and OLED. The processing power (Nvidia Tegra processor and 4GB RAM) is identical across all models, so games will perform exactly the same regardless of which version you own. We also install various mods across all consoles, including the Nintendo Switch 2.

Do you sell pre-modded consoles? No, we strictly operate as an installation and repair service. You will need to purchase the console yourself and mail it in to our workshop for the modification.

Where are you located? Can I drop my console off in person? We are located in Tullamarine, VIC. However, we operate exclusively as a mail-in workshop. For security and insurance reasons, our facility is closed to the public, and we do not accept in-person drop-offs or pick-ups under any circumstances.

What is your current turnaround time? Turnaround times can fluctuate depending on our current backlog, but we generally ask that you allow roughly 14 days from the moment your console lands on our bench for the work to be completed and shipped back to you.

Pricing & Payment

How much does the Switch modchip installation cost? Our pricing is a flat rate across all Switch models:

• Modchip & Installation: $189 (Includes the supply of the chip, professional micro-soldering, and basic software setup (More info below).

• Return Express Postage: $35 (Includes Express Post with Signature on Delivery and full insurance, however shipping prices can vary).

Do I have to pay upfront? No! In most cases no upfront payment is required, we will send you an invoice only after the installation and setup are fully completed and your console is ready to ship back.

What payment methods do you accept? We accept the following payment methods:

• Direct Transfer (Osko / PayID / Bank Details) - No fee

• PayPal - Subject to a 2.6% Goods & Services surcharge which is collected by PayPal.

Shipping & Preparation

How should I pack my console? Please pack the tablet only. We do not need your Joy-Cons, dock, or chargers (unless you are having specific Joy-Con rail repairs or mods done). Wrap the tablet securely in plenty of bubble wrap and place it in a sturdy box.

• Important: Please include a piece of paper inside the box with your Name, Return Address, and Email.

How do I ship it to you? You can use Australia Post, but Signature on Delivery is essential. It is unsafe for Australia Post to leave expensive consoles unattended outside our closed workshop. Signature on Delivery ensures your device is handed directly to our technicians. We'd also highly recommend opting for Express Post.

Do I need to send a Micro SD card? Yes, a MicroSD card is required for the setup, with a minimum capacity of 128GB.

You are welcome to supply your own card and include it with your console, or we can provide one for an additional cost. If supplying your own MicroSD card, it must be a genuine, high-quality card from a reputable brand. We recommend Samsung for its excellent performance and reliability, or SanDisk for its proven reliability.

• Warning: If you send your own micro SD card, it will be completely formatted and wiped during our setup process. Please back up any important data before shipping. Your Switch's internal memory (sysNAND), however, will be backed up.

Software & Legalities

What is included in the basic software setup? We provide a clean, pre-configured environment with everything you need to get started:

• emuNAND Creation: We create an emuNAND, which is an isolated copy of your console's internal storage located on the micro SD card. The custom firmware environment runs entirely from this emuNAND, keeping your original stock system (sysNAND) completely separate and safe.

• HATS Pack: We install Sthetix's HATS pack, an all-in-one package that includes the Hekate bootloader, Atmosphere custom firmware, and essential homebrew tools and payloads. Your console will be fully configured to boot safely into this custom environment.

Can you load games onto my console or help me set up emulators? No. Handheld Space strictly follows all Australian laws. We provide the expert physical installation of the modchip and the basic foundational software setup. We do not, under any circumstances, install ROMs, pirated software, or copyrighted content. More so, it is illegal for us to offer software support, guides, or advice on how to source or install downloaded games. You will need a moderate level of technical ability to utilize your own homebrew software once the console is returned to you.

Since we handle a lot of BYO (Bring Your Own) parts for custom builds, we see firsthand what works, what lasts, and what belongs in the bin. To help you get the best results for your console and avoid wasting money on subpar mods, here is a breakdown of the parts and suppliers we actually trust on our bench.

Custom Housings & Shells

If you want to change up the look of your console, eXtremeRate is hands-down the best in the business. While no aftermarket shell is 100% perfect, theirs are as close to original OEM quality as you can get. We highly recommend avoiding generic replacement shells from sites like AliExpress or Temu. The plastic is often brittle, and poor fitment can lead to creaking or require extra trimming and labor to get right.

• Customer Bonus: Use the code HandheldSpace at checkout to get 5% off your eXtremeRate order.

Hall Effect & TMR Thumbsticks

Our honest advice: do not replace your thumbsticks unless your current ones are actually drifting or broken. While aftermarket Hall Effect sticks sound great on paper, our testing shows they often introduce a bunch of new quirks, such as physical axis wiggle or requiring much larger deadzones to function properly. We aren't saying great thumbstick replacements don't exist, but finding a set that reliably and consistently functions as you'd expect is not as easy of a task as it should be and even the best brands can be hit or miss.

In our experience however, GuliKit has been the best of the bunch, but even those have a higher-than-average defect rate, so much so that we aren't comfortable supplying or warrantying them ourselves. We are always happy to install them if you supply your own, but please keep these risks in mind!

Micro SD Cards

Good storage is critical for a great modding experience. We highly recommend the Samsung Evo Plus line. Their performance speeds with the Switch are unmatched, handling system backups significantly faster than competitors, and we have experienced absolutely zero reliability issues with them in our workshop. SanDisk cards are also fantastically reliable, but we've seen much slower sustained performance with them (their slower speeds actually make our job on the bench take longer!).

Modchips

You don't need to worry about sourcing these! All modchips are directly supplied, professionally installed, and fully warrantied by Handheld Space for 12 months as part of our standard base service.