Category: gaming

CRKD and Limited Run Games Announce a Range of Tomb Raider Special Edition Collectible Controllers

CRKD, the premium collectible brand behind the award-winning Nitro Deck, NEO S and recently announced Nitro  Deck+ controllers, announced today a collaboration with Limited Run Games, celebrating Lara Croft, gaming’s greatest heroine, with a limited-edition range of themed controllers including the Tomb Raider Special Edition Nitro Deck+ for Nintendo Switch and OLED Switch, and NEO S for Nintendo Switch, PC, Mobile and Smart TV Gaming.
The new range of collectible controllers is strictly limited to 1000 units each and has been meticulously crafted to showcase the stunning artwork so symbolic of Lara Croft’s greatest adventures.
With artwork inspired by Lara’s legendary escapades, the Tomb Raider Special Edition Nitro Deck+ for Nintendo Switch and OLED Switch is a sight to behold, with towering mountains and intricate hieroglyphic symbols intertwined with foliage and cracked rocks, evoking ancient civilizations and mysteries yet to be discovered. The Nitro Deck+ is the ideal way to experience Lara’s greatest hits, eliminating stick drift forever, enhancing accuracy, and improving responsiveness and precision. New features to the Nitro Deck+ include an all-new Thumbstick layout, HDMI™ output for TV play, Bluetooth® connection for firmware updates and so much more.
The ideal companion to the Nitro Deck+, the Tomb Raider Special Edition NEO S Controller again utilises the full footprint of the controller to deliver unique artwork inspired by the Tomb Raider series. Featuring the iconic Lara Croft silhouette, would-be-heroes are invited to embark on an odyssey of untold wonders, where adventure awaits in the depths of every shadow. Included in pack, the matching Charging Dock proves that the Tomb Raider Special Edition NEO S Controller is no mere controller, serving as both a statement piece of gaming hardware and prized collectible.
Both the Tomb Raider Special Edition Nitro Deck+ and the Tomb Raider Special Edition NEO S Controller have been designed to fully integrate with the CRKD ‘True Collection System,’ a free mobile App for iOS™ and Android® which will register the product number and rarity ranking of your hardware into your secure collection, as well as CRKD CTRL where you can customize your controllers’ adjustable settings, not only adding to your bragging rights and giving instant oversight to all your CRKD gaming gear but fine tuning the settings you desire for the best gaming & user experience possible.
The Tomb Raider Special Edition Nitro Deck+ retails for $79.99 and the Tomb Raider Special Edition NEO S Controller retails for $59.99. Both controllers are available for pre-order today and expected to begin shipping from September 2024. Each controller is strictly limited to 1000 units and is available exclusively via the Limited Run Games website.
Pre-order the Tomb Raider Special Edition Nitro Deck+ or Tomb Raider Special Edition NEO S Controller today at: https://go.crkd.gg/tombraider

The Benefits of Playing Simpler Video Games From Time to Time

In the world of video gaming, we should endeavour to just keep it simple. Sometimes, there are benefits to moving from all-singing, all-dancing complexity to simple video games, and while this may seem like heresy, we’ve all got to dial it and remember that keeping things simple in our video gaming efforts can bring about a whole heap of positives, including the following:

A Pathway to Mastery

While simple games may lack in concept, the reality is that many classic games are difficult to truly master. Games like Sudoku and chess are excellent examples that have been perplexing people almost permanently. This means a satisfying challenge as players improve their skills over time. It can be incredibly complex to navigate modern gaming because of the sheer volume of functions, and this is why sometimes the simpler game mechanics, such as Sega Mega Drive and retro consoles, may have fewer features and are simpler. But this is a lesson in simplicity in every part of our lives. When we encourage ourselves to hone our abilities on simple and focused mechanics, we can achieve mastery and provide a solid gaming foundation that helps us in other aspects of our gaming journey.

Approachability and User Friendliness

Sometimes we just need to remember that simple is far more effective. Simpler games like Tetris are easy to learn and pick up, meaning that they are highly approachable for players of all skill levels. So rather than spending time fumbling with the controls trying to get into a game experience that we think we should be making the most of but getting frustrated in the process, simpler games like retro games with a handful of buttons make it a far more welcoming gameplay experience.

