CRKD Nitro Deck Review

CRKD Nitro Deck Review – A Huge Improvement

Huge improvement!

I’ve always been someone that plays my Nintendo Switch primarily in handheld mode, to the point that if I were to calculate the split since launch, I reckon it’d be over 90%, which is why I wish the CRKD Nitro Deck came into my life a lot earlier in the generation.

The grip allows you to slot your original Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch OLED right into the device, and connects over USB-C for a super reliable, low latency experience. The accessory oozes quality and fits the Nintendo Switch like a glove, to the point that if you handed it to someone and told them that Nintendo made it, they’d absolutely believe it based on how well these devices go together and that’s the greatest compliment that I can give it. The fact that it’s CRKD’s first product is super impressive.

CRKD Nitro Deck Review

I used the limited edition purple edition based off the GameCube, and it comes at a higher price point but also comes with a case (obviously your original Switch case won’t work anymore), as well as additional toppers and a nice looking braided USB-C cable.

CRKD Nitro Deck Review

In the hands, the grip makes the Nintendo Switch a lot more comfortable to hold. It’s beefier, but it fits into your hands much, much better and allows for long player sessions without any cramping or needing to stretch out your hands every so often. Similarly, the analogue sticks are improved and the shoulder buttons are also much bigger, but this is only where the improvements begin.

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The unit has hall effect thumbsticks, which should get rid of stick drift completely. The way this technology differs is that it uses magnets to detect movement rather than touching parts that can break down over time. You can also swap out the toppers with a few extras included in the box as well.

CRKD Nitro Deck Review

As far as other bells and whistles go, there’s four programmable buttons on the back that you can program right on the controller. It’s a little bit to get your head around at first, but once you follow instructions and get a handle on it, you’ll struggle to deal without it. There’s also a turbo mode for being able to hold down a button and let it click repeatedly.

If I did have one small negative, it’s the fact that the light on the controller is quite bright. It can be turned off or down but I did find it coming back on again after a while, and as I play Switch in bed quite frequently, I didn’t love it shining a bright ling in my dark room.

@shannongrixti

The CRKD Nitro Deck improves the Nintendo Switch handheld experience with hall effect analogue sticks, programmable back buttons and a super cute retro design #crkdnitrodeck #NintendoSwitch #Switch #Nintendo #NintendoController #Tech #gaming #nitrodeck

♬ original sound – Shannon Grixti | Gaming & Tech

I’m also not the biggest fan of the kickstand, which feels okay in quality, but the angle that it props the Switch up doesn’t really feel that useful as a kickstand, so I wish that was a little bit better, particularly as the kickstand on the OLED Switch is much improved on the original Switch. The vibration of the Nitro Deck is definitely fine, but maybe a little less nuanced than in the actual Joy-Con controllers themselves. It’s also worth mentioning that you will lose NFC functionality as well, but unless you use it every day it won’t be a huge issue.

As far as ports go, there’s a charging port so that you can charge the Switch whilst its in the Nitro Deck as well as a port for connecting to your Switch when its docked so that you can continue to use the grip as a controller. The battery life of the grip pulls from the Switch and I didn’t notice it pulling a considerable amount of battery either.

CRKD Nitro Deck Review
CONCLUSION
The CRKD Nitro Deck provides a huge improvement for the Nintendo Switch handheld experience with hall effect analogue sticks, increased comfort and programmable back buttons.
Loved
Great Quality And Increased Comfort
GameCube Purple Is Sexy
Programmable Buttons
No More Stick Drift
Didn't Love
Vibration Isn't As Good
Kickstand Isn't Fantastic
The Cheapest Price