The CRKD Nitro Deck+ is a handheld controller for the Nintendo Switch that features a number of improvements over the original Nitro Deck. Unlike with other Joy-Con alternatives, you slip your console into the Nitro Deck+, which gives the controller a more solid feel in your hands and you don’t have to worry about your Switch falling out as it locks in place.
After releasing the original Nitro Deck last year, CRKD has made a few changes to its design with this new version. These include two extra remappable buttons (for a total of six), switching to a symmetrical joystick layout and adding a built-in Switch dock. Being able to use the device in both handheld and docked mode is a welcome addition, though some people may prefer the original Nitro Deck’s asymmetrical joystick layout. Personally, it’s my favorite thing about the Nitro Deck+ and fixes one of my biggest gripes with the original.
Our Nitro Deck+ review will help you decide if it’s one of the best Nintendo Switch controllers and whether or not it’s worth upgrading from the original Nitro Deck.
What’s that? a portable controller that is compatible with the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch OLED.
For whom is it intended? those who enjoy using their Switch portable and who would want more buttons and features.
How much does it cost? The Nitro Deck+ Plus is exclusively available on the CRKD website and costs $69 when purchased alone or $79 when combined with a USB-C to HDMI adaptor.
What appeals to us? The six remappable buttons, the Hall Effect joysticks, the interchangeable thumb sticks, and the integrated Switch dock are all noteworthy features.
What is it that we dislike? Not everyone will be comfortable with the symmetrical joystick arrangement, and using it in docked mode requires an additional USB-C to HDMI adaptor.
The original Nitro Deck was already an impressive Switch controller, but the Nitro Deck+ is even better thanks to its built-in dock, extra remappable buttons and the way in which CRKD has changed its layout to make it more comfortable to use for extended periods.
The Nitro Deck+ features an enhanced Switch console release latch, an RFID touchpoint for connecting to the CRKD app, a kickstand, and four remappable back buttons.

The two USB-C connections (one for input and one for output) are tucked away beneath the lip where the kickstand fastens, much like on the original. The Nitro Deck’s output port was limited to firmware updates, but the Nitro Deck+’s allows you to connect your Switch to a TV without removing it from the controller.On the back of the Nitro Deck+, there are four remappable back buttons, a kickstand, an RFID touchpoint for connecting to the CRKD app and an improved Switch console release latch.
Just like on the original, there are two USB-C ports (one for input and one for output) hidden underneath the lip where the kickstand attaches. However, while the output port on the Nitro Deck was used only for firmware updates, the one on the Nitro Deck+ lets you connect your Switch to a TV without having to take it out of the controller.
To use it in docked mode, you will need a USB-C to HDMI adapter. CRKD sells a slightly more expensive bundle that includes one but you can use your own too. You just plug the adapter into the controller’s output port and connect an HDMI cable to the other end. Keep in mind that you will need to plug an AC adapter into the Nitro Deck+’s Input port to get video out to your TV. For this, you can use your Switch’s AC adapter but I was able to use a third-party GaN charger and everything worked perfectly.One of my favorite things about the original Nitro Deck was the four remappable buttons on the back that are laid out in a similar way to those on the Steam Deck. With the Nitro Deck+ though, CRKD has added two additional remappable buttons in a somewhat unconventional place.
Normally with controllers that have six remappable buttons like the Razer Wolverine Ultimate, the extra two buttons are up on top between the bumpers and the triggers. Instead of going this route, CRKD has added what it calls programmable sidekicks next to both of the Nitro Deck+’s joysticks. They’re smaller than the controller’s back buttons and I found them very easy to use since I just had to slightly move my thumb off of the joysticks to press them. Due to their placement though, you won’t find yourself accidentally pressing them like you might with the Nitro Deck+’s back buttons which are located on the controller’s handles.
While you can use the CRKD app to remap all six of these buttons, you can also do so on the controller itself with the program button on the back.
The switch from an asymmetrical to a symmetrical joystick layout with the Nitro Deck+ could be a deal breaker for some. However, CRKD likely made this decision based on feedback from both reviewers and customers. With its asymmetrical joystick layout, the original Nitro Deck felt a bit cramped and your thumb could easily brush up against the controller’s right joystick when pressing its face buttons. This also made the controller harder to use for extended periods and my hands would often cramp up after doing so.
Now that both of the Nitro Deck+’s joysticks are at the top, the controller feels a lot more comfortable to use. You still need to bring your thumb down from the right joystick when pressing its face buttons but I found myself keeping both thumbs on the joysticks and using the back buttons instead to avoid this when playing through Luigi’s Mansion 2 HD on my Switch.
By having the D-pad and the face buttons aligned, the Nitro Deck+ is now much better suited for playing retro games on Nintendo Switch Online. The controller is also perfect for twin-stick shooters and first-person shooters like Metroid Prime Remastered which I really enjoyed playing on it.
CRKD Nitro Deck+ Plus: The downs
The Nitro Deck+ has a lot going for it with a number of significant improvements, but there are still some downsides to be aware of, like the extra bulk it adds to your Nintendo Switch and the fact that CRKD’s USB-C to HDMI adapter doesn’t come with the standard version of the controller.
A bigger, bulkier Switch
In contrast to some of the more current top handheld gaming consoles, such as the Asus ROG Ally X or Lenovo Legion Go, the original Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch OLED are substantially more compact and portable. There is a noticeable increase in bulk and weight when you remove the Joy-Cons from your Switch and place it in the

Nitro Deck or Nitro Deck+.

 

With a Switch installed in the controller, the Nitro Deck+ alone weighs 269 grams, so the entire weight comes to almost 1.3 pounds. Even though it weighs less than the 1.47-pound Steam Deck, this is still 0.88 pounds heavier than a Switch with the Joy-Cons attached.

The additional weight and mass have a benefit: WhenCompared to some of the more recent best handheld gaming consoles like the Lenovo Legion Go or the Asus ROG Ally X, the original Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch OLED are significantly smaller and much more portable. Taking the Joy-Cons off your Switch and slotting the console into either the Nitro Deck or the Nitro Deck+ adds a significant amount of bulk and extra weight.
The Nitro Deck+ weighs 269 grams on its own and with a Switch inserted into the controller, you’re looking at around 1.3 pounds in total. While lighter than the 1.47-pound Steam Deck, this is still quite a bit heavier than a Switch with Joy-Cons attached at 0.88 pounds.
There is an upside to the extra bulk and weight: When inserted into the controller, my Switch OLED felt almost indestructible compared to using it on its own with Joy-Cons. Likewise, you don’t have to deal with any bending or creaking like you do with other Joy-Con alternatives such as the Hori Split Pad Pro or the Nyxi Wizard.

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