Unleash Your Inner Speed Demon: CRKD Nitro Deck Unveiled!
CRKD's Nitro Deck: A sleek Nintendo Switch chassis that cleverly emulates the robust aesthetics of larger gaming handhelds, providing an array of practical benefits and enhancing your gaming experience
In the ongoing battle for handheld supremacy, Nintendo's Switch continues to dominate as the most powerful portable device. While the Switch's handheld design is already impressive, there is always room for improvement. Enter the Nitro Deck from CRKD, a sleek solution aiming to enhance the Switch's core design.
The Nitro Deck essentially acts as a larger chassis for the Switch, providing a chunkier and sturdier feel similar to the Steam Deck or ROG Ally without sacrificing portability. Its ergonomic design ensures a comfortable grip without any awkwardness. Additionally, CRKD has introduced exciting limited edition designs to add a touch of style to the Nitro Deck.
Installing a Switch in the Nitro Deck is a breeze. Simply detach the Joy-Cons from the sides and smoothly insert the screen into the body of the Nitro Deck. The Nitro Deck conveniently includes guides to ensure a snug fit, and at the bottom, there's a USB-C connector allowing seamless interfacing of controls with the Switch. What truly sets the Nitro Deck apart is its fantastic functionality as a top-notch wired controller for the Nintendo Switch that also serves as a sleek and compact holster.
By enabling the Wired Pro Controller Connection, the Nitro Deck provides a seamless connection to the Nintendo Switch without any delay. Its joystick and button layout closely resembles that of the Joy-Cons, with the exception of a traditional D-pad instead of the Switch's cross-oriented buttons. The addition of the Nitro Deck enhances the handheld experience of the Switch, making personal preferences a determining factor in its appeal. Fortunately, the size of the Nitro Deck allows for enhancements and additional features.
Primary among these features are the swappable Hall effect joysticks that accompany the Nitro Deck. The ability to interchange joysticks with different shapes and textures caters to a wide range of gamers, as well as individual game preferences. Additionally, the use of Hall effect joysticks is highly advantageous as it eliminates the issue of stick drift, a common problem experienced with the Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons.
In addition, the Nitro Deck also offers the convenience of four programmable back buttons. These buttons can be assigned to specific face or shoulder buttons and can even be programmed to execute a series of button presses, similar to a macro. However, it is important to note that users are unable to insert delays between button press sequences. Each button press will occur immediately after the previous one. Nonetheless, this feature is a valuable addition to the functionality of the back buttons.
Moreover, the Nitro Deck boasts a significantly more durable stand on its back. This stand effectively maintains the device at an angled position, striking a balance between not being completely upright. Unlike the somewhat fragile kickstand on the standard Nintendo Switch model, the stand on the Nitro Deck feels robust and features a slight curve at the button, making it effortless to pull out.
In addition, CRKD has incorporated USB-C input and output ports on the rear of the Nitro Deck to facilitate device/Switch charging or connecting it to a TV. The Nitro Deck's worth lies in the enhanced handheld experience it provides, while still allowing users the option to "dock" it.
The Nitro Deck has one minor drawback - the mechanism for releasing the Switch screen from the device does not push it far enough away from the chassis. As a result, it requires some delicate maneuvering with fingertips or a thin object to fully detach the Switch from the Nitro Deck, which can feel a bit awkward. While the process could be easier, it is not a major issue for those who intend to use the device without switching back to the Joy-Cons or using the original dock.
Ultimately, the Nitro Deck has a rather specific appeal, but those who prefer a bulkier grip on their handheld or recognize the value of back buttons will get the most out of CRKD's device. The sleek design and eye-catching Limited Edition, inspired by the Gamecube, undoubtedly add to its allure. However, it is the additional features that the Nitro Deck offers in comparison to the base Switch in handheld mode that make it worth considering. Personally, after spending some time with the Nitro Deck, it has been difficult to return to the base Switch experience.
Nitro Deck Purple Limited Edition With Carry Case
Brand CRKDConnectivity USB-CProgrammable 4 Back ButtonsPrice $59.99/$89.99Pros Programmable Back Buttons
Sturdy Kickstand
Hall Effect Joysticks
Bulky But Comfortable in the Hands
The CRKD Nitro Deck can now be purchased for $59.99 on the official Nitro Deck website. Limited Editions, priced at $89.99, are also available and come with a carry case ($29.99 if purchased separately). For this review, Game Rant received the Retro Purple Limited Edition Nitro Deck.
