After a series of postponements, the CRKD Gibson Les Paul Guitar Controllers, officially licensed, are now up for grabs. However, availability is not comprehensive. The Pro and Encore models, designed for multiple platforms, debuted today, August 8. Unfortunately, Amazon’s delivery estimates are currently unavailable. The $125 Blueberry Burst Pro model is marked as “temporarily unavailable,” so it would be prudent to order soon, before orders are halted altogether. The Tribal Black Encore edition, priced at $115, is currently in stock, though it also lacks an estimated delivery timeframe.
These multiplatform controllers offer compatibility with PC, Nintendo Switch and its successor, Android devices, and the PlayStation 3, operating in both wireless and wired configurations. A standout feature of the Pro and Encore versions allows for use with Fortnite Festival on PlayStation and Xbox consoles via a wired connection.
The officially sanctioned Pro and Encore editions tailored for Xbox are expected to launch on August 29, carrying a slight premium of $10 over their multiplatform counterparts. Pre-orders for the CRKD guitar controllers initially started back in February. Those who secured early reservations may have benefited from lower pricing, as tariffs have likely contributed to a $5 price increase for each model since then.
Multiplatform Edition is available now.
Buy Multiplatform Edition:
Multiplatform Edition Compatibility:
- Wireless & Wired: PC, Switch 1/2, Android, PS3, Smart TVs, Cloud Gaming apps
- Wired: Fortnite Festival on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC
Preorder Xbox Edition:
Xbox Edition Compatibility:
- Wireless & Wired: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Android, Smart TVs, Cloud Gaming apps
Below is a closer examination of all four CRKD Gibson Les Paul Guitar Controllers.
For Switch 1/2, PC, PS3, Android, Fortnite Festival on all platforms
The multiplatform editions of CRKD’s novel guitar controller offer broad compatibility: PC, Nintendo Switch (and its next iteration), Android, and PS3. It accommodates Bluetooth, 2.4GHz Wireless, and wired connections. Each model integrates with CRKD’s companion mobile app, empowering users to tailor and configure controls.
While lacking full support for contemporary platforms, the multiplatform editions incorporate a distinctive KEYJAM mode. This mode emulates mouse and keyboard input, enabling functionality with Fortnite Festival across PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC. KEYJAM mode operates on a plug-and-play basis, but exclusively via a wired connection using the included 8.2-foot detachable cable.
The Pro edition of CRKD’s Gibson Les Paul Guitar Controller boasts enhancements beyond its distinctive Blueberry Burst color. Its Hall Effect strum bar incorporates haptic feedback, coupled with adjustable sensitivity and multiple activation points. Furthermore, the Pro models’ fret buttons utilize mechanical switches to facilitate swift movements and precise input recognition. Mechanical buttons provide increased tactile feedback, potentially enhancing precision.
Sticks and the whammy bar use Hall Effect sensors, preventing stick drift and minimizing wear.
One of the analog sticks is encircled by standard controller buttons: ABXY, RB/LB, and RT/LT. It also features a mode dial and input switch on the lower right of the body, next to the second analog stick. A tilt sensor activates Star Power in games like Guitar Hero and Clone Hero. A D-pad resides on the back of the headstock, alongside a 3.5mm audio jack.
The neck includes RGB lighting effects and a modular design. It can be detached for travel, with future upgrade potential. The neck can be replaced by a five-button solo model, or individual buttons upgraded.
Beyond Fortnite Festival, the multiplatform edition is well-suited for Clone Hero and YARG on PC, or Guitar Hero and Rock Band titles on PS3.
For Switch 1/2, PC, PS3, Android, Fortnite Festival on all platforms
The Encore variant of the multiplatform edition features CRKD’s Black Tribal design on its lower body. It mirrors the Pro edition’s features and platform support, but its strum bar and frets evoke a classic Guitar Hero/Rock Band feel. The ‘Encore’ label is fitting.
The strum bar still employs a Hall Effect sensor but forgoes haptic feedback, instead delivering the familiar “clicking” sound/feel of old Guitar Hero controllers. The frets use rubber membranes instead of mechanical switches to replicate the classic feel.
While the Pro edition offers advanced technology and a $10 price increase, some may prefer the original style.
For Xbox, PC, Android | Releases August 29
The Xbox edition of the Blueberry Burst Pro model is officially licensed and supports Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, and Android. It’s priced $10 higher than its multiplatform counterpart, likely due to licensing fees.
The CRKD button is replaced with the Xbox Guide button. This version lacks KEYJAM Mode, rendering it incompatible with PlayStation consoles. However, it offers wireless support for Xbox, which Rock Band 4 players might prefer.
Beyond those differences, the Xbox edition shares the same features, including the haptic feedback strum bar and mechanical frets.
While the Les Paul is CRKD’s initial foray into traditional guitar controllers, it isn’t their first. CRKD partnered with Epic Games to launch the Fortnite Festival Edition of the Neo S Wireless Controller for Switch and PC. The Neo S features a compact design with a detachable five-fret module, reminiscent of the Guitar Hero attachments for Nintendo DS, offering a more natural feel compared to standard face buttons. The Neo S Fortnite Festival Edition, costing $56 (originally $60), is compatible with Nintendo Switch, PC, and Mobile. For those who dislike the wavy purple design, a Black Tribal Edition of the Neo S with the fret attachment is also available.
CRKD’s Gibson Les Paul represents the second officially licensed guitar controller release for modern platforms. Previously, PDP released the Riffmaster Wireless Guitar Controller for PlayStation and Xbox at $130 each. PDP has since increased the Riffmaster price to $150, but Amazon is offering a discount on the PlayStation and Xbox editions of the PDP Riffmaster, bringing them down to $120. If you seek a wireless Fortnite Festival guitar controller, the Riffmaster is your best bet. However, for Switch and its successor players, the multiplatform CRKD controller is the only option, as the Riffmaster doesn’t support Nintendo consoles.
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