The CRKD Nitro Deck+ Is Sadly Even Worse - Review

[@jtf9185]

Came late to the switch party, bought an oled about a day before I learnt the next gen switch is being announced soon. In saying that I watched a bunch of your videos and saw the original nitro deck review, which made me visit their website to have a better look. Upon arriving on their homepage I saw that they had this plus version now available so I thought much the same as you did in that the stick was in the most awkward spot possible and that the plus must be a vast improvement. Fast forward to this week and I’ve got the switch in the new nitro deck plus and I’ve got to say that it is indeed the same issue with the face buttons, HOWEVER, I have learnt to use the rear buttons in their place and not having to take my thumbs off the sticks has been a game changer for me playing virtually anything. As a pretty average gamer never having used any special controllers before this I can honestly say that you should still pick this up if you enjoy your switch, I never use the side programmable buttons but I always use the rear ones. Hope this helps someone out.

[@TheInfiniteNine]

Underrated comment. Alex and alot of people here are being some serious snowflakes about playing in a different configuration. The idea is the same as learning more than 1 controller config. If you have more than 1 game console. It's not hard to take a little time to get used to it really. And I agree with how comfortable the nitro deck plus is after you get used to the back buttons.

[@RoachCatJr]

copping that Switch oled now & catching up on games is still worth it imo

[@MadaoAU]

I don't know what they were thinking with "let's make a deck controller that isnt the deck layout" just looking at it you know everything wrong about it

[@RoachCatJr]

steam probably has the deck layout patented or some shit. they could do that

[@eyeball226]

The Steamdeck's layout is awful, I'm glad no one is copying it. Given that, the name of this particular product is odd, I'll give you that.

[@mioda3109]

They were better off emulating that, it seems like they wanted it to keep it compact but didnt care that the design suffered for it

[@ItsChineseGuy]

How would you make it better? There's only so much you can do to adjust buttons and joystick

[@Thump2030]

One awesome feature you missed talking about with the new Nitro Deck+ is all the complaints about it scratching the back of your switch when you insert it and remove it, especially on painted special edition switches.

[@JaneTheDoe-id2vx]

yep, i had to add felt material unto mine to protect my switch

[@DarthPooh]

Both sticks on top why they should have kept the right stick on the bottom and just did something like hori does with the stick and buttons

[@ItsChineseGuy]

That's exactly how the old nitro deck was. Right stick bottom, people complain. Right stick on top, people complain. There's no pleasing these people.

[@borrellipatrick]

Love my original deck. Didn't have any issues with the stick layout 🤷‍♂️

[@TetsugakuSan]

Absolutely

[@DannyCosmos]

@@TetsugakuSansmall hand squad

[@DannyCosmos]

Small hands sa quad

[@Spaced-Station]

Love the original one, grip doesn't strain my hands like the switch does without it. Also Hall effect sticks - that and the grip is the point for me. I can't even go back to the joycons. Bought an on sale 8bitdo pro2 for more hall effect sticks bc omg finally they are in more than just my flightsticks

[@lhon101982]

Furthermore, both the Nitro Deck and the Nitro Deck Plus have the potential to cause scratches on the back of your Nintendo Switch during insertion and ejection.

[@blitzerblazinoah6838]

Thank you for your input. I was looking to get a Nitro Deck or Nitro Deck+, but you and this review have convinced me to abandon this plan.

[@rpenx31]

@@blitzerblazinoah6838Get mobapad m6 hd. Absolutely great product and the definitive joycon killer.

[@Funem]

@@blitzerblazinoah6838 Had mine since it was released and dont have a singe scratch on my Switch

[@oksure5963]

​@@blitzerblazinoah6838 you can try getting a retroflag perhaps? It may be made with cheaper plastic, but the pros outweight the cons. It has this velvety fabric to protect your switch from getting scratched, ergonomic design, lightweight, cheaper, and easier to buy worldwide.

[@graysonwells21]

I’ve only had mine for 4 months and so far it hasn’t scratched my switch at all, albeit mine is still the OG 2017 model…

[@JPJP62JPJP]

I love CRKD and their products, but I can’t understand the Nitro Deck +… it feel like they rushed a « solution » for a minor problem. Also, on the business end… what do you do now in the future? Nitro deck or the Nitro Deck +? do you produce limited edition on both Nitro decks? Anyway… I might be wrong and I hope so since I really want CRKD to succed.

