Nitro Deck for Nintendo Switch Review - So, SO Close
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- Опубліковано 8 лют 2025
- The Nitro Deck for Nintendo Switch from CRKD promises to be a new and improved way of playing the Switch or Switch OLED in handheld mode, offering a larger more comfortable grip, a traditional dpad, multiple extra buttons, and Hall Effect Sensor sticks to prevent drift development. How well does it accomplish all this? Let's talk it all over.
Wanna Grab One? crkd.gg/collec...
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Thanks for mentioning the dpad and right stick comfort issue. that's a big factor!
This is the kind of accesories I was hoping to get with the rail design of the switch
7years ago
Yeeeaaah, that's exactly how I feel too. I'm hopeful that Nintendo's design for a Switch 2 doesn't even necessitate accessories like these, but if not it'd be cool to have similar products around that launch.@@ufcfan3940
I think one of the best use cases for the output controller mode is for portability when you’re traveling. Like when you just want to bring the switch + the nitro deck in one case + a smaller third party dock that has extra USB ports and you don’t want to bring any extra joycons or controllers around.
Still kinda niche use case but I can see it being convenient if you already own all these things.
Was coming here to make this comment. I thought it was obvious.
Thank you for the review Kevin!
I just got mine today.
Love it.
I was worried about the back buttons and pressing them unintentionally as well.
It’s a nice programmable feature they’ve made available, but I have no interest in using those buttons myself.
Fortunately, CRKD has a tutorial UA-cam video explaining how to simply TURN OFF the back buttons entirely!
(You start by holding the program button down for 7 seconds)
Phew!
What a relief! 👍
This looks great. Would’ve loved it 5 years ago
Lol
Seriously tho! Difficult to go back to anything other than my Satisfye grip. Been using them for my switch models for years.
Ikr, its like these company cant do a through research at what already available on the market.
Way to late, I have nothing to play to justice purchase.
Upcoming Mario isn't enough
@@aeit999 there is batman
Literal the reason I preordered it was in hopes of it fixing the stick drift and comfort issues I have with the handheld controllers lol so spot on review!!!
Amazed Nintendo hasn't made something like this already
The Hori Split Pad Pro is officially licensed; it’s not a full cradle but it fulfills mostly the same purpose
Maybe Switch 2? Crossing my fingers.
@@IceBlueLugiaissue with the hori is that it doesn’t have gyro or rumble, unfortunately
@@paulgoodson6828 Ah yeah, forgot about no motion. For me, no motion is a definite dealbreaker if it’s a third party pro controller; but I’m fine with third party joycons not having it. I wouldn’t want to play with gyro moving the entire screen around; I’ve tried it and just feels awful to me. So I only play Splatoon on console mode. Games like BotW/TotK where you only use gyro for ocasional aiming I deal with the clunkiness of moving the entire system around since it’s not as often you have to do it. But anyway, I get it if you don’t share the same opinion.
No rumble is pretty unacceptable though, I didn’t even know that. So yeah, probably not worth buying then anyway lol
It is Nintendo, it is a business decision for them. They are milking the Switch already in the way it is and it is a shame we (myself included) keep buying it and playing it given it came in 2017 with hardware from 2015.
The base model of this is about $60. I got the Hori Pro joycons 2 years ago, these look more comfortable and less wide. And I like how it encloses the tablet because honestly the Hori feels like the joycons flex a bit sometimes.
It's not more comfortable, don't get it. The right joystick is in a terrible spot and it's hard to reach. I never had that problem with my binboks or my regular Joycons
shush @@Apathy474
This thing is not comfortable AT ALL. The Hori Pros are very much so and not that much wider. Go with the Hori or Fixture.
The only thing that disappoints me the most about CRKD is that they finally came out with this product at the end of the switches lifecycle😂
Yeah, but I think instances the Switch can still be used even if/when the next iteration is released and out. For example perhaps with certain games to play such as less demanding games, retro, or retro styles games, etc. which will still hold up well on the Switch
Who cares. You don't have to throw away the switch because a new console might release. What a sheepish mindset.
@@maximosmorris13it's just a fancy brick once they move on since they're so anti jailbreaking that they made it so on most of the newer switches you've got to connect a fkn modchip just to get there
@@originzz but the chip is there, you can get it installed.
