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CRKD and Gibson Revive the Guitar Controller with New Releases

In an exciting collaboration, gaming accessory manufacturer CRKD has joined forces with Gibson to reintroduce the beloved guitar controller, presenting two iterations modeled after the iconic Gibson Les Paul. These controllers are set to enhance gameplay experiences in titles such as Fortnite Festival, Clone Hero, and Rock Band 4.

The new offerings include the Gibson Les Paul Black Tribal Encore Edition and the Gibson Les Paul Blueberry Burst Pro Edition guitar controllers, both of which incorporate modern technology while paying homage to the classic gaming guitars of the past. Each model comes with the signature whammy bar and colored frets, making them compatible with today’s gaming platforms.

The Encore Edition features traditional mechanical frets and a standard strum bar, while the Pro Edition boasts advanced engineering for heightened precision and responsiveness, complete with a Hall-Effect whammy bar and strum bar equipped with haptic feedback. Users can also look forward to modular capabilities, allowing for future upgrades or component replacements.

Both controllers are outfitted with analog sticks and a directional pad for easy in-game navigation, offering versatile connectivity options. Players can connect via wired USB, 2.4GHz wireless, or Bluetooth, catering to a variety of systems. The Xbox versions ensure compatibility across Xbox consoles, PCs, and Android devices, while the multi-platform version can be used on PC, Switch, Android, and PS3. It’s worth noting that the multi-platform controller is essential for those looking to play Guitar Hero, as it provides enhanced compatibility with those titles.

The decline of guitar controllers in recent years has been largely attributed to the shifting landscape of the rhythm game genre, especially as major developers moved away from the once-popular Guitar Hero and Rock Band franchises. However, there have been bright spots, including the rise of independent PC games such as Clone Hero and YARG, alongside Harmonix’s Fortnite Festival, which integrated rhythmic gameplay into the popular battle royale in 2023.

For those interested, the Gibson Les Paul Black Tribal Encore Edition Guitar Controller is available for pre-order at $109.99 for the multi-platform version and $119.99 for the Xbox version. The Gibson Les Paul Blueberry Burst Pro Edition is priced at $119.99 for the multi-platform model and $129.99 for the Xbox version. Both guitar controllers are expected to ship starting in June 2025.

Source
www.engadget.com