Review of the CRKD Nitro Deck

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Review of the CRKD Nitro Deck

The gaming world is buzzing with excitement as the Crkd Nitro Deck emerges as a groundbreaking accessory for the Nintendo Switch, delivering a host of significant upgrades to the beloved handheld console. What sets the Nitro Deck apart from the usual aftermarket Joy-Con replacements is its innovative design. Instead of attaching two separate controllers to both sides of the console, it offers a unique solution - sliding the entire Switch screen into a single housing unit. This results in a comprehensive suite of improvements, including pro-style back buttons, Hall effect thumbsticks to eliminate stick drift, tactile vibration feedback, and a low-latency connection facilitated by a direct USB-C connection.

Crkd Nitro Deck – Design and Features

The moment you slide your Nintendo Switch into the Nitro Deck, you'll notice a transformation in both form and function. Not only does it provide enhanced durability, but it also boasts a considerably more ergonomic grip compared to the standard Joy-Con controller. For those who have experienced the Steam Deck, the Nitro Deck offers a similar feel, albeit with a slightly lighter build.

The Nitro Deck is compatible with both the standard Nintendo Switch and the OLED model, fitting snugly into the housing thanks to embedded rails on each side of the unit. It establishes a direct connection through the USB-C port at the base of the Nintendo Switch, resulting in minimal latency compared to the standard Joy-Con controllers and other Bluetooth alternatives. Once inserted, it securely locks in place and can only be released by simultaneously pressing a button on the unit's rear while gently pulling the Nintendo Switch upward.

Arguably the standout feature of the Nitro Deck is the inclusion of Hall effect thumbsticks. While this technology isn't entirely new, it's less commonly found in controllers than traditional analog joysticks. The primary advantage of Hall effect sensors lies in their ability to eliminate stick drift, as they transmit inputs through electromagnetic signals, as opposed to the physical wear and tear that can lead to the infamous stick drift issue on many Nintendo Switch controllers.

The default thumbsticks on the Nitro Deck offer a larger surface area than the standard Joy-Con controllers. They feature a concave design with textured grips around the edges to ensure your thumbs stay in place during intense gaming sessions. Additionally, the thumbstick toppers are easily replaceable, ensuring your sticks are always fresh and customizable to suit your unique style.

While the Nitro Deck delivers a comfortable grip with its ergonomic design and textured grips, it does add some weight to the overall unit. The base Nintendo Switch weighs approximately 297g without the Joy-Con controllers attached (319g for the OLED model), while a pair of Joy-Con controllers weigh just under 100g, resulting in a total weight of around 400g. In contrast, the Nitro Deck by itself weighs 272g – nearly triple the weight added by a pair of Joy-Con. Thankfully, the weight distribution is well-balanced, making it comfortable for extended gaming sessions.

All the standard Nintendo Switch controls are present on the Nitro Deck, along with a few enhancements. On the left side, you'll find the left thumbstick, D-pad, minus button, and a capture button for taking screenshots. On the right side, you have the standard face buttons, plus button, right thumbstick, and the Crkd (pronounced "Cracked") button, which serves as the home button for the Nintendo Switch – more on this in a moment. The face buttons offer a satisfying, clicky feel with a bit more travel than the Joy-Con controllers. The D-pad is surprisingly precise, providing just the right amount of tension for fans of 2D and traditional fighting games. The Nitro Deck also includes cutouts to accommodate the Switch's internal speakers and built-in vibration for supported games.

The top of the Nitro Deck features four standard shoulder buttons: L1, L2, R1, and R2. These buttons are not only larger than the standard Joy-Con shoulder buttons but also feature a comfortable indentation for your fingers. L1 and R1 sport a soft, matte finish, while the rear shoulder buttons have a glossy texture and slightly more travel than their Joy-Con counterparts. A central cutout allows easy access to the Switch's built-in controls, including the power button, volume controls, headphone jack, and game card slot.

On the back of the Nitro Deck, you'll discover four programmable back buttons that can emulate any other button on demand. What's especially noteworthy, and somewhat unique among "pro" style controllers, is the ability to map multiple inputs to a single back button. Although it doesn't account for the timing of individual inputs, this feature allows you to create custom keybindings for unique situations, such as executing complex maneuvers in games without the need to press multiple buttons simultaneously. If you're not a fan of back buttons, you can easily disable them.

The rear of the Deck boasts a built-in kickstand, reminiscent of the standard Switch, albeit much sturdier. It can be extended to just under 90 degrees, providing the perfect angle for tabletop gaming or display while charging. On either side of the kickstand, you'll find a USB-C input and a USB-C output port. The input is for charging your Nintendo Switch while it's snugly inserted into the Nitro Deck, while the output allows you to connect to your Switch dock's USB port for playing on the big screen. You can also connect the Deck to a PC and use it as a controller with the built-in buttons. Additionally, a program button and the Switch release toggle for removing the console from the Nitro Deck are located below the back buttons.

