After tonight’s TGAs Jack Guinchard, Global Brand Manager for CRKD appeared on the IGN post-show for a special segment showing off the Nitro Deck 2 for the new Nintendo Switch, which is now available for preorder. It’s designed to let you customize your Nintendo Switch 2 experience, provide greater precisions, and make those long gaming sessions more comfortable.
“Unlike the original Nitro Deck or the Nitro Deck Plus where the console slid down into the deck, with the Nitro Deck 2 you have this new retractable locking mechanism where you pop the lock and it expands and retracts.”
“Another main difference too is kind of the, it’s more sculpted and refined. So it feels even more ergonomic in your hands. I mean, you can really feel the difference when it’s in your hands. Also, the placement of that right thumbstick. With the original Nitro Deck, you had it either above or below the action buttons. With the Nitro Deck 2, we’ve offset it a bit. So, your thumb kind of rests more ergonomically for that kind of handheld experience that you would want from a Nitro Deck.”
CRKD CaptiStick Technology promises that its capacitor-based Thumbsticks won’t fall prey to magnetic interference and built to resist wear and tear for precise, drift-free gaming. You can still balme your Mario Kart losses on the controls though, we won’t tell.
The Nitro Deck 2 is also fully compatible with the original Nintendo Switch and Switch OLED, and thanks to its Bluetooth connection you can use it for PC and mobile games too. The CRKD Companion App will make sure you have control over firmware updates, input tuning, and customization as well.
The Nitro Deck for the original Nintendo Switch came out in 2023, our our reviewer gave it an impressive 9.
“After sliding your Nintendo Switch into the Nitro Deck, it feels like an entirely different console. Not only is it much sturdier, but it’s a lot more comfortable to hold compared to the standard Joy-Con controller ergonomics,” said Matthew Adler.
“The upside gained with a more durable shell, customizable back buttons, better ergonomics for handheld play, and a sturdier kickstand makes the Nitro Deck an easy recommendation for hardcore and casual gamers as it makes your Nintendo Switch feel practically like a new console. The added heft and weight certainly take getting used to compared to the stock Nintendo Switch, but the upgraded experience it provides in nearly every way is well worth your time.”
Nitro Deck 2 is available for pre-order, along with an optional Nitro Deck 2 Hardshell Carry Case and two styles of D-Pad Packs, right now at CRKD’s official website for $99.99.
Rachel Weber is the Senior Editorial Director of Games at IGN and an elder millennial. She’s been a professional nerd since 2006 when she got her start on Official PlayStation Magazine in the UK, and has since worked for GamesIndustry.Biz, Rolling Stone and GamesRadar. She loves horror, horror movies, horror games, and French Bulldogs. Those extra wrinkles on her face are thanks to going time blind and staying up too late finishing every sidequest in RPGs like Fallout and Witcher 3.
