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| The Nitro Deck 2 is backward compatible with older Switch models. |
*Gamers who want a premium, future-proof handheld experience for their new Nintendo Switch 2 finally have their answer. The Nitro Deck 2, revealed at The Game Awards 2025, promises a major ergonomic and technological leap forward.*
The Successor Gamers Requested
After the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, the question from the CRKD community was consistent: What's next for the Nitro Deck? The original accessory, which debuted in 2023, was widely praised for transforming the handheld Switch experience with superior comfort and controls. Now, CRKD has officially answered with the Nitro Deck 2, a ground-up redesign built specifically for the new hardware but thoughtfully designed to work with older Switch models as well.
Announced during a special IGN presentation following The Game Awards 2025, the Nitro Deck 2 is now available for pre-order, with the first units expected to ship in Spring 2026.
“Since the Switch 2 launched, we have been inundated with requests to upgrade our hero accessory,” said Jack Guinchard, Global Brand Manager at CRKD. “We were reluctant to make any announcements until we were confident of delivering a worthy successor that not only matched the original but built upon it with meaningful changes and innovations.”
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| The Nitro Deck 2 is available in White and Shadow Black. |
A New Design for a New Generation
The most immediate change is how you attach your console. Gone is the sliding mechanism of the original. Instead, the Nitro Deck 2 features an integrated retractable locking dial on its backplate. You simply place your console into the shell and tighten the dial for a secure, custom fit. This new design is intended to be safer for the console and allows for seamless compatibility across the Switch 2, the Switch OLED, and the original Switch.
The ergonomics have also been thoroughly refined. The shell features deeper, more sculpted contours for a better grip. Furthermore, the right thumbstick is now offset from the face buttons, a layout popularized by controllers like the Xbox gamepad and the Steam Deck, which allows for a more natural and comfortable thumb position during long gaming sessions.
For the full technical specifications and official announcement details, you can read the official Nitro Deck 2 press release on CRKD's website.
The End of Stick Drift? Introducing CaptiStick Technology
The headline feature under the hood is the new CRKD CaptiStick Technology. This represents a significant shift from the Hall Effect sensors used in the first Nitro Deck.
CaptiStick uses a capacitor-based, zero-contact sensor system. Because it has no physical contact points to wear down and contains no magnetic components, it is designed to be completely immune to both mechanical wear and electromagnetic interference. The result, according to CRKD, is guaranteed drift-free precision and consistent performance over the controller's entire lifespan.
The technology also allows players to adjust the physical resistance of each thumbstick independently, letting you fine-tune the feel to match your playstyle, from quick flicks to tight, controlled movements.
More Control and Customization
The Nitro Deck 2 expands on the customization that made the original popular:
- Extra Programmable Buttons: It retains four remappable back buttons and adds two new secondary shoulder buttons (L2 and R2) for even more input options.
- Swappable Parts: The swappable stick tops are back and compatible with existing packs, and a new swappable D-Pad system debuts. Multiple style packs will be available at launch.
- Companion App Control: Through the CRKD companion app, users can remap buttons, adjust stick deadzones, tune rumble intensity, update firmware, and more. The app also includes the "True Collection System," which lets you register your controller and view its unique rarity rank.
Beyond Handheld: A True Multi-Platform Controller
A key upgrade is the move to a primary Bluetooth connection. This not only enables the new locking mechanism but also dramatically expands the controller's versatility.
When your Switch is docked, you can insert the included centerpiece into the Nitro Deck 2, instantly converting it into a standalone pro-style wireless controller. Furthermore, you can pair it via Bluetooth with a PC, smartphone, tablet, or smart TV for gaming on other platforms. For competitive gamers, a U-shaped USB-C adapter is included in the box to enable a low-latency wired connection on supported devices.
To see the controller's design in detail, you can view the Smoke Black Edition on the official product page.
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| The Nitro Deck 2 has a metal kickstand. |
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| CRKD ships the Nitro Deck 2 with a legacy adapter for the original Switch and Switch OLED. |
Pricing, Availability, and Is It Worth It?
The Nitro Deck 2 represents a price increase over its predecessor. It will launch in White and Smoke Black (translucent) at the following price points:
- $99.99 USD / £89.99 GBP / €99.99 EUR
Optional accessories include:
- A Hardshell Carry Case for $39.99
- D-Pad and Stick Top Packs for $19.99 each
The Nitro Deck 2 is available for pre-order now directly from CRKD and is expected to ship in Spring 2026. The company has confirmed it will also be available on Amazon at a later date. Pre-orders placed through the official store are eligible for a pre-order bonus, the details of which will be announced later.
For those looking to secure their unit, the controller is also listed for pre-order on Amazon.
The Bottom Line
The Nitro Deck 2 is shaping up to be a comprehensive and ambitious upgrade. With its innovative drift-free technology, significantly improved ergonomics, and new multi-platform flexibility, it aims to be the definitive premium controller accessory not just for the Nintendo Switch 2, but for the entire Switch family and beyond. For gamers who invest heavily in their handheld experience, the $99.99 asking price may be well justified by the comfort, precision, and future-proof design.