Nitro Deck+, from Embracer-owned CRKD, follows the original Deck, a popular controller option for the Switch. That one-piece Joy-Con replacement stick has the Hall Effect stick, a more Steam Deck-like look, and an entire line of aesthetics for style or nostalgia. We has reviewed in that first model, but now CRKD is looking to address some of the shortcomings with this new revision.
Let’s start by talking about the new controls! Nitro Deck+ swaps the joysticks for a symmetrical layout. Obviously this is a big ask, but ultimately it’s a matter of choice. It’s true that many games favor analog controls, and all the extra programmable buttons are there to allow you to keep your thumb on the joystick at all times, but this change is also different from the Switch’s default layout and can lead to some weirdness. The base configuration of the Switch gives players some room to hold it in different ways, allowing you to position your hands to comfortably reach the buttons regardless of hand layout or size. Nitro Deck+ wants you to hold it in a specific way, and that’s more than you want when you need to use the D-pad and face buttons.
There are two new inputs, which CRKD calls “sidekick buttons”, on the side of the analog joystick. There might be a use for them, beyond the four paddles on the back, and that mobile app lets you remap them at will. Honestly, we think we’ll have a hard time finding a use case for the new side buttons! They’re in a strange position and they don’t make much sense in action. But combined with the right-side joystick swap and the Nitro Deck’s overall weight, we found it comfortable using them to button-mash through menus and prompts between bursts of action.
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 the menu buttons – are glossy, while the D-pad, bumpers, and additional keys are matte. This is definitely a matter of preference, but we’re fans of matte for long-term use. It’s definitely a little odd to see a device split the difference like this. It was the same on the first model, so it’s something CRKD has committed to.
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 is it? doHowever, it does allow you to connect it to the company’s app. This is for firmware updates and custom control mappings, and with so many extra buttons, easier remapping could be a nice thing. (There are also instructions for remapping buttons without the app in the online manual, which reminds us of the good old days of universal TV remotes.)
Our experience with the app was a little spotty—it would lose connection with the device pretty quickly—but it worked to remap inputs. Of course, to get there, you have to either get past the company’s nearly unbearable “collection” strategy, register your device to an account, and log your “responses” with the device’s serial number, or say no to about 12 system prompts trying to access your microphone and camera. Oofa doofa, this is an option.
Nitro Deck+ also adds a “docked mode”, which again may come with some caveats. You’ll need a USB-C to HDMI adapter, which the company sells separately. And could you theoretically continue to use the controls while doing that? But that really depends 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 during our testing, even when we sat right next to the screen, small hand movements jostled the cables and momentarily lost the connection.
In fact, we actually like to call it “dock mode”. Being able to use it as a replacement dock, so you can keep the Nitro Deck+ assembled, or so you can plug in a secondary monitor without buying an additional first-party monitor, might be useful! But in those cases, we’d probably still recommend using a different controller. The more sturdy kickstand on the back of the device is also a significant help for such a use case.
Now there’s an eject button too? It doesn’t push the system out of the Deck the way you want it to, but that’s probably not something they could design. Instead, it’s a latch that you pull to hold the Switch tighter, so it fits snugly and lets you take the system out when you need it. Since it just plugs into a USB-C port and acts like a wired Pro Controller instead of clicking the Joy-Con stick, it’s likely that CRKD had to come up with some sort of scheme like this to be safer.
The aesthetic choices of the Nitro Deck+ are a bit of a “where do we go from here” after all the choices of the first model. There are two color options available for the new device at launch, with our review unit having a clear white front, solid white back, and black buttons. Why are the analog stick bases also metallic purple? These options may be perfect for you, but they’re not the right choice for retro or safe-color builds.
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 on the Nitro Deck line of accessories, check out look at the original model.
