Theoriginal Nitro Deck from CRKDwas a solid add-on to any Nintendo Switch owner’s array of accessories. Its ability to give the Switch a little more heft, customizable paddles, and swappableHall effect joysticksmade the Nitro Deck worth recommending, but CRKD wasn’t done tinkering. With its Nitro Deck+, CRKD is making a few changes to the design of its Nintendo Switch add-on that make it more versatile and customizable.
Nitro Deck+ Design: New Thumbstick Orientation
It was going to be hard to top the nostalgia-fueled retro purple color scheme of the original Nitro Deck (meant to look like theGamecube controller), so CRKD opted for something a little more “cool.” The Nitro Deck+ comes in either a clear black or white version that lets you see some of the device’s internals. Granted, the Nitro Deck+ doesn’t have a lot to showcase under its hood, but the clear black version I was sent looks nice.
CRKD’s biggest change with the Nitro Deck+ is the joystick orientation. While the original Nitro Deck mimicked the offset joystick configuration of the Switch, the Nitro Deck Plus opts for a symmetrical joystick layout. Obviously, personal preference is going to come into play here, but with a lot of thePC gaming handheldsalso featuring symmetrical thumbsticks, it makes sense why CRKD went in this direction.
Nitro Deck+ Key Features
Personally, the symmetrical joysticks are a little more comfortable because the Nitro Deck+ adds some size on top of the Switch. Having to wrap your hands around the device and get your right thumb into the offset position was a little less comfortable than having it symmetrical now.
While the Nitro Deck+ adds some size to the Switch it doesn’t add a lot of weight. The design is fairly lightweight.
The other change in the Nitro Deck+ design is the addition of two programmable side buttons just to the left and right of the joysticks. You can rest the lower joints of your trigger fingers on these joints and be able to get an extra two buttons without changing your hand orientation. It’s an addition that isn’t going to offer a ton of use cases for the average Switch gamer, but you have to appreciate CRKD making the most of its device’s real estate.
Like the original Nitro Deck, the Plus version also includes four programmable back paddles – two on the left and two on the right. So, in reality, you will have access to six buttons without meaningfully changing your hand orientation. Back paddles are always a nice touch onpremium console controllersand they have become the norm for handhelds as well. CRKD’s implementation is solid even if 6 buttons will be overkill for a lot of people.
Nitro Deck+ is Better in Every Way for Switch Owners
One of my sole criticisms in myreview of the Nitro Deckwas that the Switch release button was a little finicky, and I’m happy to report the Nitro Deck+ does not have that problem. It’s easy to get your Nintendo Switch in and out of the device without any extra effort.
The flip-out kickstand is back for the Nitro Deck+, and the back has a nice grip texture to ensure it is snug in your hands. As with the original, the Nitro Deck+ pulls power from the Switch itself so mileage will vary based on the battery health of your Nintendo handheld. There is, of course, a USB-C plug in the back of the Nitro Deck+ that will charge your Switch in the device, as well as a USB-C output port for playing in docked mode.
CRKD is also offering a USB-C to HDMI adapter that allows the Nitro Deck+ to act as a full dock for the Nintendo Switch, charging the device and outputting its video signal to a TV orgaming monitor. Unfortunately, the adapter is an extra cost and not included.
CRKD has addressed criticisms of the original Nitro Deck and made the device even better with the Nitro Deck+. It’s a solid, well-made accessory that removes any concern of stick drift, adds some utility with the side buttons and back paddles, and retains all the functionality of the Switch through its output port. The main concern is still battery life but for those that don’t plan on overly long gameplay sessions, there shouldn’t be much of an issue. Ultimately, it’s the $69.99 price ($79.99 with the HDMI adapter) that will determine how enticing the Nitro Deck+ is to you, but there’s no question CRKD has delivered a fully featured Switch accessory that is great for handheld fans.
CRKD Nitro Deck+
The Nitro Deck+ is an upgraded version of CRKD’s Nintendo Switch accessory featuring symmetrical thumbsticks and programmable back and side buttons.
The CRKD Nitro Deck+ is available now for $69.99 or $79.99 bundled with the HDMI Adapter. Game Rant was provided a unit for this review.