[@BeepsAndBeats]

It wasn’t a minor problem, the device was almost unplayable. Your right thumb was resting on it the entire time, even when you press the top buttons.

[@JPJP62JPJP]

@@BeepsAndBeats I get your point. But I’ve been using the OG Nitro deck for a couple of months and I have literally no issue with the stick placement. But I totally get that for some, it’s a bigger issue

[@lewa3910]

@@BeepsAndBeats I literally managed to fix the issue by just taking the spare stick top and cutting it smaller till its closer to the Gamecube sized C-stick, immediately fixed the issue for me, tho i still felt it was in abit too uncomfortable position, hence why i traded it for Mobapad's M6 joycons. Super comfortable in both hand held and as a controller! Tho i had to alter my joycongrip and remove its back so it was just the centre piece holding the joycons together, so there's still that issue. But i'll take it

[@RukaIXR]

Which products from them do you like exactly, because they all seem to have a reputation of being super uncomfortable from what I've seen

[@JPJP62JPJP]

@@RukaIXR OG nitro deck and NEO S Controller. The NEO S, they may not be as confortable as an xbox controller, but the retro vibes of it is just perfect in my opinion. I’ve been playing quite a lot of Zelda TOTK with it and never felt like my hands were cramped or uncomfortable.

[@ludwig2195]

No switch. Watching anyway

[@AlexCFaulkner]

Really, after all these years why do you watch Nintendo life then?

[@BeepsAndBeats]

Big fan of Hawaiian shirts?

[@sparkypack]

@@AlexCFaulkner because it's Detective Pikachu.

[@kko9303]

Yo get dis boi an OLED or Lite

[@brichan1851]

@ludwig2195 I have been gaming since 1983 with the Atari VCS/2600. I own, and have owned, so many different consoles, I can’t even remember everything throughout my lifetime. However, I can honestly say that the Switch might be my overall favorite system. I buy physical copies of everything I am interested in. I currently own 249 Switch carts with 8 more on the way from Super Rare, Limited Run, 1st Press, imported titles, etc. When I get digital games, it’s purely for games that aren’t available in physical form. My main draw is retro, as in arcade classics and NeoGeo games. I do Nintendo Switch Online and it’s a decent service, though I prefer the Virtual Console from the Wii days over it. But when I look at the library of games and see what the Switch is capable of, I can honestly say that it is my “go-to” system, even beating out PS5 and Xbox Series. Yes, they are far more powerful and give us 4K, Ray Tracing, and 60fps on almost everything, but the Switch is a dream come true for anyone who prefers a classic approach to gaming. Now, I’m old and I’m an old-school gamer. I love classics and I love modern titles. When I look at Sony and Microsoft, I can’t help but be disappointed. These systems are approaching the 5 year mark and we are JUST NOW starting to get exclusives that take advantage of the power available in both systems. Even still, that doesn’t mean these are great games. Just look at the mess that is Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League if you don’t believe me. If you are on the fence, I HIGHLY recommend getting a Switch. While we all know the Switch 2 (or whatever they’re going to call it) is on the horizon, and will probably have backward compatibility, I truly believe the Switch is going to be the greatest overall system for years to come. I’m no fanboy. I love games and have for over 41 years. I have owned and loved systems made by nearly every company out there. Atari, Commodore, SEGA, Sony, Microsoft, NEC, SNK, Nintendo… I go for the games more than the system. The Switch just offers so much; either in the palm of your hand, or on your TV. Most importantly, you can download games you want, but don’t HAVE to, like with the Steam Deck. You have so many options to game the way YOU want. She’s not the most powerful. She’s not the newest. She’s not perfect. But if you are looking for the best overall system with (in my humble opinion) the greatest library of games ever made available, the Nintendo Switch is the system for you. Get one. It is 100% worth it.

[@tyrusch]

Satisfye and Mobapad M6 HD are best I think

[@Drivenby]

I bought the mobapad and damn this thing is so good .

[@JBarrett41]

Love the Satisfye!! So comfortable

[@jamerv777smerf]

I've had satisfyfor years it's great and only like 25$. The mobo have peaked my interest lately I've seen numerous reviews. It's on my list👀. Soon as they get more colors🤦🏽

[@RC10GT]

Love my Mobapad M6 HD so much. I bragged to my wife how much better it was, she stole it from me.

[@XhoowieX]

Mobapad definitely for me. Satisfye is very comfortable, but you're stuck with the tiny joysticks.