The Nostalgia Benefits

Nearly anybody of a certain age can look back on their childhood with fondness and remember playing games on the Commodore 64 or Super Nintendo. The enduring appeal of an old-fashioned game demonstrates that complex mechanics or graphics are not always necessary to provide an engaging gaming experience. We live in a world where games are heavy on content, and sometimes we need a palate cleanser. Shorter games with minimal rounds were all the rage in the 1990s. Games like The Terminator on the Mega Drive had four levels, providing an opportunity to enjoy gaming without being overburdened. That’s not to say they were games with more than a fair share of challenges. Flashback was another excellent game that had a handful of levels, but was densely layered.

While modern games are great for your memory and learning, sometimes we need to remember that simple can be far more sinister. Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic escape or a change of pace, complexity is something that we should shun in the modern world, not just in gaming but in life. Sometimes we can benefit from keeping things simple. Those older games like Pac-Man or Donkey Kong, as well as rhythm games such as Rock Band and Guitar Hero, can be a welcoming change from the norm.

 

Special Edition G7 SE Controller from GameSir and Eneba Revealed

Created for collectors, hardcore, and avid gamers alike, this custom-painted Special Edition G7 SE Controller is designed for precision, comfort, and responsiveness that’ll have you dodging bullets and landing crits like it’s second nature. Whether in a heated battle royale or dodging massive bosses, this controller is your sword and shield. Eneba has teamed up with the legends at GameSir to craft a gamepad that will blow up your gaming – the special edition of the G7 SE Controller.

Picked as the Best Gaming Controller 2024 by Newsweek, the G7 SE Controller features include:

  • Play on almost anything: The G7 SE works with Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One X/S, or Windows 10 and up on PC (including Steam).
  • Super precise control: Hall Effect joysticks and triggers use magnets for smooth, accurate movements that don’t wear out over time. It’s the control and precision that competitive gamers dream of.
  • Customize your way of play: Two additional buttons on the back can be programmed for fast actions. The back quick-latch can disable the rear buttons and prevent unintended input with a simple push. With the GameSir Nexus software, you can also create different profiles with unique button layouts.
  • Swappable faceplate: Utilizing magnetic technology, gamers can easily personalize the G7 SE by changing its faceplate with bare hands.
  • Toggleable trigger mode: Hair-trigger mode is perfect for fast-paced games, while analog trigger mode provides realistic feedback akin to an accelerator. Trigger sensitivity can be adjusted in the software too.
  • Comfy grip, long sessions: The G7 SE feels good in your hands thanks to the textured back grip.
  • Feel the rumble: Dual symmetric vibration motors bring your games to the next level with immersive feedback.
  • Plug in your headphones: The audio jack lets you connect your headset directly to the controller for easy chat and clear audio.
  • Lights to keep you informed: An LED indicator that shows your connection status.
  • Built to last: The braided 3-meter detachable USB-C cable is super durable, so you don’t have to worry about it fraying or breaking.

The controller is available globally through GameSir, Amazon, and retailers at 65.99 USD / 71.95 EUR, and comes with an Eneba Gift Card to stock up on our marketplace. Eneba is the ultimate source of digital entertainment with over 10M registered users and over 40,000 unique digital products to pick from.

Classic Shooter “Infantry Online” Revived on Steam After 25 Years

In a move that has delighted fans and gamers alike, the classic multiplayer combat game “Infantry Online” originally launched in 1999 by Sony Online Entertainment, has made a triumphant return to the gaming scene under the new moniker “Free Infantry” After a long hiatus and much anticipation, the game debuted on Steam last week, offering both old fans and newcomers a chance to dive into what has been noted as the world’s first massive multiplayer online isometric shooter.

Infantry was initially first released in the late ‘90s by the team behind space MMO Subspace. In 2001, Infantry’s unique MMO gameplay supported over 140,000 gamers, an unprecedented figure which undoubtedly placed it way ahead of its time. But it was not without financial burden. In fact, readers might remember that in 2020, the players requested a license agreement with Daybreak akin to the one allowing the operation of EverQuest’s fan-led Project 1999.
“Infantry Online” enjoyed a robust following during its initial run, capturing the hearts of gamers with its engaging, fast-paced tactical gameplay. The game’s operation ceased in 2012, leaving a dedicated fan base clamoring for its return. Their persistence paid off when the community revived the game on a rogue server, operating under a license agreement similar to that of the fan-led “Project 1999,” a legacy server for the classic MMORPG “EverQuest.”

