If you've got an abandoned Switch at home, or are buying someone else's, the CRKD Nitro Deck is a fantastic upgrade to sketchy (or even perfectly functional) Nintendo hardware. We'd particularly recommend the console grip to adults who might find the Switch to be just a touch too small to handle comfortably. Just... get the version with the included case, since any official Nintendo gear will be too small.
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Design
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Comfort
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Features
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Value
Stuff recently got its hands on the CRKD Nitro Deck, specifically the Goat Simulator 3 edition, and we’ve been having loads of fun goofing off in the office seriously testing the hardware. Part of the review was conducted using the CRKD Neo S controller (look for that review tomorrow), but we were mostly concerned with CRKD’s grip as a standalone item for this review.
Looking at new Nintendo Switch accessories right now might seem counterintuitive, but since the sequel has just launched, there are likely to be loads of players looking to offload the last generation at a reduced price. Since the original hardware was a little drifty in the thumbstick area, it’s worth considering a Hall-effect-capable grip upgrade instead of Nintendo’s stock hardware.
Is it in stock?
First, a few explanations. The Nitro Deck Goat Simulator 3 edition is, in terms of hardware, the same as the various stock options, so no matter its external appearance, consider this review applicable. It’s distinct from the also-impressive Nitro Deck+ in that it uses offset thumbsticks. The Plus version keeps both sticks at about the same position on the sides of the Nintendo Switch’s display, while here the right thumbstick is situated below the face buttons.
In terms of layout, expect much the same as you would from the standard Switch. The grip accepts and securely holds a Nintendo Switch (original or OLED version), supplying a solid handheld platform that replicates Ninty’s layout. The included D-pad is undoubtedly better, the thumbsticks are quite an upgrade, and there’s plenty of room for larger hands to operate the triggers and shoulder buttons.
On the downside? There’s no internal battery, so don’t expect longer uptime, and it’s bulkier than Nintendo’s original vision. Any cases and other bits will have to be retired, too. Overall, though, it offers a solid platform for handheld gaming, while the integrated kickstand lets you rest your wrists if you’d rather use a controller.
Not much to it
Setup is as simple as a quick tweak in the Switch’s settings menu to swap out your default controller for a wired Switch Pro. That’s what the Nitro Deck registers as when in use. Then you slip the Switch screen inside and lift it up. It doesn’t get simpler. Extraction involves lifting a small tab that resides where the kickstand rests.
There are input and output USB-C ports at the rear of the Nitro Deck that allow for charging or wired controllers (input) or docking the unit (output). You’ll have to figure out the mechanics of that on your own, or you can just extract the screen and slot it, unadorned, into your dock.
Better buttons
The stars of the show, whether you’re flipping and whizzing through Mario Kart 8 Deluxe or dodging and weaving in Bayonetta, are the Nitro Deck’s thumbsticks. Hall Effect sensors ensure that stick drift is an unlikely proposition, while the sticks themselves are flippy and responsive. We found ourselves overshooting targets simply because we were used to compensating for sluggish hardware.
The face buttons and D-pad are similarly solid, offering enough give and tactile response to let you know when something was pressed. They’re also an improvement over the original Nintendo offering, with just enough size being added under your fingers to make playing games easier.
The shoulder and trigger buttons use the increased space along the upper section to give your fingers more space to work. The cramped Joy-Con controller will probably be relegated to a shelf, or a visiting player, once you lay hands on the Nitro Deck. Around back, four programmable switches let you customise your playing for further handheld comfort. The only issue? The lowered thumbstick placement does cause a little more fatigue than we’d like from our handheld.
CRKD Nitro Deck verdict
Overall, though, slipping a Switch into one of CRKD’s Nitro Deck grips is an excellent way to revitalise the ageing console. First-time buyers, whether new or second-hand (but especially the latter), would benefit from swapping out Nintendo’s default controllers for one of these. The added thickness doesn’t come with much more weight attached, there’s more space for fingers to grip and press, and the build is solid enough that you’ll be okay with entrusting the main console hardware to it for extended periods.
We’d have liked an internal battery boost from the Nitro Deck, but that would have jacked up the price. Besides, you can’t have everything. As it stands, though, the R1,000 or so you can expect to pay for one of these (Amazon stocks and ships ’em, kids) is money well spent.
