This is the CRKD Nitro Deck 2 for most Switch models including the Switch 2 but excluding the Lite.
As a big fan who’s ordered multiple revisions of the original Nitro Deck and it absolutely was my most used Accessory on the Switch OLED, I want to like this new Nitro Deck for the Nintendo Switch 2 as much as the original.
The CRKD Nitro Deck 2 unfortunately has one glaring issue preventing that from being possible…
Let’s take a look
Open
The CRKD Nitro Deck has been amazing. With the first version I pre-ordered multiple Limited Run Nitro Decks for my Switches and immediately fell in love with them. Once they made a revision for the Switch OLED I was naturally first in line to get the updated Nitro Deck for the new handheld.
I’ve actually given away my originals to my friends who have recently purchased first generation Switch’s and they are still going strong. I still have the version for the Switch OLED and using it to this day.
A few basic features really made me fall in love with the CRKD Nitro Deck. Starting with the smoother and bigger joysticks than the Joycons Nintendo includes and the a DPAD. Because the sticks are built into the Deck, as long as your switch is mounted in it you didn’t have to worry about losing them.
Then there is the comfort. I have the unique opportunity to test a handful of controllers each year to find what works best for my hands.
The Original Nitro Deck gives off a very similar hand feel when gripping to what you get from a Steam Deck. I’m guessing that’s where the name came from.
The comfort however this wasn’t even the whst got me so excited about the Nitro Deck… it was the Decks rigidness. This was an absolute game changer for me.
One thing I’ve never enjoyed about the Switch is how the joycons often feel like they might separate or when they move in their position during gameplay [A lot of this has been addressed with the Switch 2].
The original Nitro Deck makes the Switch rigid on top of being comfortable. You just push the Switch into the Nitro Deck to a satisfying click and you are ready for comfortable sturdy Steam Deck feeling gameplay with normal joysticks.
CRKD really made a nearly perfect accessory [for me anyways].
What I don’t understand is why CRKD decided to take something so great and toss their standards out the window for the second version.
The Nitro Deck 2 is arguably more comfortable with better sticks than its predecessor. I’ve really taken a liking to the ergonomics and ability to change joystick tension.
With how comfortable the original Nitro Deck is I didn’t know there was ways CRKD would be able to do such great improvements. Anyone who upgrades to the Deck 2 will immediately notice how it feels like it’s molded to your hands.
The problem with the Nitro Deck 2 comes down to a fatal flaw with the new device. This all starts with CRKD not keeping their focus on individual Switch devices and instead attempting to create a grip that’s one sizes fits all generations.
Once you get past the loss of the satisfying click when the Switch was locked into the original Nitro Deck it all goes downhill from there.
Nitro Deck 2 has no sliding into position. You eyeball a notch in the bottom of your Switch 2 with the Deck 2, attempt to turn to the back while balancing the Switch 2 into position and then turn a ratcheting knob on the back while hoping turning the knob hasn’t knocked the Switch 2 off center while the edges of the Deck 2 contract.
After this game of millimeters getting your Switch 2 lined up you hope the Nitro Deck 2 is attached good enough. The Switch 2 is no longer held in with guard rails but instead now pressure from that knob you turned.
The problem here is flexing the Nitro Deck 2 ever so slightly causes the Switch 2 to separate from the Deck 2. This wasn’t possible with the old system thanks to the rails on the sides.
Oddly after all this you actually aren’t yet connected to the Nitro Deck 2 either. There is a “U” shaped USB-C to USB-C connector you have to attach the your Switch 2 and Nitro Deck 2 which acts as the controller cable attaching to the system.
This adapter prevents the Switch 2 from sitting even on a desk when using the kickstand and is obviously an afterthought in the design when everything else is so precise. The original Deck has the USB-C end sticking up which inserts into the Switch when you hear the click during docking.
I also learned this “U” shaped USB-C adapter is flimsy the hard way. I was going to put my Switch in the docking station when I forgot to unplug the adapter and snapped it off. There wasn’t much force used and I’m positive this is a design flaw that is going to haunt many people.
I actually found another USB-C to USB-C adapter that seems to work better with some flexibility. If you need a new adapter you can get what I’m now using here.
What Happened
With CRKD deciding to not make different versions of the Nitro Deck 2 for the various Switch models they created a janky docking solution. The solution isn’t as easy to use and is lacking a way to prevent the Switch from jumping out of the controls.
These poor design choices go all the way from the ratchet knob down to the Switch/Switch OLED bottom rail piece and the cheap USB-C adapter.
The Nitro Deck 2 is the equivalent of using a generic telescopic controller. It doesn’t feel like the ingenuity and craftsmanship we’ve come to know from CRKD.
Thoughts
As much as I’ve come to trust the CRKD brand and the things they have brought to the gaming space I can’t recommend the Nitro Deck 2. Even though it’s comfortable you can feel your Switch 2 shifting while gaming.
Sure you can try to tighten the knob more but it only turns so far. Overtightening feels and sounds like the device is going to break apart seeing as all the components are plastic.
The CRKD Nitro Deck 2 works great when it works, but its mounting system and USB-C connection are too unreliable.
If you want to try a CRKD Nitro Deck 2 out for yourself click the button below.
Do you have a Nitro Deck 2? Have you used the original Nitro Deck?
I can imagine CRKD will come out with an updated Nitro Devk in the future and we’ll be excitedly in line waiting to pick it up when they do. Infact we are already waiting now…
GameOn
CellPhish