Now rebranded as “Free Infantry,” the game has been relaunched and remastered, still maintaining its original charm and challenging gameplay. Available for free on Steam without any microtransactions, “FreeInfantry” offers a variety of gameplay options including standard skirmish, capture-the-flag, and cooperative modes against CPU-controlled adversaries. Players can also indulge in player-based modes that allow for class customization, weapon upgrades, and innovative base-building tactics.

The Steam launch has attracted considerable attention, drawing many long-time fans who have expressed their excitement and approval of the game’s revival. Reviews on Steam reflect a deep appreciation for the game’s return, with one player noting, “Awesome game, played this back in 2002-2012 when the servers shut down. Great to see it back again and on Steam! Give it a try, it’s unique and a very fun shooter once you get the hang of it.” Another reviewer expressed a heartfelt connection to the game, saying, “The game that managed to keep my attention and heart for 25 years is now easily accessible to everybody.”

“FreeInfantry” not only marks a significant return to form for a beloved classic but also introduces a new generation of gamers to a pioneering format in the realm of online multiplayer shooters. With its nostalgic appeal and updated features, “FreeInfantry” promises to capture the imagination and competitive spirit of both veteran gamers and those new to the franchise.

 

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2830720/FreeInfantry/

https://www.freeinfantry.com/

CRKD Celebrates the 30th Anniversary of Hellboy: Announcing Special-Edition Collectible Controllers

CRKD, the premium collectible brand behind the award-winning Nitro™ Deck, NEO S™ and recently announced Nitro™ Deck+, announced today a creative collaboration with Dark Horse Comics®, bringing the beloved Hellboy™ series of comics to life via a stunning range of themed Nitro Deck and NEO S themed controllers.
Overseen by Hellboy creator Mike Mignola, the special-edition range has been meticulously crafted to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Hellboy with artwork sourced from the comic book Omnibus Volume 1, Seed of Destruction, by Mike Mignola and John Byrne, immortalizing key moments from the Great Beast’s history.
A tribute to the timeless legacy of the eponymous half-demon, the Nitro Deck Hellboy Special Edition for Nintendo® Switch™ and OLED Switch™ reimagines handheld gaming, eliminating stick drift forever, while enhancing accuracy, responsiveness, and precision. Elevating the Switch aesthetic via jaw-dropping artwork, the Nitro Deck Hellboy Special Edition is sure to be adored by any Hellboy fan.
The ideal companion to the Nitro Deck, the NEO S Hellboy Special Edition for Nintendo Switch, PC, Mobile & Smart TV Gaming, uses the entire footprint of the NEO S to display the intricately detailed artwork of the iconic comic series. Included in pack, the Hellboy themed Charging Dock proves that the NEO S Hellboy Special Edition is no mere controller, serving as both a statement piece of gaming hardware and true work of art.
Both the Nitro Deck Hellboy Special Edition and the NEO S Hellboy Special Edition have been designed to fully integrate with the CRKD ‘True Collection System’ a free mobile App for iOS™ and Android® which will register the product number and rarity ranking of your hardware into your personal secure collection, adding to your bragging rights and giving instant oversight to all your CRKD gaming gear.
Commenting on the creative collaboration, Greg Baverstock, VP of Global Business Development for CRKD said, “Hellboy is an enduring legend in entertainment, loved by millions of fans worldwide. A testament to the talent and imagination of creator Mike Mignola, we’re elated to be partnering with a true icon in the first of a planned series of creative collaborations around our range of premium collectible gaming gear. Working in tandem with Dark Horse Comics and Mike Mignola, we believe we’re doing justice to the 30th anniversary of Hellboy and elevating our controllers to even greater heights.”
To further celebrate this landmark anniversary, CRKD is teaming up with Dark Horse Comics to give away a Nitro Deck Hellboy Special Edition and a NEO S Hellboy Special Edition, each signed by creator Mike Mignola. Running for eight weeks only, fans wishing to enter to win can visit: https://go.crkd.gg/hbsweepstakes.
The full list of features for the Nitro Deck Hellboy Special Edition and the NEO S Hellboy Special Edition can be found here: https://go.crkd.gg/hellboy.
The Nitro Deck Hellboy Special Edition and the NEO S Hellboy Special Edition are available today for pre-order, with both products retailing for: $59.99 / €69.99 / £59.99. Both collectible controllers are expected to begin shipping from June 2024.
Pre-order the Hellboy Special Edition Nitro Deck or NEO S Hellboy Special Edition  at: https://go.crkd.gg/hellboy
For more information about the Special Edition Hellboy Range and all CRKD controllers, please visit: https://crkd.gg