@@TonyCR1975 careful, or Nintendo will drive the person who does it for you to the ground
I’m stoked for my purple retro edition to arrive. Hoping it’s showing up soon.
What’s the verdict?
I love the idea. But totally feel like it should have a built in battery as well to boost play time.
Agreed! I personally wouldn't mind the bump up in size & cost as well.
I think the battery would just be too small in order to keep the device as light as possible, so might as well just carry a smaller powerbank alongside which will not weigh the Switch itself down.
@@menuki95 probably a weight thing. But even something small that could give you like an extra hour or so. Would be welcome.
@@swsiii I'd easily pay another $30-40 for around double play time.
@@DJPixcell yeah I get that though! Plus points if it would be replaceable, or just given the ability to also take it out when not required.
I think that the main competitor for this product (not in terms of popularity, but in terms of quality and price) is the Skull & Co NeoGrip.
I have never used a grip that is more aesthetic, comfortable, and brilliantly designed with interchangeable grips IN THE BOX. The hall sticks are easy to change out if you really want those in the joy-cons, and if you like HD Rumble - the real deal, not the 3rd party feel - you're not sacrificing that with the NeoGrip. And frankly, I haven't experienced stick drift in joy-cons for a long time, and I play daily. However, I do understand the appeal of hall sensing sticks.
Vov.
...0vvv
I think It actually is the Retroflag Gamecube controller, it's pretty much the same thing but i think It looks better (yes, It has haul-effect joysticks)
I like the GameCube style 👌
Mine was pre-ordered and can't wait for the mint color. While this review may have resulted in buyers remorse, I have q feeling I need to play with it to see if it fits with my hands. I have the satisfy grip today and want to compare the comfort level. Well see 👀
@@SumDumChumdoes the nitro deck have a 30 day return policy?
@empirezz2728 according to their website returns are not eligible on pre-orders... guess it's mine then 🙃
Finally, a creator is actually honest about the nitro deck
I've switched to this cradle style controller recently. I've been using the Dobe Eggshell controller and I find it more comfortable than any other split type controllers. I think the closest competition to this is the cradle controller from Retroflag.
It's just a big missed opportunity that the other Type C port doesn't have a video output.
I need a comparison between this and the RETROFLAG. that is the one I have and if it is considerably better to update it. I love the retroflag grip but this design and ergonomics look like it might give it a run for its money.
Looks like a cheap copy to me, plus the switches are way noisier.
@@Ruslan.88266 been looking at some other review videos and it does sound a bit hollow and everyone is complaining about the triggers making too much noise. it's a bit disappointing.
The Retroflag is incredible, I'm surprised it didn't get more coverage when it came out. I almost didn't buy one due to it not being reviewed a huge amount, but it's like finally having the OLED Switch that I wanted all along.
Thanks for showing this! I might pick one up! Wish that there were 1st party options like this
would've been dope if it had a mode that acted as a switch dock with an HDMI port
The black option is so sleeeeeeeeeek!! Definitely interested in this!!
The price isn't terrible, I thought they would be gauging us.
especially with the whole “digital collectible” bs
Gouging*
Yeah it’s decent especially how you can buy it with a case included with the deck as well
I do have a Skull&Co grip but I think for longevity I think Ima pick up the mint option and get this especially since I have the steam deck this form factor should be easy to move to and thank you for your great reviews as always keep up the good work
You used to end your videos very abruptly, but now you do a slight outro. I really, really like that. Thank you🙏
Interested to see if you will try the nitro deck+ since they took the criticism and fixed things people didn’t like.
I like how the steam deck has the dpad and the analog sticks at the same level/height. This could have gone all the way and do that since it’s clearly inspired by the steam deck with the 4 back buttons and the name
I was thinking that the Steam Deck's layout might actually be the best option for a controller without traditional arm-style grips. It's really comfortable in the hand and I never feel like I'm stretching for anything except the touchscreen (obviously). Another one of these style joycon replacements with the Steam Deck layout (sans trackpads obviously) would be quite a compelling product.
I think I'll stick to my Skull&Co grip. Having all the innate features of the Joycon is most important to me. Maybe I'll grab some hall effect sticks and replace the sticks in the Joycon down the line.
Skull&Co should be everyone’s standard - incredible product and completely underrated.
