CRKD has announced the highly anticipated Nitro Deck 2, a brand-new feature-filled iteration of its iconic Nintendo Switch 2 controller that's now compatible with Switch 2. Available for $99.99 / £89.99 in a translucent Smoke Black or White colorway, it will be hitting the shelves "next Spring" which should hopefully only be a few months away.
If you missed the initial reveal of the new and shiny Nitro Deck 2 at the Game Awards post-show, don't worry, I've got you. The new version is not just fully compatible with Nintendo's latest handheld, as the name suggests, but it's also backward compatible with the original Switch and Switch OLED handhelds, and comes decked out with new anti-stick-drift stick technology and a locking dial to keep your pricey handheld safe and secure. Even better, you can pre-order the new Switch 2 accessory right now.
With that $99.99 / £89.99, CRKD states that you're getting a brand new version that builds on what was great about the original Nitro Deck "now with greater comfort." That new comfortable grip is achieved with sculpted contours around the device and a redesign of the right side, which has been optimized for better thumb placement. Instead of a more solid structure for the handles, there's instead a more dramatic dip on the grips, which looks to offer a far more natural holding position when playing Switch 2 games - one I can't wait to try out when I get my hands on it later for review.
It's not just the grips that have had a glow-up; the Nitro Deck 2 also features a new retractable locking dial, which is located on the back of the rubberized backplate to tighten its grip on the console you're playing. This comes in handy for not just the new Nintendo platform, but also for being able to play the original Switch and Switch OLED, which have different physical dimensions. You can hook up to either handheld via the built-in Bluetooth or the U Adaptaer, which comes included.
One of the best features of the original Nitro Deck, including the Nitro Deck+, was the inclusion of stick-drift-free Hall effect sensors, something that wasn't present on the original Joy-Con controllers. CRKD seems to be well aware of the forever looming drift threat to Switch 2 controllers, as the Nitro Deck 2 is decked out with CRKD CaptiStick Technology, which features capacitor-based thumbsticks that are reminiscent of the Steam Deck's gyro activators.
However, unlike Hall Effect sticks, CRKD states that CaptiSticks are immune to magnetic interference and use a zero-contact design to prevent wear and ensure stick drift never rears its ugly head ever again. In our original Nitro Deck review, he stated that "Hall Sensor sticks can sometimes be a little overly sensitive," but CRKD states that these brand-new CaptiSticks can deliver a precise input that feels righter and more controlled, thanks to the advanced sensor system.
The CRKD Nitro Deck 2 looks to be another great pro-controller alternative to those who want a more premium Switch 2 handheld-mode experience. Especially as you can even use this new model as a standalone PC controller if you're so inclined. As someone who plays the Switch 2 90% of the time in the palm of their hands, I'm excited to see what it does for my favorite Switch 2 games. Fortunately, I don't have to wait long, as the Nitro Deck 2 is poised for release early next year, and pre-orders are available via the CRKD official online store this very moment.
It's not just the Switch 2 controller that you can grab right now, as CRKD has supplied a whole roster of extra accessories, including a Hardshell Carry Case available for $29.99 / £34.99 and D-pad Stick Top Packs for $19.99 / £19.99, also set to be released in Spring 2026.
- View all CRKD Nintendo Switch 2 accessories at Amazon
- CRKD Nitro Deck | $49.99 at Amazon
- CKRD Nitro Deck+ | $49.99 at Amazon
Check out our guides for the best Nintendo Switch headsets, the best Nintendo Switch 2 cameras, and the best Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express Cards if you're on the hunt for more accessories for your Ninty handheld.