Why are videogames made with Unreal Engine so successful?

The Unreal Engine has established itself as one of the leading tools in the game development industry. Its advanced graphics and physics capabilities allow for the creation of immersive game worlds with a high degree of detail and realism.

Analyzing successful examples of games that are based on this platform provides immense value for both newcomers and industry veterans. Studying these examples inspires creativity and innovation and helps discover practical methods for overcoming technical and design challenges.

Let’s look at the features of Unreal Engine together with the developers of high-quality games from Stepico, who have also shared successful examples created on this engine.

What is Unreal Engine

Unreal Engine by Epic Games is a leading game engine with high quality and extensive capabilities for developers. It is free to use, but with certain royalty conditions, and offers a full set of tools for creating AAA-level games.

The engine has proved attractive to any unreal game development company due to its development flexibility resulting from open-source code and an active community. It is especially valued for its built-in support for multiplayer modes, making it easier to create online games. 

The advantages of Unreal Engine include:

 

  • focus on large projects with realistic graphics and open worlds;
  • intuitive editing process that makes most operations easy to perform;
  • availability of source code for users;
  • ability to develop games without deep programming knowledge;
  • support from Epic Games, including funding for promising projects with grants ranging from 5 to 500 thousand dollars.

 

Known for the powerful capabilities and quality graphics, Unreal Engine is used not only for creating 3D games for PC and consoles, but also in mobile game development, for which it offers specific tools. 

In addition, Unreal Engine finds application beyond the gaming industry, including VR/AR technologies, creating animations and graphics for cinematography, and adding visual effects in real-time in the television industry.

DISCOVERY game review

DISCOVERY by Stepico is a cinematic first-person shooter set in the distant future of a remote galaxy. The game is developed using the Unreal Engine 5. On the planet Rogax, once covered in water, players encounter a wondrous flora evolved from marine life and hidden deadly predators.

Development features and innovations

Unreal Engine 5 allowed the developers of DISCOVERY to recreate the unique flora of the planet Rogax and its dangerous inhabitants with incredible detail. Advanced technologies were used to recreate a living, realistic world with powerful storms and radioactive dust.

Technical and design challenges

According to the approved concept, developers were tasked with adapting marine flora to the planet’s conditions after a global cataclysm. Stepico’s specialists successfully overcame this complexity, creating unique life forms that became part of the game world. Lighting and atmospheric effects, such as magnetic anomalies, were used to deepen players’ immersion in the exciting experience of exploring Rogax’s mysteries.

BIGFOOT game review

BIGFOOT offers players a unique Survival Horror experience, where they embark on a hunt for the legendary yeti. The game is developed on Unreal Engine 5, allowing one player or a group of up to four to immerse themselves in a world of intense survival in the wild reserves’ forests.

Development features and innovations

The use of Unreal Engine 5 ensured the creation of a realistic environment and a chilling hunting experience. Players are offered to explore locations, track the yeti, set traps, and defend themselves against other dangers. Developers implemented advanced AI for the yeti, making it a smart and formidable opponent.

Technical and design challenges

“Creating a realistic yeti and its changing environment was quite a challenge,” say the Stepico developers, who managed to recreate diverse weather conditions requiring players to adapt and act.

Creating a tense atmosphere was achieved through thoughtful use of sound and visual effects. This makes every encounter with the yeti unpredictable and dangerous.