As previously mentioned, the Crkd button not only returns you to your Switch's home screen but also conveys essential information through different LED colors. For instance, it changes to purple when configuring the back buttons, orange when in wired mode, and green when activating Turbo Mode. This mode allows you to bind a specific button for automatic, adjustable-speed presses at various intervals. The LED brightness can also be adjusted or completely turned off, which is a welcome feature given its default brightness can be quite intense.

Crkd Nitro Deck – Software

While the Nitro Deck doesn't require additional software to operate, there's an optional Crkd app available for users. This app allows you to register your Nitro Deck to your digital collection. The registration process involves "tapping" your phone to the Crkd logo on the back of the Deck, utilizing NFC technology to identify and add it to your virtual collection. Each Nitro Deck, and subsequently, future Crkd products, is assigned a rarity and number based on its batch placement. Lower numbers signify higher rarity. Once registered, each product becomes locked to your collection. However, if you decide to sell or gift your products, you can "unlock" them for others to register.

Upon tapping the Nitro Deck into your collection for the first time, you'll experience an engaging animation that slowly unveils your unique batch number and rarity. This process simulates the thrill of opening a pack of cards and searching for rare finds. For added excitement, you can opt to record your screen and microphone to capture your live reaction, which can be shared with friends.

It's important to note that this gamification of digital collectibles is a unique feature, and its widespread adoption remains uncertain. Currently, only a limited number of Nitro Decks are available in circulation. Additionally, it's essential to clarify that these products are not NFTs or blockchain-based digital assets

. They serve as a platform for showcasing your collection of Crkd products, and all of the Nitro Deck's features remain accessible without the app – none of the functionality is restricted to its use.

Crkd Nitro Deck – Gaming

Setting up the Nintendo Switch with the Nitro Deck is a straightforward process right out of the box. You only need to enable Pro Controller Wired Communication in the Settings app, which enables communication between the Deck and the Switch through the USB-C port at the bottom. Afterward, simply detach your Joy-Con controllers and insert the Switch into the Nitro Deck, and you're ready to dive into gaming.

During extensive testing, the Nitro Deck proved exceptionally comfortable for extended gaming sessions. Many users often experience hand cramps during prolonged Switch gameplay due to the console's ergonomics, or lack thereof. However, the Nitro Deck pleasantly surprised me with its ability to provide a comfortable grip, even with its noticeable weight. The weight distribution ensures a well-balanced feel that accommodates hands of all sizes.

While the Nintendo Switch isn't typically associated with competitive gaming, it does offer its fair share of titles that benefit from programmable back buttons, such as Apex Legends, Fortnite, and Overwatch 2, to name a few. However, even in non-competitive games, the back buttons can enhance your gameplay experience significantly.

The back buttons on the Nitro Deck can be customized on the fly, allowing you to tailor them to specific games or situations. For example, assigning the jump function in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate to one of the back buttons allowed me to maintain pressure on my opponents without having to lift my thumb from the attack buttons. This customization also proved useful in The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, where the jump action is traditionally mapped to the X button – a setup that often felt awkward to me. These small adjustments bring quality-of-life improvements to existing games that lack in-game button remapping. Moreover, the back buttons are conveniently positioned on both grips, ensuring easy access without straining your fingers. If back buttons aren't your preference, you can simply disable them and enjoy the Nitro Deck using the standard Nintendo Switch buttons.

One minor drawback I encountered with the Nitro Deck was the placement of the right thumbstick, which sits slightly lower than the standard Joy-Con controller. In games that heavily rely on the thumbstick for camera controls, it can feel a bit cumbersome for your thumb to traverse between the thumbstick and face buttons frequently. However, with some adaptation over time, I became accustomed to this minor inconvenience.

Another minor gripe involves the process of removing the Switch console from the Nitro Deck. Ideally, you'd leave the Switch in the Deck for most of your gaming sessions. Still, if you wish to transfer it to the big screen, removing the console requires pushing the release button with one hand and firmly pulling the Switch upwards from the screen. Since there's no designated handle to grip the Switch, this action necessitates applying pressure to the display, resulting in unsightly fingerprints and, for some, a feeling of unease when pressing forcefully on the sensitive OLED screen.

In conclusion, the Crkd Nitro Deck is a remarkable Nintendo Switch accessory that elevates the gaming experience with its innovative design, versatile features, and ergonomic enhancements. While it may add some weight to the console, its well-balanced distribution ensures comfort during extended gameplay. The inclusion of Hall effect thumbsticks, programmable back buttons, and a sturdy kickstand further bolster its appeal. The gamification aspect of the Crkd app adds a unique layer of engagement, although its widespread adoption remains uncertain. Despite minor quibbles, the Nitro Deck stands as a game-changing addition for Nintendo Switch enthusiasts, providing a competitive edge and enhanced comfort for an array of gaming experiences.