The Arcade Light Switch Cover

What it is and what it is made of

The Arcade Light Switch Cover is a decorative wall plate for a standard rocker switch. It is made of ABS, a hard plastic that holds its shape and color over time. The cover has a flat face with a cutout for the switch, so the switch stays easy to reach and use.

The design comes in two styles. The arcade joystick style shows a small joystick shape. The gamepad style shows a button layout. Both styles sit flush against the wall and cover the switch opening the same way a plain wall plate does.

Size and fit

The cover measures 3.39 x 3.39 in (8.6 x 8.6 cm). That square size fits a standard rocker switch opening. The cover is sold as a single piece, so you can match one switch or order more than one for a row of switches.

Check the switch in your wall before you order. A standard rocker switch has a flat paddle that rocks up and down. This cover is made for that switch type. It is not made for a toggle switch with a small lever, and it is not made for a dimmer dial.

Styles

You pick the style when you order. The arcade joystick style suits a game room, a home office or a hallway near a play area. The gamepad style suits the same spaces and reads clearly as a retro game reference. Both styles use the same material and the same size, so the choice comes down to the look you want on the wall.

Because the cover is sold as a single piece, you can mix styles in one room. Use a joystick cover on one switch and a gamepad cover on the next. You can also keep one style across a whole wall for a cleaner look.

How to fit it

Turn off power to the switch at the breaker before you start. Take off the old wall plate and set the screws aside. Line up the new cover over the switch opening and press it into place. The cover fits a standard rocker switch, so the opening lines up with the switch paddle.

Use the mounting holes in the cover to fix it to the wall box. Tighten the screws by hand until the cover sits flat. Do not over tighten, because ABS can crack under too much force. Turn the power back on and test the switch.

If the cover does not sit flat, check that the switch is centered in the opening. A switch that sits at an angle can push the cover away from the wall. Adjust the switch, then set the cover again.

Care

Wipe the cover with a dry cloth. A dry cloth lifts dust and light marks without wetting the surface. Avoid wet cloths, sprays and harsh cleaners, because moisture and strong chemicals can dull the finish over time. Keep the cover away from direct heat.

Where it works well

This cover suits a game room, a basement, a home office, a hallway or a bedroom. It also works as a small gift for someone who likes retro games. The square shape and the two style choices make it easy to match a room that already has a game theme.

If you are covering more than one switch, order the number of covers you need. Each order is a single cover, so a wall with three switches needs three covers. The same cover fits each standard rocker switch in the room.