There’s an idea that I reject, which says you have to tone down your style as you get older. As if somehow our personality diminishes as we mature. I never understood that. As I hurtle past my mid-thirties, I’m every day more comfortable with the things I like, and I don’t see why I should hide that.
Given the chance to meet with Alex Varrey at CRKD, the accessories manufacturer making waves with their stellar Nitro Deck series, I didn’t hesitate to jump in. I’m a huge fan of any controller or gear that makes my life easier. The problem is, most don’t do that. At least, not for an autistic gamer like myself.
My issues are twofold: I have large hands, meaning I can’t handle small controllers. Secondly, if the visual language of a controller isn’t clear, I won’t use it long term. That may sound like nitpicking, but when everything you carry has to serve a purpose, little things actually mean everything.
Nitro Deck+
Sitting down with the Nitro Deck+, I instantly recognize we’re in a different ballpark. This is a classy, well-designed piece of hardware that feels like a natural extension of the Nintendo Switch. Which is not faint praise, considering the Switch is my favorite console of all-time.
The Nitro Deck+ is a hefty addition that makes the slim console feel more akin to the Steam Deck. Yet it doesn’t feel unruly. The controller leans into my hands in a solid, deliberate way as I pick it up. Its weight is balanced, and the thoughtful placement of both joysticks and the back buttons are a joy. My fingers instantly find their place, even without looking. That doesn’t happen often, as I end up fiddling with different grips on smaller sets.
A sturdy kickstand is a nice addition, allowing for the Nitro Deck+ to stand much more comfortably on any surface. A USB-C to HDMI charging port is included, meaning you don’t have to carry a separate dock with you. Neither of these things are new, yet they stand out nonetheless. CRKD has spent considerable time on placement and design, and it shows.
Most importantly, the button layout is tremendous. I tested the Nitro Deck+ with a round of Mario Kart 8 with great first impressions. The joysticks on the Switch are fine, but not what I’d call great. On the Nitro Deck+, you can feel the difference in traction and precision. Because the device connects directly via USB-C, there’s no lag, either.
I’m extremely impressed with the Nitro Deck+. For the past four years, my travel companion has been the Nintendo Switch Lite. Not just for convenience, but because I haven’t enjoyed a single expansion to the larger OLED model. For the first time, I think the Nitro Deck+ will change that.
The Atom
Setting aside the Nitro Deck+, I couldn’t help but laugh upon laying eyes on the Atom controller. Not because it’s bad, far from it, but because it couldn’t be more different. Its design language is just as deliberate as its larger sibling, only in the opposite direction.
The whole idea with the Atom is that it’s a collectible. It’s a design statement that also works as a controller. There’s a sense of fun in its styling that I thought had died out in the mid-2000s. Back when controllers were fun.
The first I notice picking it up is that while light, this thing isn’t flimsy. It can’t be, after all, it’s designed to go with you everywhere. There’s an easy to attach keychain that hooks up to whatever you need, so you can have a controller around whenever. If that sounds like the perfect way to break things, you’re not alone in thinking it.
But if you give the Atom a go, you’ll notice a couple of things. This thing is rock solid, and it’s surprisingly fun to hold. It won’t replace your main controller, and nobody is going to compete with these things. But I tried it on both the Switch and an iPhone, and it feels like magic. It pairs fast, there’s no perceptible lag on either device, and it just works.
In a world where mobile gaming among teens is bigger than ever, and the Switch remains one of the best-selling consoles of all time, the Atom feels genius. The fact that it works this well for a controller costing 25 euros is a major bonus.
More than that, it’s fun to look at and fiddle with. I know that sounds like a childish sentiment, but it’s true. I like trinkets. My bags are loaded with pins, patches, and doodads. I’m not the target audience, yet, weirdly, I also might be. The old-school SNES-style controller tickles my nostalgia glands like crazy. I know my younger relatives will love a brightly colored accessory that also lets them game. There’s a spark of innovation in the marriage between form and function that I appreciate.
The future
CRKD is just getting started. Everything I saw at Gamescom is just the first steps on a roadmap to make gaming more fun. If they continue like this, I couldn’t be more excited. I miss the days of Rock Band and themed controllers. There was an air of excitement with every new announcement. It’s something people miss about gaming. Like sports, everyone has their favorite team or genre. There’s a tribal joy in showcasing that.
More importantly, it’s a thrill to see a manufacturer come out with such clear design language. Something that a neurodivergent gamer like myself can use with ease. It makes my life easier, and I feel seen every time I pick one up.
I can’t wait to see where CRKD goes next.