As of Jan 7th, The special edition ones are on Amazon right now for $69
Being completely honest, I was super excited about the nitro deck since I first saw it back in may. It’s finally got mine in the mail yesterday and…I was immediately unimpressed. After only a few minutes my right hand was uncomfortable and I stopped playing with it soon after. Definitely feel like my Hori split pad pro is 1000% better comfort wise.
That is exactly what I wanted to know about this
Yup same. I hate mine it sucks...right stick is in a TERRIBLE position!!!
Also own it, and the right stick position has me considering selling it or giving it to a friend. Playing BL1 and yeeowza after an hour or so.
I will say I have gotten more used to it with more plays but such a missed opportunity when you touch the pro controller and immediately feel at home with how it's positioned everything
100% spot on, if i could return mine I would in a heartbeat. I play with the dpad a lot on games like puyo puyo and dead cells and and it's miserable on my hand in the required position to hit bumpers/trigger
The Hori is absolutely 1000% better, for sure. The Nitro Deck SUCKS.
I went with RetroFlag Switch Handheld Controller for my OLED the gamecube style right analog stick is awesome and very comfortable.
Nexigo makes something similar to this but with rgb (if you like that) and turbo functions. It’s $10 less. I have their first one without the rgb or turbo and I love it.
I still use the Joy cons. For me still the best controllers, just replace the sticks with hall effects sticks. And for TV mode i got the Gullitkit controller.
I got mine yesterday and its breathed new life into my 2017/og switch 😭
For the price, it's not bad. Also I knew when the deck came out and valve said they were releasing the dimensions and everything for 3rd party accessories before launch this was one of the type of ideas I knew someone would make.
Am I missing something? Valve?
@@TWBHDi think they meant someone would use it as reference for soemthing like this
My main concern, that wasn’t answered during this review is the potential damage this could do to the body of the back of the switch?
Sliding my switch in an out of a Satisfye grip, eventually ended up either scratching or leaving marks behind on the plastic. And knowing I have to slide my switch to get it into this thing, concerns me.
Don’t think I didn’t notice that pink tele with a bigsby on it in a HS configuration.
Shame we can't get a hybrid of the Retroflag as that has superior grip shape
I use the GameCube (clear dark blue) inspired Retroflag cradle, i absolutely love it.
The Gamecube one by Retroflag is why I gave this one a miss, it's pretty much the same thing without back paddles or a kickstand and it came out months prior. Hell you can still use the Retroflag one as a controller over USB-C same as the Nitro Deck if you really feel like it.
@@kfcdoubledown1690 that was seriously my next choice! I'm glad to hear that the retroflag version is great. I pre-ordered without realizing retroflag had one coming but I think i'll be happy with the nitrodeck. the different colors and stick option is what sparked my interest anyway. It is great to see all these options! I may get a retroflag just to have one honestly. the c-stick is pretty cool on it and it wouldn't hurt to have for the gamecube remasters!
It would be cool if you make the comparison with a Retroflag grip.
I agree! Bought myself one of these a while back too.
💯
I ordered one of the Transparent Purple ones on the launch day and I CAN'T WAIT to get it in!
I just recently found out about this type of accessory and wanted one. Went to Amazon and it was on lightning deal last night for 57.99 for the translucent green with carrying case. I love mine so far.
Just got one for my birthday haven’t been able to play much but I’ve liked what I’ve done so far. Feels more hefty and secure which I like. Definitely want to switch the sticks for the concave ones that come with it.
Thanks for mentioning the stick resistance! Just ordered mine, hoping the resistance is similar to a GameCube controller, a fave of mine for stick resistance. 😃
Also, love the beanie/shirt color combo!
I'd say the direct competitor for this is Retroflag and their handheld GameCube inspired Switch comfort grip controller
Waiting for my limited run purple edition to come in glad I preordered it back in June when they announced it
they have transparent ones now
I’m getting one next week and I’m so excited!
Mine is coming in today! Time to retire the skull&co case.
Do you think it will be better?
Same here
Same. Had the skull n co grip for a while
@@darrenhakenI’m hoping so! 🤞🏼
Tell us more about that Shell Pink Bigsby Tele in the back though 👀
Cant wait to get this! Mine just shipped out.