[@Brdo666]

I’ve had the Nitro Deck + for a couple of weeks now. I would agree that it’s not perfect, the Steam Deck layout is much much better, however I don’t find it uncomfortable to use. I find that I can reach the triggers just fine when shifting my hand down to use the face buttons (for games that don’t use the right stick), and when I do need to use the right stick (say in tears of the kingdom) I found that using the back buttons took about 5 minutes of getting used to. I definitely get mileage may vary depending on the ergonomics of your hands, but that’s true to an extent with all controllers. It’s also rad that this works as a dock, and the Hall effect joysticks with swappable tops mean I’ll probably never use my joycons again outside of multiplayer. So personally I like it 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@Brdo666]

Also, personally I like that there’s a bit of wiggle room in the bag because it also fits the much wider Steam Deck. So it’s handy if you’re like me and regularly use both on commutes

[@Brdo666]

Btw not at the same time, just it’s nice to be able to use the same bag for the steam deck if I happen to want to bring that out instead of the switch

[@lewa3910]

Glad i traded my original deck for some Mobapad M6 joycons. Superior in every way, except for lack of dock feature, which i can live without. My main issue is the remappable buttons lacking stick axis inversion, both CRKD and Moba forget to add this compared to 8bitdo ultimate's which has that standard. Honestly i would've ignore all the Nitrodeck +'s problems if its remap feature included stick axis inversion, it just sucks that the original nitrodeck can't even have full button remapping as you're right, the right stick is probably better off on the bottom even tho i prefer it being on top. I just cut one of the spare stick tops into a gamecube c-stick nub and that fixed the issue of being in the way mostly when i pressed face buttons. They could've made some spare stick tops like that but they don't :(

[@coreylouispropst]

I must be the only one who actually enjoys this device. I liked it so much i bought multple for family lol Also, the sidekick buttons are a game-changer imo.

[@InJeffable]

I like the placement of the analog sticks, but they look terrible. The Wii U GamePad and Pro Controller have convex tops on their sticks too, but they look way better than that. The Nitro Deck+ ones look too big around and cheap. And yeah, the face button thing really is a shame. They had the Wii U GamePad and Steam Deck to draw inspiration from. They could have used either of those layout styles for their face button placement. But nope: They chose the laziest option by merely swapping the positions of the right stick and the face buttons. On top of that, the overall plastic build looks cheap to me. I wasn't very interested in the Nitro Deck or the + to begin with, but now I'm even more glad that I went with the Mobapad M6 HD instead.

[@sandman8920]

Actually the sticks are really comfortable. It’s a great product don’t listen to Alex.

[@Eragonfrost]

In my opinion the face buttons will be used way more than the right stick so I prefer having right stick on the bottom

[@nathaniallarkin6060]

I bought the original and returned it the same day. it's large, clunky, and significantly heavier than the switch by itself. There is also the fact that the "rumble" is just a one setting motor that shakes the controller uncontrollably. If you want a holder for your switch just get one of the 10$ plastic ones that you snap the switch into, They work 10x better imo

[@Mukduck619]

I have the split pad pro which works great for me…

[@gabe5918]

@@Mukduck619Oooooh the HORI Split Pad Compact is GOATED af too 🍻 That baby is light, pretty, can remap buttons without an app, AND weirdly the BEST feeling thumbs sticks ive ever layed my hands on.

[@Faizu777]

@@gabe5918I have the compacts too but I miss rumble so I bought the nitrodeck+ I didn’t like the regular ome

[@spustatu]

I love my Steam controller for PC gaming. It only has two paddles on the back, but it didn't take me long to learn to use them. Doubling that might be harder, but I think it's something you can learn to use much more quickly than you'd think.

[@Sainte305]

I don't share your complaints and I have fairly large hands. I also like Pro controllers and like the back buttons, so I adapted to the Nitro Deck + rather easily. I like it so far.

[@techkingonline]

Im the same, 6ft 7, huge hands, love my nitro deck +. differnt folks different strokes though.

[@Sainte305]

@@techkingonline I’m just used to the ergonomics of it I guess, but yeah, we’re all different!

[@TheRoleModel]

@@techkingonline 6 ft 8, LOVED the nitro deck and want the nitro deck plus but everyones crying about it, so hard to buy haha

[@jonasking9587]

My Switch has barely left the original Nitro deck, because it's the best Switch accessory I've played. I just wish they'd get rid of the back buttons. The dpad and the sticks are incredible.

