CRKD Unveils Nitro Deck 2: The Next-Gen Nintendo Switch Accessory
▼ Summary
– CRKD has officially announced the Nitro Deck 2, a successor to its popular Switch controller accessory, revealed at an IGN post-show for The Game Awards 2025.
– It is compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2 as well as the original Switch and Switch OLED, functioning as a handheld controller you slot the console into.
– Key upgrades include a new locking dial for secure attachment, rubberized back for grip, and improved ‘CaptiStick Technology’ Hall effect sticks for drift resistance and energy efficiency.
– The design adds new ‘L2’ and ‘R2’ shoulder buttons and digital triggers, while retaining four remappable rear buttons from the original model.
– The Nitro Deck 2 is priced at $99.99, set for release in Spring 2026, and is available for pre-order now in Smoke Black and White.
For gamers seeking a premium handheld experience, the CRKD Nitro Deck 2 has been officially unveiled as a next-generation controller accessory designed for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, while maintaining full backward compatibility with the original Switch and Switch OLED models. Announced during IGN’s post-show for The Game Awards 2025, this successor promises significant refinements over its popular predecessor, aiming to become an essential piece of kit for portable play.
The core function remains the same: you slide your console into the deck to create a unified, handheld gaming unit. However, CRKD has re-engineered the docking mechanism. Instead of a top-down slide, the new model uses a custom locking dial on the rear for a more secure fit. The back of the controller itself now features a rubberized coating, which should provide a noticeably better grip and enhance comfort during longer gaming sessions.
A major point of innovation lies in the joysticks. Building on the drift-resistant Hall effect technology of the first Nitro Deck, CRKD introduces ‘CaptiStick Technology.’ This new system aims to deliver the same reliability against stick drift but adds improved resistance to magnetic interference and boasts greater overall energy efficiency for the console’s battery life.
The button layout also receives meaningful upgrades. The four remappable rear buttons return, but they are now joined by additional ‘L2’ and ‘R2’ shoulder buttons positioned on the top edge, similar to the design found on high-performance controllers like the Razer Wolverine. Furthermore, the triggers have been upgraded to digital switches, offering a faster and more tactile press ideal for competitive gaming.
Pricing and availability are now confirmed. The Nitro Deck 2 is scheduled for release in Spring 2026 with a price tag of $99.99. At launch, it will be available in Smoke Black and White color options, and pre-orders are live directly through CRKD’s website. For those wanting complete protection, a dedicated hardshell carry case will be sold separately for $39.99. Additionally, customizable D-pad and stick top packs will be available for purchase, allowing users to personalize the feel of their controller.
(Source: TechRadar)
