The Switch 2 is a fun console, but one of its shortcomings is that it's not the most ergonomic device for handheld play. That's where CRKD is looking to switch things up, as the company has announced the Nitro Deck 2 for Switch 2 consoles, priced at $100. Even better, it's compatible with the Switch 1 and is scheduled to launch in Spring 2026 in two colorways: White and Smoke Black.
CRKD Nitro Deck 2
If you're looking to get something right away for your Switch 1 console, the current CRKD Nitro Deck and Nitro Deck+ come highly recommended. These are priced from around $50 - $60 each, and they come in a wide variety of colors like black, PAL grey, and a retro-inspired purple. The regular Nitro Deck features full-size Hall Effect analog sticks and triggers, a conventional D-pad, four remappable back buttons, motion controls, rumble, turbo function, curved handles, and is compatible with both the standard and OLED Switch models.
The Nitro Deck+ has a similar setup, but the key differences with this model include HDMI out support via the USB-C port so that you can put the Switch in docked mode without having to remove it from the cradle, a symmetrical thumbstick layout, an eject function to make removing the screen easier, and improved rumble effects.
Several other third-party Switch 2 controllers are also on sale on Amazon right now. The GameSir G8 Plus features an extendable bridge that can cradle a Switch 2 and small tablets, and its traditional controller design makes it comfortable to use. It also has back buttons, Hall Effect sticks, dual trigger modes, a traditional D-pad, and swappable joystick caps, and you can pick this up for $80. The other model offered by the company is the $50 X5S mobile gaming controller, which features a more angular design and is compatible with Switch consoles, Android, and iOS devices. This also has Hall Effect sticks, dual linear motors for rumble support, six-axis gyroscope functionality, and a turbo function for when you don't feel like mashing buttons.
While we haven't personally tested it yet, the Gameefy Switch 2 controller looks like another interesting alternative to using the Joy-Con 2 controllers. This also fits the Switch 2 console tablet in the middle, and the design seems pretty comfortable. It has Hall Effect sticks, rumble support, a 1,000 mAh internal battery, a six-axis battery, RGB joystick lighting, and can store up to 4 game cards in its chassis. It's currently on sale for $47.49 (was $54).
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CRKD Nitro Deck 2
If you're looking to get something right away for your Switch 1 console, the current CRKD Nitro Deck and Nitro Deck+ come highly recommended. These are priced from around $50 - $60 each, and they come in a wide variety of colors like black, PAL grey, and a retro-inspired purple. The regular Nitro Deck features full-size Hall Effect analog sticks and triggers, a conventional D-pad, four remappable back buttons, motion controls, rumble, turbo function, curved handles, and is compatible with both the standard and OLED Switch models.
The Nitro Deck+ has a similar setup, but the key differences with this model include HDMI out support via the USB-C port so that you can put the Switch in docked mode without having to remove it from the cradle, a symmetrical thumbstick layout, an eject function to make removing the screen easier, and improved rumble effects.
Nitro Deck
- Black -- $50
- Cuddle Team Leader: Fortnite Edition -- $42.49 ($50)
- PAL Grey -- $50
- Retro Pink -- $50
- Retro Purple -- $43 ($50)
- Rocket League Silver Edition -- $60
- White -- $60
Nitro Deck+
- Clear Black -- $60
- Clear Black )with HDMI adapter) -- $50 ($70)
- Clear White -- $60
- Clear White (with HDMI adapter) -- $50 ($70)
- Renegade Raider: Fortnite Edition -- $47 ($80)
- Rocket League: Gold Edition -- $43 ($55)
Several other third-party Switch 2 controllers are also on sale on Amazon right now. The GameSir G8 Plus features an extendable bridge that can cradle a Switch 2 and small tablets, and its traditional controller design makes it comfortable to use. It also has back buttons, Hall Effect sticks, dual trigger modes, a traditional D-pad, and swappable joystick caps, and you can pick this up for $80. The other model offered by the company is the $50 X5S mobile gaming controller, which features a more angular design and is compatible with Switch consoles, Android, and iOS devices. This also has Hall Effect sticks, dual linear motors for rumble support, six-axis gyroscope functionality, and a turbo function for when you don't feel like mashing buttons.
- GameSir G8 Plus -- $80
- GameSir X5S -- $50
- Gameefy Switch 2 controller -- $47.49 ($54)
While we haven't personally tested it yet, the Gameefy Switch 2 controller looks like another interesting alternative to using the Joy-Con 2 controllers. This also fits the Switch 2 console tablet in the middle, and the design seems pretty comfortable. It has Hall Effect sticks, rumble support, a 1,000 mAh internal battery, a six-axis battery, RGB joystick lighting, and can store up to 4 game cards in its chassis. It's currently on sale for $47.49 (was $54).
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