[@XionSteel]

the plus side to the right stick being up higher is that it makes right stick shooter games better to play since they often use the trigger buttons to do other inputs. The downside is that the face buttons are now too low to play non-right sick shooter games while also trying to use the triggers at the same time.

[@tomlion0116]

I still use my Hori Split Pad Pro since 2018. It does not have gyro that's true BUT it's one of the most comfortable controllers I ever used.

[@sandman8920]

I found the face buttons unresponsive

[@tomlion0116]

@@sandman8920 I don't have problems with mine and use it as much as my normal Joy-con's.

[@twobitsnick]

Lack of gyro is... not a small thing. I was actually thinking of getting them, and now I definitely won't.

[@tomlion0116]

@@twobitsnick Never said it's a small thing. I just don't use it, only for Switch Sports but that game is best experienced on TV. 😅

[@BoomingInfernape]

How does this channel have 771K subs and their videos rarely hit 40k views? That's like 5% of subs watching.

[@Svante]

Works fine for me. MUCH better, than using those damn joycons.

[@Ghostlynotme445]

Thank you lil bro that’s what I wanna hear

[@letsmakepancakes3]

My takeaway is that both models are leagues above the standard joycons. I use the original for playformers and the plus for shooters. I love it.

[@kurogane_b-wolf]

I have been using nitro deck + for a couple weeks now and i gotta say it feels so much better. I actually like the face button layouts as it is too. Lot of ppl been saying it was uncomfortable but honestly it was just comfortable for me, never straining my right hand to press them either. My hands aren’t big, just about average size so here’s my take on it. P.S I took it around on a overseas trip and back, I can’t exaggerate more on how much this made it easier for me to carry around. This is dockable which means i wont need the extra room for the dock in my bag.

[@lizard81288]

Please, someone just needs to copy the steam deck in controller form

[@BeepsAndBeats]

I wish there was a official switch case like this, I don’t want third party devices

[@greatlake_editz]

3rd party devices do what Nintendon't sometimes

[@Fliprez]

I feel the exact same way. I’ve tried discussing this in their discord server and it’s crazy how many people are defending this thing saying “but it’s what the fans wanted!” That’s such a shitty excuse. Like you said they should’ve realized how uncomfortable it was and just given up on the idea instead of trying to force people to rely on the stupid back buttons. I don’t know why this company is so damn committed to keeping the buttons and sticks symmetrical. This thing is already bulky as hell so adding space for them to be slanted wouldn’t be a huge deal. This and emphasizing the dumbass virtual collectable garbage is such a bad look. Really hoping they get their act together for the switch 2 cause there’s so much potential

[@brichan1851]

I just use Hori Split Pad Compact. Hands down, it’s the best way to play in handheld mode. It basically makes your OLED into a Switch Lite. When on the go, I almost never use my Joycons, unless I’m playing a vertical shmup game. If it had rumble and could read Amibos, the Split Pad Compact would be perfect. Still, it’s my favorite way to play in handheld mode. While it looks cool, I think I’m just going to pass on the Nitro and Nitro+. Still, thanks for the video. As always, you are fantastic!

[@jamesrule1338]

Prefer the pro to the compact, but in general I'm happy with the controllers Hori has produced.

[@brichan1851]

@@jamesrule1338 I’ve never used the pro. The compacts are a dream. Maybe I’ll find a pro and see.

[@Zellow38]

I bought the original during Black Friday and I’ve been using it ever since. I have absolutely no complaints about it. It feels better than Joycons AND it doesn’t drift. I hadn’t played this much in handheld mode before I got it. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested. I don’t like the position of the right stick in the Nitro Deck+ version so I doubt I will upgrade to that one.

[@Eragonfrost]

I played Breath of the Wild with Green original Nitro Deck it’s perfect

[@K_8T]

Got the flu, it's 3am, and Im upside down. Thank you for uploading

[@Funem]

If you get the optional stick pack, there is a pair of tops that make the stick shorter, with more grip, which makes using the ABXY buttons easier to use and makes the whole deck feel better for the controls.

[@Mukduck619]

So pay extra for basic functionality and comfort? Will stick to my split pad pro….

[@Eragonfrost]

People complain if both sticks are on top or if both sticks are not on top, people just choose what you prefer

[@jamerv777smerf]

Lmao I'm glad someone said it. Honestly you can just look at it and tell that it's worse smh🤦🏽. This why I love channels like these. Honest. Also glad someone said this: If they were gonna copy the Steam Deck they should've just went all the way in

[@sandman8920]

Hardly honest when he hasn’t given it a chance. It’s incredible to use for fps games the app is fantastic and allows you to change any button to do whatever you want.

