While the announcement may have been overshadowed by everything else at The Game Awards, including the new Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic reveal, CRKD has revealed the Nitro Deck 2 for Nintendo Switch 2.
The original Nitro Deck was a must-have accessory for a lot of gamers on the original Switch with many finding the large shell controller considerably more comfortable than the base handheld. With Nitro Deck 2, this is set to continue, with the new device purpose-built for more “ergonomic” portable gaming.
Speaking to IGN after The Game Awards, CRKD global brand manager Jack Guinchard revealed that the new device is available for pre-order now on the company’s website. However, the device is very different from the original with a new “retractable locking mechanism” instead of the original’s sliding system.
“It’s more sculpted and refined,” Guinchard explained. “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.”
The new Nitro Deck 2 for Nintendo Switch 2 will make the system feel more similar in size and weight to Valve’s Steam Deck. In fact, the new Nitro Deck 2 even follows the offset analogue sticks of Valve’s Steam Deck—and Xbox controllers—with the same back-paddle placement of Valve’s machine.
The Nitro Deck 2 does connect to the Nintendo Switch 2 via Bluetooth for wireless connections. However, there is also a “U-shaped” USB-C adapter that can be connected to the bottom of both devices for a wired experience.
Finally, the new peripheral is fully compatible with the original Nintendo Switch as well as the Nintendo Switch OLED due to this Bluetooth connection. CRKD’s companion app will also be used for any firmware updates, customisation and input tuning players need as well.
It does seem that Nitro Deck 2 is going for a different vibe than the original, but it does look a little more comfortable for those who struggle with the Switch 2’s thin form factor. If Nintendo’s machine makes your hands cramp as much as it does mine, then maybe this is worth keeping your eyes on.