Unreal Engine’s contribution to the success of the games

The advanced technological capabilities of Unreal Engine 5 were instrumental in creating the games DISCOVERY and BIGFOOT. In particular, developers note such tools:

Nanite and Lumen – allowed for impressive visual and lighting effects in Discovery. These technologies provided realistic and dynamic lighting, as well as high scene detail without significant performance loss.

MetaHuman – the tool was used to create realistic characters in BIGFOOT, providing high detail in facial animation and emotional expression, enhancing realism and immersion in the game.

Interactivity and physics – Unreal Engine 5 provided powerful tools for creating interactive elements and realistic physics modeling, making interaction with the surrounding world in DISCOVERY and BIGFOOT compelling and engaging;

Blueprints – the Blueprints visual scripting system allowed developers of both games to quickly and effectively implement game logic and mechanics;

Virtual production – these technologies in Unreal Engine 5 helped teams visualize and test scenes in real-time, improving the creative decision-making process.

Analyzing successful projects on Unreal Engine 5 demonstrates its significance for the gaming industry, providing developers with a powerful tool for creating games with cutting-edge graphics and innovative mechanics. In fact, Guinness World Records names Unreal Engine, the world’s “most successful videogame engine” in 2014. We hope our examples will serve as inspiration and showcase the prospects for future developments, emphasizing the flexibility and possibilities of Unreal Engine in realizing creative and innovative ideas in games.

Junkfish Pushes the Boat Out: Announcing Bootleg Steamer, a Game About Making Waves in 1920’s America

Junkfish, a leading independent game development studio and the creators of Monstrum, invite players to set sail for adventure as they weigh anchor on their upcoming title, Bootleg Steamer, starting its voyage on Steam from 25th April, 2024!
In Bootleg Steamer there’s water a’plenty, but the Pacific Ocean can’t satisfy an unquenchable thirst for illegal liquor! Welcome to Bootleg Steamer’s roaring 20’s America, where players recruit their crews, navigate treacherous waters and tangle with the local Mafia, all in a quest to make their mark during the tumultuous prohibition era.
Bootleg Steamer transports gamers into a rogue-like adventure, where would-be smugglers captain their ships, tasked with supplying thirsty cities with the very thing they can’t have: booze, and lots of it! But bootlegging is a risky business, it’ll demand shrewdness and strategy to protect profits in the face of changeable weather and the relentless pursuit of the local law.
The world of Bootleg Steamer is ripe for the taking, but only for savvy sailors making wise decisions. Recruiting skilled crew members, upgrading ships inline with your smuggling strategy, and taking risks with high-stakes dealings will be key to success in this high-stakes game of cat and mouse. With a choice of six captains and over 50 unique maps to pick from, there’s a multitude of ways to play as you hustle to make crime pay and rack up the highest score possible.
Set in a time of deep contrast, strategy is everything in Bootleg Steamer. Whether supporting cities devastated by the Great Depression, or carefully managing your scarce resources, life is never dull, as players travel through the tapestry of history in this one of a kind adventure.

Key Facts about Bootleg Steamer:
  • Supply and Demand: Buy cheap alcohol from underground brewers and upsell it to thirsty locals at lucrative premiums. Each city and town will have its own demands, so navigate your strategy carefully to maximise your profits.
  • Customise your Ship, Choose your Crew, and Develop your Strategy: Master your bootlegging saga as you choose and upgrade ships, recruit skilled crew members, and develop a cunning strategy to outwit both the Coast Guard and the Mafia.
  • Play as 1 of 6 Unique Captains and explore over 50 different maps: Choose your captain with care! Six captains are ready to set sail, each with their own skills and personalities.
  • Mafia Favours and Contracts: Make them an offer they can’t refuse! Use the influence of the mob to navigate the perilous waters of the prohibition. Engage in high-stakes dealings and avoid invoking their wrath – but remember, they always collect on their debt with interest…
  • Invitations and Sea Parties: With your contraband on hand, cross paths with locals, support cities and build connections with your thirsty customers to turn prohibition to your advantage.
Michael Macleod, Lead Designer at Junkfish and Creative Lead for Bootleg Steamer said, “Bootleg Steamer began its life as part of our internal Junkfish Game Jam, and to reach its impending release on April 25th is incredibly thrilling for our talented team. Bootleg Steamer has been a truly collaborative effort, originated from my love of maritime history, and we couldn’t be more excited to share our team’s passion for this unique time in history with an adventure that challenges, intrigues and provides high-quality, high-stakes entertainment. With many different ways to approach the world of Bootleg Steamer, we can’t wait to see gamers raise anchor, load the liquor and set sail for an unforgettable experience”.
For more information about Bootleg Steamer please visit https://www.teamjunkfish.com/games/bootleg-steamer

Prepare for a Pixel-Art 80s Post-Apocalyptic Powerhouse as You Ride Your Way to Freedom with Turbo Kid!