I'm so hyped to receive mine
Same waiting for it is killing me lol
The idea of a handheld dock almost makes me want to see one that offers a clamshell design. Sure, it might be a bit on the thick side when all closed up, but if the sticks and overall housing are done correctly, I think I'd prefer it for portability. The locking mechanism on the Nitro is interesting, it's using the divots in the rails that go towards the Switch's body, rather than the cutouts at the top, the ones that face the back and front, that all the other controllers use; in theory this should be a better grip on the Switch, unless you have a very hefty bar on a JC-like, but I'd like to see this tested for long-term strength. Personally, though, I still like the original rail system better, rather than trying to clamp onto the sides of the system, unfortunately Nintendo, in their infinite wisedom, directly oppose the directionality of the rails with the direction of the USB port, so cradles like this being done in the proper way is overly complicated and are forced to find alternatives that might not work long-term. Hopefully Switch 2 is a bit better in this regard, assuming the next console is a hybrid again.
I have black one , and love it! Can play for hours without my hand cramping from holding it.
For me, I would want it to live on the switch near permanently, so it would need to function with the doc, or be a doc itself
I’d probably get this if I didn’t already have the hori split pad compact.
Feels like its strongest competition is something like the NYXI Wizard.
Just got mine and I love it
I prefer these styles of handheld joycon replacements because it keeps the unit sturdy. The controllers that just slot into the rails, like the Hori, don't support the tablet enough & have a higher risk of rail wobble... Not to mention almost all of them don't have hall effect sticks so you're going to be getting drift eventually.
It's just a complete shame about the left dpad & right joystick placement being low & on the outside angle, it's not ergonomic.
I wonder if someone could make a controller that would utilize the joycon rails for communication while also having a physical bridge at the back for support, keeping the usb port open for charging without passthrough or using a modified dock or a genki dock without having to remove the controllers.
I dont get why we dont have a no compromise joycon solution yet. Like, a proper full size, full feature gamepad split in two. There always seems to be compromises, in ergonomics, stick size, button layouts, lack of gyro and/or rumble, lack of wireless function etc.
For me, the best gamepad yet for Switch is the 8bitdo ultimate bluetooth controller. If they offered that, split in two, I would buy it in a heartbeat.
Nitro Deck looks nice, might get one down the road!
Thorough and honest review! Thanks!
Would be interesting comparing this with the Retroflag and Nexicon Grip!
I own the Retroflag, but I'm getting this.
@@Kraken54321Wrong choice except if you absolutely want macros and a suitcase. Retroflag has a way better ergonomy
Wow. Looks like it'll play great and what a wonderul idea. I wonder what we can plug our Switches into tomorrow. I cant wait to see. 😎
Great review! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I have the snes version of the nitro deck. I completely agree with the lack of comfort on the lower controls. I have pretty small hands and the right stick is pretty difficult to use well. I’ve been playing Pikman with it and it’s been a good, but not great experience. My biggest gripe though is the length of the kickstand, it’s way too short. I do LOVE the position of the usb c ports though, it’s awesome.
So what is the best cradle option?
Wauw. No mention of the Retroflag? Got mine 1,5 year ago. Looks very similar but with slightly more bulk in the bottom part so using the right stick is definitely not a problem. Still Nintendo makes the best controllers when it comes to a,b, x & y buttons, the have minimum travel.
Ordered one, it arrives on Friday. 😊
I think somewhere on here I commented that it worked great for me. Well it stopped, now it disconnects constantly to the point where I can't use it. This company has some horrible quality control issue because this issue seem to be one of their biggest complaints.
Since I like to keep my devices this is a good option to ensure i don't have to worry about joycon issues
Lowkey was expecting to see the “something in the air” jingle
you stated that with the programable buttons we can input a combination of buttons for each PB in the back, so can that be used in a way where we can designate say (down, back, Y or down, forward, X) etc. for games like Mortal Kombat and other fighting games??
I am using a $20 plastic grip that I bought from Amazon and it does provide the same grip. Still I am trying to convince myself to get this one 😂
Same, I got the split pad compact but this does look enticing.
I'm definitely saddened by it. It looks nice, but it's really light feeling in a cheap way. The release mechanism isn't very good and it took too many tries to get my OLED Switch out, and I was afraid the screen would crack when it seemed to be fighting me. I much prefer the Steam Deck button and joystick layouts.
the right analog stick always gets in my way, it needs to be put angled to the side or put on top
0:05 Wouldn't you... Not want... a larger device? If I didn't care about the size I'd play my Steam Deck, but I specifically love the switch for how thin and light it is. Why would you use that as a positive bullet point?
