The landscape of Nintendo Switch peripherals has shifted significantly since the console first launched with its iconic but occasionally fragile Joy-Cons. For years, third-party manufacturers have raced to solve the twin problems of ergonomic discomfort and the dreaded joystick drift. Among the sea of plastic shells and Bluetooth adapters, the CRKD Nitro Deck emerged as a gold standard for players who prefer their Switch in handheld mode. Now, the company has released the Nitro Deck Plus, a successor that manages to refine the premium experience while making a few controversial design choices that have sparked debate among enthusiasts.
At its core, the Nitro Deck Plus is a deck-style controller where the Switch console slides directly into a rigid frame, effectively turning it into a single, cohesive unit reminiscent of a Steam Deck. The primary draw remains the inclusion of Hall Effect sensors in the thumbsticks. Unlike traditional potentiometers found in official Nintendo hardware, these sensors use magnets to track movement, virtually eliminating the physical wear and tear that leads to stick drift. This technical superiority ensures that the controller remains precise for years, making it a sound investment for power users.
One of the most significant upgrades in the Plus model is the reconfigured layout of the right thumbstick. In the original version, some users complained that the stick was positioned too low, causing thumb fatigue during long sessions of high-intensity games like Splatoon 3 or Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. CRKD responded by moving the stick to a more natural, symmetrical position. This adjustment, combined with a more contoured grip on the back of the device, makes the Nitro Deck Plus feel significantly more substantial and comfortable in the hands than the standard Switch setup.
However, the quest for perfection often involves trade-offs, and the Nitro Deck Plus introduces a new Sidekick button system that has received mixed reviews. The company replaced the traditional back paddles with new programmable buttons located on the sides of the device. While this was intended to prevent accidental presses during heated gameplay, some long-time fans of the original Nitro Deck find the new placement less intuitive. It requires a slight adjustment in grip style, which may frustrate those who had already mastered the muscle memory of the previous iteration.
Connectivity has also seen a major overhaul. The new model features an integrated HDMI output via USB-C, allowing players to dock their Switch directly through the controller without needing the bulky official Nintendo dock. This makes the Nitro Deck Plus an exceptional travel companion, as it serves as both a high-end handheld grip and a portable docking station. Furthermore, the addition of a dedicated ‘Easy Bond’ system simplifies the process of connecting the controller to a PC or other consoles, broadening its utility beyond just the Nintendo ecosystem.
Despite these technological leaps, the device is not without its minor setbacks. The increased feature set has led to a slightly bulkier profile, and the removal of the original’s quick-release latch system means swapping consoles in and out of the deck is a bit more cumbersome than before. For users who frequently switch between handheld and television play, this added friction might be a point of contention. Additionally, the premium price point places it firmly in the enthusiast category, though the build quality largely justifies the cost.
Ultimately, the CRKD Nitro Deck Plus represents a bold step forward in the evolution of gaming accessories. It addresses the most glaring hardware flaws of the Nintendo Switch while adding modern conveniences like Hall Effect technology and integrated video output. While the new button layout and increased size might not appeal to every segment of the market, it remains the most robust and feature-rich way to play the Switch on the go. As the gaming community looks toward the future of Nintendo hardware, CRKD has set a high bar for what a professional-grade handheld controller should provide.