[@greatlake_editz]

​@@sandman8920I feel like it's one of those things where you gotta get used to it

[@Tomorrow64]

Ngl. Learning backbuttons don’t take long and it very helpful for games that require so much use of the camera like fps games. Best feature ever honestly.

[@teetubbie7697]

One of the more honest reviews on KZbin. Thanks. As a player/collector I'll stick to the original until CRKD make some real improvements to the layout.

[@MilkWasABadChoice17]

They revised the board to include an "out" USB-C port instead of just having an HDMI or mini HDMI port directly on it. WHY???

[@jwill7998]

Why are they so resistant to a Steam Deck design?

[@kenji6492]

I use an original nitro deck as my daily driver. Other than scratching up my Switch (which is whatever, it’s year one system and I’m not too protective of how it looks so long as the screen is nice) the obvious way to improve the controller is to make it wider to have a diagonal offset for the sticks and buttons. Unsure who approved this upgrade cause it’s…just not one.

[@jupesjupi]

glad i’m not the only one immensely disappointed with the nitro deck. mine stopped working with my OLED, apparently a common thing because they didn’t bother to research compatibility enough

[@keith9005]

That's gotta suck. I have had no issues, but thats probably cuz. I got the old model switch.

[@joshogden1081]

Great review Alex. I have to say that I loved the first nitro deck (EXCEPT THAT IT STOPPED CONNECTING TO MY OLED A MONTH IN). I'm 6'6" with hands to match, and it was transcendently more comfortable (especially playing shooters) than joycons. It was so nice not having to be worried about being too rough with the joycons and inducing drift. Now I use a satisfye grip, and yeah I'd just recommend that.

[@snfullif]

Steam Deck uses the ergonomic format from the Wii U controller. The Steam Deck console is awesome. I was excited seeing the economic Steam Deck for the Nintendo Switch. I like handheld mode. Oh well, each their own. Have you ever learned how to play guitar? You grip neck of the instrument with your fingers on the strings. You don’t plant your hand in position. You constantly move your hand freely, only touching the strings and your thumb on the back of the neck. Freedom of movement. So what is wrong with freedom of movement for video games?

[@Leopez02]

Hello there LOVELY Nintendo Life! I've been interested about CRKD Nitro Deck over a year since last year's Summer Game Fest 2023 it's first Reveal with IGN and FINALLY I bought my first Nitro Deck and just in the same time when CRKD Relased Nitro Deck + in june, but if it's even worse i'm glad to have the Original Nitro Deck on my Nintendo Switch what I've bought just in last week at Nitro Deck + launch. I like more OG Nitro Deck because it have it's joysticks on the same positions than on Nintendo Switch, but as a Wii U gamer too I like Nitro Deck + have a joysticks on the same position like on a Wii U so maybe I'll buy and try Nitro Deck + too Nitro Deck is one of my reason why it's so great to be Nintendo Switch gamer: Here we GOO! 🎉😊❤

[@MarkLangdahl]

I gotta admit that I find it hard to believe anyone who is not a child will find the normal joycons less comfortable... But then again the first thing I did when I first got my switch was to find a set of third party joycons for it for better comfort. And when I started getting connection issues because the rails are insanely poorly constructed by Nintendo I got an original Nitro Deck. I gotta say that I won't be getting the plus version. But I find it VERY unlikely that anyone would find a flat piece of plastic with a screen inbetween less comfortable than a piece of plastic with a proper amount of curvature and properly sized buttons... Even if the thumbstick position could be better.

[@jessragan6714]

Where do you want them to move the action buttons? To a suburb three miles away? Something has got to be in that position.

[@ItsChineseGuy]

People just want some sort of magical imaginary way where the joysticks and buttons can coexist on the same plane. Delusional, unrealistic, unreasonable. If it wasn't so expensive, I would try it out just to shut the haters up but sadly CRKD won't sponsor me 😢

[@burnoutjunkie42]

Personally for me I rather use the first gen Nitro Deck than Joy Cons any day of the week. I’m more worried about the joy cons slipping out of the switch if I’m out with the device.

