I love the Nintendo Switch 2. It’s like the original Switch, but it can actually play modern games made by companies other than Nintendo. But despite releasing eight years after the OG Switch, the Switch 2 has the same big problem as its predecessor: the Joy-Cons that come with it are terrible controllers.
Thankfully, third-party accessory makers are finally swooping in to replace them. One of our favorite original Switch accessories was the Nitro Deck, but it’s not compatible with Switch 2. Enter the Nitro Deck 2 from CRKD which, after numerous delays, is finally shipping next week, on August 28 (see it at Amazon). The Nitro Deck 2 is designed to make the Switch 2 feel more comfortable in your hands.
Preorder CRKD Nitro Deck 2 for Switch 2
CRKD Nitro Deck 2 for Switch 2
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The big new feature in this model versus the original Nitro Deck is that you can use it on the Switch 2 in handheld mode, or you can collapse it into a standard controller and use it to play in docked mode. That makes it twice as useful and minimizes the number of controllers you need to buy.
Unlike Joy-Con 2 sticks, the Nitro Deck 2 has full-sized analog sticks, like on the Pro Controller. They’re CaptiSticks which, like Hall Effect sticks, won’t contract stick drift after using for a while. You can also adjust the resistance on them to your liking, and you can swap the stick tops and D-pad with the designs you like best (see the alternates on CRKD).
It also has four back buttons, two extra shoulder buttons, and fully re-mappable controls to give you many more gameplay options than a standard controller. And thanks to a tightening dial on the back of the device, it’s also fully compatible with the original Switch and Switch OLED, which is a fun bonus.
Why Joy-Cons 2 Are Bad
What makes the default Switch 2 Joy-Cons so bad? Let me count the ways. The thumbsticks are too short for comfort. They’re too thin, giving your hands little to grip onto. The face buttons are tiny. They feel bad when used solo, and when snapped into a grip. They basically feel bad to use all the time.
These issues all arise as a result of Nintendo making the Joy-Cons 2 as versatile as possible. And to Nintendo’s credit, they really can be used in a whole bunch of ways, some of which come in handy in certain situations. But when you make a controller a jack of all trades, it becomes a master of none. The ways I use my Switch 2 most – in handheld mode or in docked mode – the Joy-Cons just don’t cut it.
If you ask me, the best thing to do with your default Joy-Cons 2 is to chuck them in the garbage and replace them with something else – like a Nitro Deck 2, perhaps?
Chris Reed is a senior commerce editor and deals expert for IGN. He also runs IGN’s board game and LEGO coverage. You can follow him on Bluesky.