Outerminds®, a leading Indie studio based in Montréal, Canada, invites you to saddle up your BMX™ all-terrain bike, and prepare for a post-apocalyptic adventure like no other, as Turbo Kid™ rides onto PC starting April 10, 2024!

Based on the beloved cult classic superhero film from 2015, Turbo Kid is an all-new pixel art Metroidvania-style adventure, drenched in jaw-dropping graphics, outrageous weapons, bucketloads of gore, ragdoll physics, BMX bikes and cotton candy.

Set in a retro-futuristic 80s vision of 1997, gamers play as Turbo Kid, our comic-book lovin’ hero as he takes on a manipulative Preacher and his devoted disciples to free a confined Wasteland town from their theocratic rule. A nightmare vision of the 90s, Turbo Kid is set in a world where humanity has broken down, water is scarce, tyrannical warlords roam the Wasteland, and bikes are the steeds of choice for would-be saviours.

Massive worlds crammed full of surprises and danger await as you upgrade and build, blasting, slashing, running, jumping, crawling and yes, riding your way to victory, while immersing you in an original soundtrack provided by the masters of electronica, Le Matos!

Turbo Kid delivers action on an unbelievable scale, check out what’s coming your way!

Pedal to the Metal! – Bike your way through ever-more intense levels in the first Metroidvania adventure to feature the height of human-powered transport technology: The all-terrain bike!


More Gore! – Bucketloads of over-the-top gore rendered in glorious pixel-art and painstakingly precise rag-doll physics.
Turbo Skills = Turbo Thrills! – Rich in the tradition of classic Metroidvania games, Turbo Kid allows you to discover incredible power ups and brutal weapons to make your journey smoother than a single speed BMX!

All-New Story! – Set between the end of Turbo Kid and the upcoming Turbo Kid sequel and developed in collaboration with RKSS, a writer-director triforce consisting of Anouk Whissell, François Simard, and Yoann-Karl Whissell, the brains behind Turbo Kid (2015), Summer of 84 (2018), We Are Zombies (2023), and Wake Up (2023), as well as the producers of the original feature film, Anne-Marie Gélinas, Ant Timpson, Benoit Beaulieu, and Tim Riley.
Play Your Own Way! – Turbo Kid allows you to play as the kid himself, or let loose as ‘Apple’, the fan-favorite character from the movie.

Feel the Need for Speed! – Turbo Kid is a haven for Speed Runners made possible by a fluid and non-invasive narrative design.
Master the Worlds of the Wastelands! – Run, crawl, jump, hang, and bike your way through five sprawling worlds where only heroes dare to ride!

Choose Your Own Path! – Non-linear narrative allows you to complete Turbo Kid in whichever order you see fit and make decisions that will change the outcome of the game.
Beat the Game to Killer Beats! – All-new kickass soundtrack by the legendary Le Matos, electronic band extraordinaire and creator of the film’s original soundtrack!

A Real Page-Turner! – Featuring an exclusive in-game Comic Book! Collect all the pages throughout the game to recreate a brand-new story drawn by Jeik Dion!

Reel-to-Reel Feelz! – Turbo Kid includes an in-game cassette player! Collect the incredible tracks featured in the game and decide which song to listen to while playing!

Mini Games, Massive Fun! – test your skills across multiple mini-games in order to sharpen your skills and gain a buncha’ bonuses!

Proudly featuring as part of the IGN Fan Fest Event, Turbo Kid appeared today on the world’s leading entertainment website, unveiling a shiny new game trailer and demo of the game!