[@feraldrgn]

Before I get into the video properly I have small hands & had issues with the stick placement so I don't think hand size matters. Imo the source of the issues with the grip is that they made the grip narrower at the bottom (both models) unlike other controllers, so your thumb & palm have less room, which also makes the placement more of a problem than on a Nintendo Joycon (which is equal width from top to bottom). *ps.* You're absolutely 100% correct that they want people to use the back buttons for the face buttons & their video confirms it, since they gave some spiel about how they want to make it so people don't have to move their hands as much.

[@PcVgLife]

I can't listen to this guy piss and moan about the placement of stuff. I got the distinct feeling that no placement would be good enough.

[@pest174]

Major oof. Skipped the last gen version because of the sticks, so almost pre-ordered this one. Glad I didn't

[@HarmonicaPL]

Mobapad m6 HD is far better. Mechanical buttons, hd rumble, amiibo support and truely ergonomic shape.

[@N04H05]

If you’re mad about moving the problem where else are you supposed to put the a,b,x,y ?

[@PillsburyNinjaKneadingJustice]

I was suckered into pre ordering the first version of this last year. And your review told me that not buying the new version was the right choice. On the original version... 1. I hated the plastic feel of the shoulder buttons 2. I hated how "long" the analog sticks are. It feels like I have to move them twice as far to get the same effect as a regular pro/Xbox/PlayStation controller analog stick. 3. The right stick placement essentially made most games uncomfortable to play at least. Sure CRKD makes a premium looking product. But it's a garbage premium looking product.

[@XiaoPichu]

The Tesla of JoyCon replacements XD

[@SYNC420]

I bought the original crystal green and love it. The normal joycons, the skull and co grips and the xbox style joycons all gave me hand cramps after 30min, nitro deck doesn't and i have big hands. Each to their own i guess.

[@niveketihw1897]

I can't use any controller that doesn't have fairly large ergonomic palmgrips. I got into the Switch ecosystem right when the OLED came out, bought third-party controllers with the largest palm bumps I could find, and they've been flawless since I got them. Don't even know where my joycons are. Also tried a Powkiddy RGB30 and found it unusable due to poor ergos.

[@RenegadePandaZ]

I still don't understand the market for this thing when the Split Pad Compact exists. And, like, dozens of other third party detachable joy con style controllers that are probably better than this thing.

[@CellPhish]

I actually really like the Nitro Deck+ vs the Nitro Deck. I’ve reviewed a lot of gimmicks in this category and I’m happy with them. The Satisfy Grip used to be my go to but you are still stuck using joy cons. This is comfortable and sturdy. My biggest issue with the first version was how close the buttons were to the thumb stick which made me hit the joystick when using the face buttons. It’s better than playing the switch with most of the accessories out there.

[@MajesticJoshua]

I feel like a lot of these aren’t really valid complaints. And the HDMI adapter does come bundled with the Nitro Deck+. I didn’t buy a bundle and it came in the box.

[@Marrujo85]

I wish I could return mine. I bought the plus and it’s horrible.

[@nthnglsn]

I'm sorry but i disagree with your stance on the back buttons. You seem really passionate about this but using back buttons is great. After the steam deck I realized how great it is and there is no learning curve. If there is then you're just bad at games in general. Adapting to back buttons is so simple

[@AngryMiddleAgedMan]

Buy the Retroflag instead. Its way better than the nitrodeck. 1 year and still works perfectly. Is very high quality. Has giro and everything.

[@Eragonfrost]

I have the Retroflag and it has way better vibration than the original Nitro Deck but I prefer the feel of the Deck over it

[@THEKLEVER187]

I bought the original ND and I’m very happy with the button and stick placements . My only complaint with the new and old model is the placement of the Dpad it should have been a bit higher and closer to the left stick on both units .. other then that it’s a great product

[@theotherotherBrian]

I have the original Nitro Deck and I think it's a big improvement over the stock joy cons. I'm very happy with it. I guess having the right stick directly below the buttons isn't perfect, but I'd prefer it over swapping their positions (like the plus model).

[@DarthJamal]

I love my og GameCube-inspired nitro deck, I was bummed a new one came out so quickly, but I’m glad I settled for the original. The plus is more expensive and doesn’t seem to solve any of the issues from the first model.

[@TurkeyFaceX]

I wish they went with a slightly wider design to offset the buttons and stick and d-pad and stick on the other side. A pro controller setup would have been perfect.

[@MagnaZeo]

Other issues aside, the whole reason I love back buttons on other controllers is that they mean I can leave both thumbs on the sticks and never touch the face buttons.