I love how they look but I already have and love a Satisfye grip, I feel it’s slightly less bulky and I can use the actual joycons. They look cool af though 😎
5:28 it has a NFC reader. I think his review unit just didn’t have it . The reader is on the back
This would be an insta buy for me with that carrying case if I had a switch
I have the retroflag one and it's really nice. I think the retroflag deep transparent purple looks awesome on the purple nitro deck not so much. I do want the nitro so I am going to get the black one....boring yea but I dont need anymore cases and this will fit in my magnetic waterfield steamdeck case.
I was super excited for this, got the SNES version. Hate it. The d-pad and right stick placement made my hands hurt so fast. I'll also say the plastic housing feels a bit cheap. The LED button leaks through like crazy which isn't a huge thing but indicative of cheaper materials and lack of forethought on certain aspects of the design. If there was a return option I would definitely exercise it.
0:11 what's that game?
I cant wait to get mine
Considering the price and the size of this thing, I would have expected to have a battery pack for extended play or at least a compartment for game and SD cards.
yeah i thought that too, there is a nice purple one but its £90 but like you said for the price i thought it would have slots at the back for games
I bought one of these and do like it better than using a grip but I do wish the output was a AV output so I can just use it as a dock replacement instead of the wired controller option for when it's docked but other than that I like it
I was incredibly hyped for this, until I saw that it was $40 to ship to Canada. That’s almost 1/2 the price of the device!
so you know how you use non-apple chargers for iPhones it kind of warps the port over time? Is this the same situation where it will burn out the usb port since its third party?
I have been really interested in this product for a while now. And I think it looks great, but I am just not interested im spending $95(w/ shipping) when I feel confident that Nintendo will be announcing a new console soon that may make the switch irrelevant/obsolete. I'd rather put that towards that new system versus this accessory.
Ditto. Especially if it's backwards compatible and makes games look and run better.
New switch ain’t coming till atleast holiday 2024
Lol switch doesn’t become obsolete instantly.
@@BrainWasherAttendent Cool opinion, mines different.
@@michaelcastoria Always a possibility it release holiday 24, still would rather wait for the next Nintendo system than spend almost $100 for an accessory I'll use for maybe a year.
thumbs up for showing the messenger
I’d be tempted by this. I’ve been wanting a skin for ages that’s purple.
Yeah I dunno though it’s 60 or 89. Quid. Wow.
I want a Gameboy grey DMG colorway so bad
@Kevin Kenson Personally i have the retroflag controller which has also hall effect sticks & motion controls.The question is if the Steam Deck is an upgrade or not?What's your opinion?
Nitro Deck. *
How's the D-pad on this thing? You mentioned the thickness of the controller makes it harder to grip, but is the D-pad responsive? Can you use it for fighting games and get reliable inputs every time you throw a fireball or perform a dragon punch? Because the Switch Lite's D-pad is... uh... what's a polite way of saying it sucks with the force of a black hole?
great review
Looks pretty nice, but it is only accessible in the US. They should have at least North America shipping, seems a little unfair to pay 146 cad just because of shipping…
If I put the switch in sleep mode. Do I have to press the power button on top of the switch to wake it up? Or does the Nitrodeck have a button to wake it like the home button on the regular right joy con? Hope you understood what I’m trying to ask. I’m actually interested in this
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I wish the face buttons on the purple were in GCN config
I really do hope that the drift issue isn't a thing on this one. I tried two different sets of the split pad pro from hori & both sets that I got eventually started experiencing drift.
They have hall effect sticks so almost impossible to get drift.
I have one too, how long did it took for you to start getting drift?
@@Charlymander maybe about a couple months of it just being used and by that point my left joystick began to drift a bit.
Thank you for this review, Kevin. I'm still on the fence about this, even though I already have a Satisfye grip.
I preordered the Super NES Version. Can't wait!
Only issue is the right stick placement.
Will it work on my switch? It has defect on the right side rail basically it cannot read any attached joycon
It should since nothing connects to the rails. It connects though the USB C port. So as long as a wired controller works on your switch now then the nitro deck should work.