CRKD announces new Powered Up Nitro Deck+ for Nintendo Switch & OLED Switch Consoles

CRKD, the new premium collectible brand behind the award-winning Nitr Deck and the recently announced NEO, announced today the Nitro Deck+, an all-new addition to the Nitro Deck range bringing more features, more innovation, and more power to Switch gamers everywhere.
An ingenious all-in-one controller solution for Nintendo Switch and OLED switch consoles, Nitro Deck delivers zero stick drift and offers a feature-rich, precise way to enjoy Switch gaming in handheld mode. Featuring the same comfortable footprint as the original Nitro Deck, the Nitro Deck+ introduces a raft of new features, designed to make Switch gaming better than ever.
Proudly announced today as part of the IGN™ FanFest event, the Nitro Deck+ is the result of extensive community feedback following the release of the original Nitro Deck.
Nitro Deck+ features enhanced ergonomics, adjusting the placement of the right thumbstick, and allowing gamers to play in a more intuitive symmetrical fashion. The Nitro Deck+ can now connect directly to a TV with no need for an external dock! Featuring an integrated USB-C output and complete with an included USB-C to HDMI adaptor, gamers can switch between handheld and TV play without ever needing to remove their Switch console from Nitro Deck+, a quick, slick solution with no need to compromise!
On the front of the Nitro Deck+ to either side of the thumbsticks, two new ‘Sidekick’ buttons have been added, delivering even more customization options. Designed to work in conjunction with the new symmetrical thumbstick configuration, the Sidekick buttons are pre-programmed to replicate the A and B action button commands, allowing for super-fast operation. Replicating the most commonly used action buttons, facilitating speedier reaction times, and when used in combination with the additional re-mappable back buttons that are now mapped to X, Y, A, B out the box, the Nitro Deck+ allows gamers to play faster, score higher and elevate their handheld experience.
The new easy eject system allows for simple removal of the Switch console from the Nitro Deck+ allowing gamers to safely remove their console with no need to touch or add stress to the screen while removing.
Nitro Deck+ has also received an upgraded, adjustable rumble system, delivering more immersion and intense vibration which can be adjusted to suit the gamers’ preference. In addition, Bluetooth® has also been added to the Nitro Deck+, to allow for easy communication to the CRKD App for firmware updates. In the future, the App will include a full suite of customization options including button programming, adjustable trigger sensitivity, and more. The Nitro Deck + can connect via its defaulted USB-C wired connection or via Bluetooth when the switch is inserted into the deck.
The Nitro Deck+ adds these new features without removing any of what made the original Nitro Deck such a beloved product. The full list of features present on Nitro Deck+ include:
  • Ergonomically Built with All-New Thumbstick Placement
  • Zero Stick Drift Made Possible Via Hall-Effect Sensors
  • HDMI Output for TV Play (Play While Docked)
  • Re-mappable Back Buttons
  • Programmable Sidekick Buttons
  • Adjustable Trigger Sensitivity
  • Low Latency Response (direct connection via USB-C)
  • Bluetooth Connection (To update firmware via app)
  • Swappable Stick Tops
  • Adjustable Vibration Feedback
  • Gyro Compatible for Motion Control Games
  • No Deadzone Mode
  • Turbo Mode (Add Turbo Functionality to any Action or Trigger Button)
  • Pass-through Charging Feature
  • Use as an Extra Controller
  • Easy Eject System
  • Integrated Display Stand
  • Connects to the CRKD Companion App (True Collection System)
Commenting on the announcement of the Nitro Deck+, Jack Guinchard, Global Brand Manager for CRKD said, “The Nitro Deck marked our first product release which was warmly received by both gamer and critic. We were taken aback with the positive response, and actively welcomed feedback from our CRKD community to guide us in how the Nitro Deck should evolve. The Nitro Deck+ is a direct response to the feedback we gathered, and we can’t wait to see how gamers respond. Continuing, Jack commented, “At CRKD we’re committed to bringing gamers high-quality, disruptive products that elevate both the gaming and collectible experience. We can’t wait to continue to surprise the community as we build the range further in the months and years to come.”
The Nitro Deck+ is now available for pre-order, available in two colors: Clear Black and Clear White. Both will retail for: $69.99 / €79.99 / £69.99 with early pre-orders expected to begin shipping from late April 2024. Secure yours today at: https://go.crkd.gg/ndplus