Quick answer
Twist each old stick top counterclockwise while pulling up, then push the new top straight down onto the base until it seats. No tools are needed, and the swap takes about a minute per stick. Work with the Nitro Deck powered off so a stray press can't register in a game.
Before you start
Power the Nitro Deck off and set it screen-down on a soft cloth so the sticks rest without pressure. If you're swapping tops on more than one CRKD product, keep the removed tops in a small bag or tray — they're easy to lose and hard to tell apart once they're off the base.
You don't need to remove the Nitro Deck from its shell or open anything. Stick tops are the only part that comes off.
Removing the old stick top
Grip the top between your thumb and index finger, twist counterclockwise a quarter turn, and pull upward. The top should release with light pressure. If it resists, you're likely twisting while pushing down — reverse that and pull straight up instead.
Fitting the new top
Line the new top up over the exposed base, then push gently straight down until you feel it stop. Don't hammer it or rock it side to side; the fit is meant to be snug but not forced. Once seated, rotate the stick through its full range of motion to confirm it doesn't rub or catch.
When to replace stick tops
Replace them when the surface feels slick, the edge is worn smooth, or the top starts twisting on the base during play. A fresh set is also the cheapest way to change the look of a deck without buying a new controller. The Dust Edition 8 Pack gives you eight tops in one box, so you can rotate a worn set out and keep spares on hand instead of buying a single replacement.
If a top feels loose after installation
A loose top usually means it isn't fully seated, not that it's the wrong size. Pull it off, check that the base is clean and free of debris, and press it down again until it stops. If it still spins freely, try a different top from the pack to rule out a single misshapen piece.
Stick tops are compatible with all CRKD products, so a top that fits one deck will fit another. If you're installing on a Nitro Deck+ or a NEO, the process is identical.
Stick top installation steps
- Power off and stabilize the deck: Turn the Nitro Deck off and rest it screen-down on a soft surface so the sticks aren't bearing weight while you work. Checkpoint: the deck should sit flat and not slide when you twist a top.
- Twist and pull the old top: Grip the top, twist counterclockwise about a quarter turn, and pull straight up. Light pressure is all it takes. Common mistake: pushing down while twisting, which makes the top feel stuck.
- Clean the exposed base: Wipe the base with a dry cloth to remove dust or skin oil before fitting the new top. Checkpoint: a clean base is the main reason a new top seats firmly.
- Press the new top straight down: Align the top over the base and push down until it stops. Don't rock it side to side or force it. Common mistake: stopping at the first resistance instead of seating it fully.
- Test the full range of motion: Rotate each stick through its complete travel and press it in every direction to confirm the top doesn't rub or catch. Next step: if a top spins freely, reseat it or try another from the pack.
Products mentioned
- Stick Tops Dust Edition 8 Pack: Stick Tops Dust Edition 8 Pack includes 8 stick tops with 3 sets of styles, and is compatible with all CRKD products. One pack covers both sticks on a deck plus spares, so you aren't stuck buying a single replacement when one top wears out.
- Nitro Deck+ Fortnite Renegade Raider Edition + HDMI Adapter + Carry Case + Stick Top 8 Pack Bundle: The Nitro Deck+ Fortnite Renegade Raider Edition bundle includes the Nitro Deck+, an HDMI adapter, a carry case, and a Stick Top 8 Pack; the deck uses hall-effect thumbsticks. If you're buying the deck and the tops together, the bundle saves a separate purchase — and hall-effect sticks mean the base itself won't drift, so only the tops wear.
- Nitro Deck White Edition + Gear Bag + Stick Top 8 Pack Bundle: The Nitro Deck White Edition bundle includes the Nitro Deck White Edition, a gear bag, and Stick Tops Midnight Edition (8 Pack). A practical starting point if you want a spare set of tops and a bag for travel in one order.
