The Nitro Deck+, from CRKD, a company owned by Embracer, is the follow-up to the original Deck, a popular controller option for the Switch. That one-piece replacement Joy-Con set features Hall Effect sticks, a more Steam Deck-like shape, and a whole line of aesthetics for style or nostalgia. We has reviewed in that first model, but now CRKD is looking to address some of those shortcomings with this new revision.
Let’s start by talking about the new controls! Nitro Deck+ swaps the positions of the joysticks using a symmetrical layout. That’s obviously a big ask, but in the end it’s just a matter of choice. It’s true that many games favor analog controls, and all the extra programmable buttons are there to let you keep your thumbs on the sticks, but this change also differs from the Switch’s default scheme, and can lead to some strange things. The basic configuration of the Switch gives players some freedom to hold it in a variety of ways, allowing you to position your hand to comfortably reach the buttons regardless of layout or hand size. Nitro Deck+ wants you to hold it a specific way and higher than you want when you need to use the D-pad buttons and watch face.
There are two new inputs, which CRKD calls “secondary buttons,” on the side of the analog stick. They can be used, in addition to the four paddles on the back, and that mobile app allows you to rearrange them as desired. Honestly, we think we’ll have a hard time finding a use case for the new side buttons! They are in a strange position and don’t make much sense in the course of action. But combined with the stick swap button on the right and the general heft of the Nitro Deck, we felt comfortable using them to cycle through menus and prompts between takes.
While testing this, we also worked on Banana Rumble reviewand it’s a great test of control precision. For context, we’re currently using a Switch Lite and a Pro Controller, both of which are a few years old, so it might not be entirely fair to compare them to other products. That said, the Nitro Deck+’s buttons also feel stiff in a way that could use some breaking in, so it might even out in the end. Still, even without messing with the app setup, the Deck+ offers more granular and precise control, and makes navigating the pad a bit easier but noticeably easier.
About half of the inputs – A, B, X, Y, ZL, ZR and menu buttons – are glossy, while the D-pad, bumpers and secondary keys are matte. It’s definitely a priority, but we’re fans of the matte material for long-term use. It’s certainly a little strange to see the device splitting the difference like this. The first model was the same so that’s what CRKD was committed to doing.
The Bluetooth functionality added in this new version may not be what you expect. It won’t let you use it as a proper Pro Controller, which is separate from the console, maybe in case you need another pad for multiplayer. There is no battery inside so you Maybe use it, but you will need to plug it in with a cable. What it does dohowever, allows you to connect it to the company’s app. This is for firmware updates and customizing control mapping, and with so many extra buttons, easier remapping could be a great thing. (There are also instructions for remapping the buttons without the app in the online manual, which reminds us of the good old days of universal TV remotes.)
Our experience with this app was a bit shaky – it would lose connection to the device quite quickly – but it does have a function to remap inputs. Of course, to get there, you have to overcome the company’s almost unacceptable “collection” strategy, registering your device with an account and recording your “reactions” with device serial number or say no to about 12 system prompts trying to access your microphone and camera. Oofa doofa, this is a choice.
Nitro Deck+ also adds a “docked mode,” which again may come with some caveats. You’ll need a USB-C-to-HDMI adapter sold separately by the company. And you could theoretically continue to use the controls while doing that? But that will really depend on your cable length. The HDMI cable and power cable need to be plugged in at all times, so that doesn’t seem ideal. And in our testing, even when we pressed close to the screen, small hand movements would snag the cable and briefly lose the connection.
In fact, we’d actually call it more of a “dock mode.” It could be useful to double as a dock replacement, so you can keep your Nitro Deck+ built, or so you can plug in a secondary display without buying another first-party display! But in those cases, we’d probably still recommend using a different controller. A more sturdy kickstand on the back of the device would also help a lot in that use case.
Is there an eject button now too? It doesn’t push the system out of the Deck the way you want, but maybe that’s not something they could have designed. Instead, it’s a latch that you pull to hold the Switch tighter, so it can fit snugly and help you take the system out when you need it. Since the device simply plugs into a USB-C port and acts as a wired Pro Controller instead of clicking on a Joy-Con stick, it’s likely that CRKD had to come up with some scheme like this to make it safer.
Nitro Deck+’s aesthetic choices have a “where do we go from here” section, after all the choice options of the first model. There are two colors available for the new device at launch, with our review device having a clear white front, solid white back and black buttons. The base of the analog joystick is also metallic purple, for some reason? These options could absolutely work for you, but they aren’t the top picks for nostalgia or safe one-color options.
CRKD’s approach has its benefits, but it comes at a cost: weight. It felt comfortable for a while, but having spent so much time with the Switch Lite in recent years, it’s become a great platform for longer sessions. Whether it’s the Steam Deck or the Ayaneo Slide, a heavier portable device is always in our rotation! And this feels a lot like that, with a good grip and larger controls. But our wrists tend to wear out before the battery dies. If you’re playing a game that’s more focused on the face buttons, you’ll need to use a top-heavy grip, which adds a bit to the effect.
CRKD Nitro Deck+ is available through The company’s web site for $69.99 or a bundle that includes an HDMI adapter for an additional $10. For more information on the Nitro Deck line of accessories, check out look at the original model.