[@pinto5012]

Please consider the Fixture S1/S2 or Mobapad M6 HD for better alternatives

[@jm7725]

I'm still going strong on the original deck-yes, the right stick is uncomfortable, but I've found that most of the games I want to play portably don't rely on the right stick much at all. Played through Personas 3, 4 and 5 completely on the deck and found it to be a very pleasant experience.

[@jamerv777smerf]

I've had satisfyfor years it's great and only like 25$. The mobo have peaked my interest lately I've seen numerous reviews. It's on my list👀. Soon as they get more colors🤦🏽

[@Call_Me_David]

Still happy with my first gen Satisfye grip.

[@jackjones9848]

I have the old one and love it, you right the new one are worst then the old one. The face button important for me😂

[@cactusloaf]

I had the original version of this but just couldn't get over that thumbstick placement. Ended up selling it on ebay for a small loss - I hope the buyer likes it more than I did. I really wanted to.

[@ryanventer9221]

My Satisfye grip works just fine for me. I'm a simple man.

[@cwills75]

Hey there Alex, let me introduce you to someone who absolutely LOVES the Nitro Deck+ - me. I'm not going to argue with any of your points, they are all justified, but they don't apply to me. I'm someone who plays EVERYTHING that uses a controller with a pro controller. Be it Xbox Elite for PC/Xbox, and AIM PS5 with my PS5. My muscle memory is the back buttons and I never use the face buttons so my right stick always has my thumb on it. I get some people don't want to play like this, but it's called pro for a reason, you have a finger dedicated to each ABXY and your thumb for the stick, making combos that are difficult or uncomfortable to pull of with certain games child's play. The previous non+ ND was unusable with that right stick, this one is perfect in that regard. On top of that, this is the ONLY device available in the 7+ years the Switch has been out that not only lets you play with four back buttons handheld, but also has an integrated dock, so you can connect a pair of XR glasses and game with those. I've got a 3D printed mount on the back of my ND+ with a small 2.6" 10,000mAh battery pack to power the ND+ and Viture Pro XR glasses, and for the first time ever, I can hold my Switch and play using my XR glasses handheld. This is something not even Viture's accessories allow you to do. You need to use their Switch/Viture Battery pack dock (which is really big and heavy), and then disconnect your joycons, set your Switch down somewhere and play with your joycons disconnected. They will not work handheld when "docked" with the Viture solution, but they do with the Nitro Deck+. I will admit it's not perfect, and I wish it 100% copied the Steam Deck layout which would make it more comfortable for non-pro controller users, albeit bigger/heavier in the process. I probably wouldn't buy it as I'm happy with this one. With my Steam Deck OLED I can connect my Viture glasses directly to the USB-C output port and game-on, but with the Switch it's always been impossible, or required all of the above headaches, until now. I've also not experienced any back of my Switch scratching some users are reporting, neither with my V1 Switch or OLED (both standard black models). The standoffs used in this one are thicker than original ND, and I do see a good gap between my Switch and ND+. It's possible people scratching theirs are squeezing/flexing them together while undocking as the standoffs are rubber, I dunno. Maybe different Switch models have different tolerances. I haven't bought their case yet, and would like one, so if you don't have any use for that wash bag, you can send it my way. ;)

[@Rhedosaurus_]

I bought the original and hated it because of the placement of the right stick (as Alex mentions). I took the risk - I had a voucher and most reviews were good - but Alex was completely right. I definitely won't be trying this one. It's amazing how many hugely positive reviews they got on the original. And a lot of those reviews didn't even mention the right stick issue.

[@incognitod8444]

why's it an issue for this device but not the Switch in general (when in handheld mode). Help me understand!

[@chubbzilla7111]

id have to disagree ice owned mine for some time now and love it ive also just purchased another for my son for his birthday but to each his own

[@jacobcordell2882]

Why can't they just chop an Xbox remote in half in turn them into Joy cons problem solved

[@zeekslider]

I have the original model, and I guess I have the hands they are designed for? I saw no reason to buy this model. Now review their S Deck...

[@JBarrett41]

I’m sad to hear this as I almost picked one up, but my Satisfye grip is perfect for me. So comfortable and easy to slide on and off. Love it!

[@fightrudyfight5799]

I’ve actually gone backwards and started using my joycons after avoiding using them completely. I have the first Nitro Deck and yes the right thumb stick placement and now right side button placement is still not correct. I think I’m going with the Hori split pads,the Gengar ones. And I totally agree, late to the Switch party.

