After several postponements, CRKD`s officially licensed Gibson Les Paul Guitar Controllers have finally launched. While not all variants are immediately accessible, the multiplatform Pro and Encore editions were released on August 8. The $125 Blueberry Burst Pro model is currently out of stock on Amazon with no estimated delivery, suggesting prompt ordering if desired. The $115 Tribal Black Encore version is in stock, though its delivery date is also unconfirmed.
These multiplatform controllers support wireless and wired connections across PC, Nintendo Switch (including Switch 2), Android, and PS3. A notable feature of the Pro and Encore multiplatform models is their ability to function with Fortnite Festival on PlayStation and Xbox consoles when used with a wired connection, thanks to a unique KEYJAM Mode.
Dedicated Xbox versions of the Pro and Encore editions, which are officially licensed, are scheduled for release on August 29. These models are priced $10 higher than their multiplatform counterparts. Early pre-orders, which began in February, likely secured a better price, as all models have seen a $5 increase since then, possibly due to tariffs.
CRKD Gibson Les Paul Controller Editions Overview
Multiplatform Edition:
- Blueberry Burst Pro Edition: Priced at $125. Currently temporarily out of stock.
- Black Tribal Encore Edition: Priced at $115. Currently in stock with no estimated delivery date.
Multiplatform Compatibility:
- Wireless & Wired: PC, Switch 1/2, Android, PS3, Smart TVs, Cloud Gaming apps.
- Wired (KEYJAM Mode): Fortnite Festival on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC.
Xbox Edition (Preorder, Releases August 29):
- Blueberry Burst Pro Edition: Priced at $135.
- Black Tribal Encore Edition: Priced at $125.
Xbox Edition Compatibility:
- Wireless & Wired: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Android, Smart TVs, Cloud Gaming apps.
- Note: Xbox Edition does not feature KEYJAM Mode.
Detailed Look at CRKD Gibson Les Paul Guitar Controllers
CRKD Gibson Les Paul Guitar Controller: Pro Edition (Multiplatform) – $125
The multiplatform Pro edition is compatible with PC, Nintendo Switch (including Switch 2), Android, and PS3, supporting Bluetooth, 2.4GHz Wireless, and wired connections. Users can configure and customize controls via CRKD`s mobile companion app.
A distinctive feature is KEYJAM Mode, which allows wired use (with the included 8.2-foot detachable cable) to register the controller as a mouse and keyboard. This enables gameplay in Fortnite Festival on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC, offering plug-and-play functionality.
The Pro edition boasts advanced features, including a Hall Effect strum bar with built-in haptic feedback, customizable sensitivity, and multiple actuation points. Its fret buttons utilize mechanical switches for rapid movements and precise input recognition, providing tactile feedback akin to mouse clicks. Hall Effect sensors are also used for the analog sticks and whammy bar, preventing common issues like drift and long-term wear.
The controller design integrates standard gamepad buttons (ABXY, RB/LB, RT/LT) around one analog stick, alongside a mode dial and input switch near the second stick. A tilt sensor activates Star Power for games like Guitar Hero and Clone Hero. A D-pad is conveniently located on the back of the headstock, and a 3.5mm audio jack is included for headphones.
The neck features RGB lighting effects and a modular design, allowing detachment for easy travel and future upgrades. Users can replace the neck with an upgraded version offering five additional solo buttons or replace individual buttons. This multiplatform edition is ideal for playing Clone Hero and YARG on PC, or classic Guitar Hero and Rock Band titles on PS3, in addition to Fortnite Festival.
CRKD Gibson Les Paul Guitar Controller: Encore Edition (Multiplatform) – $115
The Encore version of the multiplatform edition sports a Black Tribal decorative pattern on the lower body. It shares the same core features and platform compatibility as the Pro edition, but focuses on replicating the classic Guitar Hero and Rock Band feel for its strum bar and frets. While its strum bar still uses a Hall Effect sensor, it foregoes haptic feedback in favor of the familiar `clicking` sound and feel from older Guitar Hero controllers. The frets use rubber membranes instead of mechanical switches to accurately mimic the tactile and auditory experience of original controllers, making the “Encore” moniker particularly apt.
While the Pro edition offers more advanced technology and a slightly higher price point, many players might prefer the nostalgic feel and sound offered by the Encore model.
CRKD Gibson Les Paul Guitar Controller: Pro Edition (Xbox) – $135
The officially licensed Xbox edition of the Blueberry Burst Pro supports Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, and Android. Its higher price, compared to the multiplatform Pro model, is likely attributed to licensing costs. A key distinction is that the CRKD button is replaced by the Xbox Guide button, and this version notably lacks KEYJAM Mode, meaning it is not compatible with PlayStation consoles. However, it offers wireless support for Xbox consoles, making it an excellent choice for Rock Band 4 players on those platforms. Aside from these specific differences, the Xbox edition maintains the same high-end features, including the haptic feedback strum bar and mechanical frets, found in its multiplatform counterpart.
CRKD Gibson Les Paul Guitar Controller: Encore Edition (Xbox) – $125
The Encore edition for Xbox, priced at $125, releases on August 29. It trades the mechanical switches and strum bar haptics found in the Pro models for the traditional membrane buttons and original style strum bar, offering a classic playing feel for Xbox, PC, and Android users.
Other Guitar Controller Options
While the Les Paul is CRKD`s first traditional guitar controller, they previously released the Fortnite Festival Edition of the Neo S Wireless Controller for Switch and PC. The Neo S is a compact conventional controller with a detachable five-fret module, reminiscent of Nintendo DS Guitar Hero attachments, designed for a more natural button feel. The Neo S Fortnite Festival Edition is currently $56 (down from $60) and compatible with Nintendo Switch, PC, and mobile. A Black Tribal Edition is also available.
The CRKD Gibson Les Paul is the second officially licensed guitar controller for modern platforms. Last spring, PDP launched the Riffmaster Wireless Guitar Controller for PlayStation and Xbox at $130. Although its price increased to $150, Amazon currently discounts both PlayStation and Xbox Riffmaster editions to $120. For wireless Fortnite Festival play, the Riffmaster is a strong option. However, for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 players, the multiplatform CRKD controller is the only choice, as Riffmaster models do not support Nintendo consoles.
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