CRKD Nitro Deck (Hardware)
Official GBAtemp Review
Product Information:
- Official Store: https://crkd.gg/pages/nitro-deck
The Nintendo Switch has been Nintendo’s current-gen system for the last six years; and despite some soft refresh in the form of the Switch Lite and Switch OLED, the hybrid device hasn’t had a proper upgrade. With ageing hardware and specs, a successor to the Switch is imminent.
Yet, the Switch is still a popular device with new games such as The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Super Mario RPG maintaining interest in the console. These show that the Switch still has much to offer to gamers; and even when its successor arrives, it will likely receive new games for a few more years.
In what appears to be an attempt to give the Nintendo Switch hardware some renewed love and some support during its last stretch, CRKD launched the Nitro Deck. This accessory is essentially a controller grip for the regular Switch and the OLED models that replaces the Switch’s Joy-Cons; and also comes with some extra bells and whistles. We’ll take a closer look at it in this review.
Content and specs
The Nitro Deck starts at €70 but CRKD has a number of different editions that cost a bit more, and the model under review is the Classic Grey Limited Edition. The latter features among the Nostalgia Collection, costs €100 and comes with the following:
- Nitro Deck Classic Grey Limited Edition
- Carry Case
- Shoulder Strap
- 2.5m (8.2ft) USB-C Cable
- Thumbstick Toppers
- User manual
Some of the Nitro Deck’s specs can be found below
Hardware impressions
When taking the Nitro Deck out of its box, I was positively surprised by how lightweight the accessory was. This was because I was under the illusion that being rather thick, the Nitro Deck would also be quite heavy. However, it weighs 272g, which is still heavier than the Switch with Joy-Cons attached, but does not add so much extra weight that the handheld is uncomfortable.
I was also immediately in love with the SNES colour palette. The grey shell and purple-coloured face and back buttons immediately bring up the image of the iconic console’s controller, and this aesthetic feels right at home on the Switch. CRKD has a number of retro-inspired Nitro Deck models from GameCube-inspired ones to transparent shells to satisfy that nostalgic itch.
In addition to the looks, CRKD put much effort in crafting a quality accessory. The hardware is sturdy, feels premium and is comfortable to use (more on that later). The Nostalgia Collection also comes with the hard carry case which is sturdy and provides some peace of mind as it will securely store the Switch and Nitro Deck.
I would also recommend considering the Nostalgia Collection or CRKD’s other collection over the Base Model as they come with a dedicated hard carry case. With the Switch fitted in the Nitro Deck, it will be hard to find a case that fits the device for travel and storage purposes. The dedicated carry case from CRKD, which is sold separately for $35, fits the whole kit perfectly and will ensure it is securely stored. It also has slots for your game cartridges and a meshed pocket to store small accessories.
It’s worth noting that CRKD has a companion that lets you add your Nitro Deck (and future accessories) to your account. It works as a collectible system, showing you your device’s number from the batch and its rarity.
CRKD Nitro Deck: upgrading the Switch’s essentials
While the Nitro Deck takes away the Switch’s ability to split its controllers, the accessory offers a general upgrade over the Joy-Cons. One of the major complaints over the latter has been the notorious “stick drift” and the Nitro Deck uses Hall Effect-based thumbsticks to address this issue. With such thumbsticks, the drift issue is essentially a thing of the past as the magnetic effects that they are based upon are immune to wear-and-tear that leads to stick drift. It’s also welcome that the stick toppers are swappable to enable further customisation and replacement.
The Nitro Deck also introduces a proper D-pad, compared to the Joy-Con’s individual keys, and this will appeal to fans of retro consoles or simply those looking for a better D-pad. As for the face buttons and joysticks, they are all easily accessible, and pack a layout akin to the Joy-Cons. This makes using the device familiar and the feedback they deliver is also satisfying.
Holding the Nitro Deck-equipped Switch is also satisfying as the handgrips provide some added ergonomics and comfort. The grips are also textured which is welcome, although I would have preferred if the grips were rubberised as it would further add to the comfort and premium feel.
Also improved is the kickstand. The Nitro Deck has an integrated kickstand that can be folded up to practically 180 degrees, allowing you a wider range for leaning the device. Near the kickstand, and closer to the handgrips, is a total of four back buttons. These can be remapped to virtually any face/shoulder keys and are really great additions for the Switch (or any controller for that matter) as they make accessing some keys easier.
Another positive aspect of the Nitro Deck is its low latency. It operates by seamlessly sliding the console onto the accessory where it will lock in place and connect directly via the USB-C port. This lag-free experience is a bonus for competitive games but also beneficial for single-player games. Even if the Switch's USB-C port is occupied by the Nitro Deck, you will still be able to charge the console through the accessory as it supports pass-through charging.
Unlike some third-party controllers and controller grips, the Nitro Deck supports is gyro compatible and has rumble support. This makes it really a great contender for replacing your Joy-Cons. You’ll only be missing out on the split controller option as well as Amiibo support as the Nitro Deck does not feature this.
Should you switch to the Nitro Deck?
Personally, the Nitro Deck has become my go-to way to use the Nintendo Switch. As I almost exclusively use the device in handheld mode, the Nitro Deck is a perfect upgrade for the Joy-Cons. The buttons feel familiar, if not better, and the mappable back buttons are very handy for actions that otherwise require a reach such as L/R or L3/R3. I even wish that this controller grip would have been released earlier during the Switch’s lifespan so that I could enjoy the extras it provides for the system.
However, my main complaint is with the Nitro Deck’s thickness. It makes the Switch considerably thicker, which I think goes against the device’s very ethos. While handheld gaming PCs like the Steam Deck and AYANEO KUN have made thicker handhelds more acceptable, or at least more common, their thickness equates to their innards which pack more powerful specs. The Switch’s being relatively thin and light in comparison is arguably the tradeoff for its lower specs and performance. With the Nitro Deck, this aspect of the Switch is taken away.
I could make peace easier with the thickness if the Nitro Deck also doubled as a power bank for the Switch. The thickness would allow, and even justify, such a feature but it’s not present on this device. Sure, this would add to the weight of the accessory but it would be an acceptable trade-off for extra game time. These downsides could be addressed in a future iteration, potentially even for the Switch’s successor.
But while we wait for this successor, the Nitro Deck will be a great companion to the Switch, giving it some renewed love in its last stretch of its lifespan. If you can overlook the thickness and lack of extra batter, the Nitro Deck will upgrade your Nintendo Switch’s controls in nearly every way. It represents a great first outing for CRKD, and I look forward to what they come up with next.
Verdict
- Comfortable accessory
- Upgrades the Nintendo Switch with back buttons
- Hall effect-based joysticks that eliminate stick drift
- Includes proper D-pad
- Nostalgia Collection comes with carry case
- Adds some considerable thickness to the Switch
- No extra battery despite accessory size
