As you can see from the pictures I posted in the other thread, I had the cosule removed ( was installing a short shifter ) the other guy I was helping stated it can be done by removing the cover only. Since you are going to replace the switch, there is no problem removing it by breaking the clips that hold it in place.
Give it a try. This way or the other, removing the consule is a 10 minutes job. You can find the exact instructions here:
Pelican Technical Article: Installing a Boxster Short Shift Kit (SSK) and Replacing Boxster Shift Bushings - 986 / 987
Look at figure 3. The only tricky part is removing the screw hidden under the coin holder inside the armrest compartment.
Good luck.