CRKD™, the premium collectible gaming brand known for the award-winning Nitro Deck™, NEO S™, and ATOM™ controllers, has announced the groundbreaking CRKD Gibson Les Paul® Guitar Controller range. This innovative leap in rhythm gaming hardware marks a historic collaboration with Gibson, the world’s most iconic guitar brand.
Building on its legacy of excellence in music gaming hardware, CRKD was founded by the visionary team behind RedOctane, creators of Guitar Hero™ and its iconic hardware. In a triumphant return to their roots, CRKD has partnered with Gibson and leading community creators to redefine the possibilities of guitar controllers for 2025.
A New Standard in Guitar Controllers
Designed with modern gamers in mind, the CRKD Gibson Les Paul® Guitar Controller range introduces cutting-edge technology, seamless connectivity, and extensive customization options. These innovations enhance performance and cater to players of all skill levels.
The PRO Edition raises the bar with its Advanced Fret System (AFS), a mechanical fretboard delivering exceptional precision and responsiveness. Its state-of-the-art Hall-Effect Strum Bar provides haptic feedback for ultra-fast response times, improved durability, and unparalleled accuracy. Players can customize the actuation point and sensitivity of the strum bar through the CRKD companion app, creating a finely tuned gaming experience.
The Encore Edition, while offering standard fret and strum buttons, shares the PRO Edition’s modular design, allowing players to upgrade fret necks for enhanced performance or personal preference. Both models offer an innovative upgrade path, catering to enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Multi-Platform Compatibility and Versatility
Players can choose between multi-platform or Xbox-specific models, with both versions available for pre-order now and shipping in June 2025.
- Multi-Platform Controllers: Compatible with PC, handheld PCs, Nintendo® Switch™, Android® devices (including smart TVs, tablets, and phones). A Legacy Mode ensures compatibility with many classic Guitar Hero™ and Rock Band™ titles on PlayStation® consoles.
- Xbox Controllers: Officially licensed for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, and also compatible with PC, Android devices, handheld PCs, and smart TVs.
Both versions support cloud gaming platforms like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Luna®. Whether you’re rocking out in Fortnite® Festival, revisiting Rock Band™, or shredding in fan-favorites like YARG and Clone Hero, CRKD delivers a cutting-edge experience for today’s rhythm gamers.
Unparalleled Connectivity and Features
The controllers offer three connectivity modes:
- Wired Mode for ultra-low latency and competitive reliability.
- 2.4GHz Wireless Mode with rapid polling technology for precision gaming.
- Bluetooth® Mode for quick, easy connections to mobile and smart devices.
Each guitar controller includes a shoulder strap, USB wireless dongle, removable rechargeable battery, and an 8.2ft locking USB cable to ensure uninterrupted gameplay during intense sessions.
Designed for convenience and performance, the guitar controller features an innovative Navigation Hub, integrating an eight-button system. It includes a Hall-Effect analog stick for smooth menu navigation, an authentic Guitar Knob housing a second analog stick, and a Hall-Effect Whammy Bar for superior consistency and durability. A discreet D-Pad on the back of the headstock offers additional input options, while the Platform Switch and Mode Dial make switching between platforms, games, presets, and difficulty modes effortless.
Dynamic Gameplay Enhancements
Both controllers feature RGB Show Mode, delivering customizable, reactive lighting effects to enhance gameplay. CRKD Tilt technology allows players to activate Star Power with a flick of the guitar. The CRKD app provides intuitive hardware management, enabling players to adjust settings and register their devices with a simple tap.
A Legacy Reimagined
Stephen Withers, Head of Product Design at CRKD and former RedOctane designer, shared his excitement about the new range:
“The rhythm gaming genre has a rich history, and we remain deeply committed to the legacy we helped build. Music gaming continues to thrive, particularly with titles like Fortnite Festival resonating with today’s audiences. This is the perfect moment to innovate and elevate the hardware experience that defines gameplay. Partnering with Gibson has been a privilege, and we’re thrilled to bring this new range to both longtime fans and newcomers. We look forward to supporting the genre’s growth in 2025 and beyond.”
With the CRKD Gibson Les Paul® Guitar Controller range, CRKD has redefined rhythm gaming with modern innovation, delivering a premium experience designed for the next generation of players.
The CRKD Gibson Les Paul® Black Tribal Encore Edition Guitar Controller, is available to pre-order today at https://go.crkd.gg/gibson and is expected to start shipping June 2025 retailing for AU$216 ($109.99 / €129.99 / £109.99) for the multi-platform controller and AU$234 ($119.99 / €139.99 / £119.99) for the Xbox controller.
The CRKD Gibson Les Paul® Blueberry Burst PRO Edition Guitar Controller, is available to pre-order today at https://go.crkd.gg/gibson and is expected to start shipping June 2025 retailing for AU$216 ($109.99 / €129.99 / £109.99) for the multi-platform controller and AU$234 ($119.99 / €139.99 / £119.99) for the Xbox controller.
Pre-order customers will receive a complimentary CRKD Purple / Orange Ombre Guitar Shoulder Strap and an exclusive Collector’s Pin as part of their purchase.
To learn more or order the latest CRKD Gibson Les Paul® Guitar Controllers, visit: https://crkd.gg/.