[@mattsinclair9149]

I hope for April Fool’s Alex gets all you can eat waffles so we can determine exactly how many waffles are required before he thinks it’s too many waffles

[@justsomebryan]

I'm shocked that they just flipped the sticks & buttons not thinking it wouldn't be just as uncomfortable in their first product. Their NEO S controller has a proper layout & I'm not sure why that wasn't transferred over to their main product. Oh well, may the third time will be the charm.

[@tonysaulnier2586]

I don’t have much of an issue with either one. Most Nintendo games utilize the buttons than joystick. This is really the first time I’m hearing of this issue. I have 4 nitro decks and a nitro deck plus and I have no issue.

[@justawesomeperson]

I’ve clocked around 35 hours using the original nitro deck in MH Rise… and I’ve loved it. It’s my main way to play at the moment. I don’t know if it’s my hands or yours but clearly that should be CRKD’s problem to address. I will say I added Skull and Co grips and that added additional comfort to the right stick not that I had the issue to begin with that’s just how I play on all my controllers

[@TetsugakuSan]

Honestly you’re honking over nothing. I’ve got the original. I’ve got hands like shovels. It’s works absolutely great.

[@barack0ganj4]

I actually really like the product. The only caveat is getting used to and adapting to using the back buttons instead of the face buttons and I feel like using them with the sticks is great!

[@tadams587]

they need to shrink the left stick; regardless if they have it positioned above or below the face buttons.

[@rodddossantos1437]

Wow. Never even imagined Alex could ever grill something SO very intensely. But see, I bought the first one and even a second one (limited edition) -I love it so much! So, I was "kinda" right...? 😄 You're still the best Alex! Love your videos always!

[@titzmageex]

Yea idk why I thought the swap of the face buttons and joystick would make thing any better. I opened mine, and instantly thought this is just and bad, and immediately had buyers remorse.

[@madmyc6836]

I’ve always wondered why they didn’t make it a bit wider and use the steam deck layout. Sure it would be noticeably bigger but it’s not exactly pocketable as it is

[@CaribbeanGamerpr]

Does anyone has made a comparison regarding the OG ND and the ND Plus on the sound? Are the buttons clickier and louder?

[@arcadeperfectreviews2653]

I use the Hori Slip bad compact. The dragon quest slime edition. Very comfortable, very nice looking, works docked, fits in most cases, very good D-pad, and programmable back buttons

[@wanderingmercurymarauder761]

Some of this is complaining for complaining sake. Of course it's not going to dock like a Switch, it was never supposed to. Issues with buttons? Skill issue. I agree it could have just come with an HDMI adapter, but I like that it's not built in so you can run other adapters if you had other outputs.

[@Majorbon.e]

A fix to not get scratch’s is to GENTLY take it out and only take it out when it needs to charge

[@nelson-haha89]

Interesting. I've always really liked the wii u gamepad button/stick layout. And I love translucent plastic for controllers/consoles. But it still sounds less than ideal.

[@GameAddict84]

How could they possibly think that switching places would solve anything?

[@officialnofriendo]

I have big hands and I like mine. But if the buttons were moved over a little in or out. It would be perfect!

[@gagedickinson3665]

The video was exactly what I was expecting with 1 major concern, Your voice does not seem to be able to accurately convey your rage with this product. Very Informative indeed and have talked me out of purchasing the Nitro Deck Plus here in Australia but I just need you to know, We understand how angry you are with this product even if you can't express it correctly with your majestic and ever-gentlemanly accent. Good Show!

[@FunkyHQYT]

Sacrificing ergonomics for symmetry is pretty disappointing here. These things could've been cool, and I think it's a good idea - the execution is poor and tone-deaf to what people that actually play games really want: a comfortable, solid controller.

[@youtuber6193]

The Wii U Gamepad is really comfortable to use and play, even with the right stick above the face buttons. The Wii U pro controller also uses this configuration and is equally comfortable. If they made the nitro deck wider and a bit thicker and were able to offset the face buttons and sticks, they could go with the Wii U configuration and it would work well. Or they could go for the standard configuration and it would work equally well.

[@lynnjameslange6098]

The original is great especially because my switch R) side rail is broken and no longer registers in hand held mode. This gave me a quick inexpensive fix that allows me to play in hand hold. I have large hands and don’t feel cramped using the system.