Nitro Deck: an almost perfect alternative to the Joy-Con
9.12.2023
Translation: Katherine Martin
Since I only ever play my Switch in handheld mode, I’ve been searching far and wide for the best Joy-Con alternative. In the Nitro Deck, I’ve finally found what I’m looking for. Too bad I’ve struck gold so late in the Switch’s life cycle.
The Nintendo Switch has been around for almost seven years, and I still think it’s a great console. Especially as a handheld. That being said, I really can’t deal with Joy-Cons. A few minutes into using them, my fingers seize up. Ergonomics seems to be a foreign concept to the designers. Not only that, but I miss having a «real» D-pad.
With this in mind, I’ve been using the Hori Split Pad Profor the last few years. But the controller is anything but perfect. Although the Switch is comfortable to hold, it doesn’t have gyro sensors and doesn’t vibrate. Plus, some of the buttons feel cheap.
The Nitro Deck does all of this better. Its only disadvantage compared to the Joy-Con is not having NFC. However, you don’t actually need that unless you’re using Amiibos. To sum up, it’s the perfect handheld substitute for Nintendo’s controller. My only criticisms are the position of the right analogue stick and the weak vibration.
Features galore
The Nitro Deck comes in a variety of colours and editions. I decided to go for the white version. In addition to this standard edition, the Deck is also available with a bag and alternative thumbsticks (you can swap those out).
The concept behind the Nitro Deck is simple – and not a novel one. Instead of attaching controllers on the left and right, you slide the Switch display into the Deck from above. A clamping mechanism holds it in place. You can only get it back out by pushing up and holding a lock mechanism on the back. The Deck is compatible with both the standard Switch and the OLED model.
Source: Kevin Hofer
The Deck is connected to the Switch via the USB-C slot on the bottom, which is why the manufacturer, CRKD, advertises it as low latency. The Switch charges via a USB-C port on the back of the Nitro Deck.
On the front, you’ll find the same controls that Joy-Cons have. There are also four shoulder buttons. Built-in Hall-effect joysticks keep it entirely safe from Joy-Con drift. There’s no physical contact between the joysticks’ moving parts, meaning they don’t wear down as quickly.
There are four more buttons on the back, which you can either assign or deactivate. The kickstand in the middle allows you to put your Switch down without having to take it out of the Nitro Deck. It’s robust and freely adjustable.
In addition to the charging port, there’s another USB-C port on the back. This turns the Nitro Deck into a wired controller that you connect to the Switch dock or PC.
You’ll find information on all the features and how to program the buttons in this video:
Watch out for sticky residue
Before using the Nitro Deck for the first time, you need to activate wired control in the Switch’s system settings under Controller and Sensor. The controls will only work if you do this first. A sticker in the spot where you insert the Switch on the inside of the Deck reminds you to do it. You’ll need to peel it off.
Source: Kevin Hofer
My advice? Make sure you get rid of any sticky residue before inserting the Switch. There was still a slight amount left on my Deck when I connected the Switch, and I could hardly get the console back out again. However, even without adhesive, the Deck holds the Switch well. Almost too well – there’s nothing for you to hold onto as you’re pulling the Switch back out. You’ll only manage to do it if you touch the screen, which leaves unsightly fingerprints.
Near perfect ergonomics
The Nitro Deck is incredibly comfortable to hold. I wear glove size «L», but people with smaller or larger hands will be able to use the Deck too. I definitely tire less quickly than when using Joy-Cons, and my hands don’t cramp up. The Switch seems more stable when it’s in the Nitro Deck than it does in the Hori Split Pad Pro. The hefty lever on the Split Pad Pro always had me afraid I’d break the Switch. I don’t have that feeling with the Nitro Deck.
Source: Kevin Hofer
The Deck makes the Switch significantly heavier in handheld mode. While the Switch weighs in at 400 grammes with the Joy-Con, it tips the scales at 600 grammes with the Deck. I don’t mind the extra weight. In fact, I find it much more comfortable. This is partly down to the weight being well distributed.
The buttons have a pleasant amount of resistance and react reliably to input. My personal highlight, however, is the D-pad. I mainly play 2D games, and they feel great on the Nitro Deck. The shoulder buttons are longer than the ones on the Joy-Con, and have a nice recess to prevent your fingers from slipping.
The sticks are also a huge improvement on the puny Joy-Con variety. My version has concave thumb sticks. The edges are structured so that your thumbs stay in place. I can move my characters through virtual worlds so much better than with the original control unit.
My biggest (and only) criticism of the controls is the placement of the right thumbstick. It’s ever so slightly low down and too close to the edge, making it difficult to reach. I’d have preferred it to be a little higher and positioned closer to the middle than the edge.
The gyro controls are reliable, and after years without vibration on the Split Pad Pro, I’m grateful for the feedback. Unfortunately, it’s slightly weak and always feels the same. It’d be nice if the vibrations were stronger and more varied.
Source: Kevin Hofer
Verdict: my favourite handheld controller for the Switch
In my opinion, the Nitro Deck is the best controller for playing the Switch in handheld mode. It makes the console ergonomic and has significantly higher quality buttons. Thanks to the Hall-effect sticks, stick drift is a thing of the past. And I finally have a decent D-pad for my 2D games. The Joy-Con and the Hori Split Pad Pro are no match for the Deck.
With the exception of NFC, the Nitro Deck has everything the Joy-Con offers. My biggest quibble is with the placement of the right stick. It’s slightly too low down. However, with a little getting used to, I can use it fine. Minor points of criticism are the weak vibration and the fiddling around required to get the Switch out of the Deck.
Apart from that, I can highly recommend the Nitro Deck. The thing is: depending on the version, you need to be willing to pay 60-80 francs/euros for a gadget you might not get to use for long. The successor to the Switch will come out next year, potentially relegating your current handset to the back of a drawer for good. Nintendo would do well to take a leaf out of the Nitro Deck’s book for its next console.
Kevin Hofer
Senior Editor
kevin.hofer@digitecgalaxus.chFrom big data to big brother, Cyborgs to Sci-Fi. All aspects of technology and society fascinate me.
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