Gibson and CRKD Unveil New Guitar Controllers

Gibson and CRKD have joined forces to launch two striking guitar controllers, unveiled on 27 February 2025. Dubbed the CRKD Gibson Les Paul Guitar Controller Range, this collaboration resurrects the iconic Les Paul silhouette—famous from Guitar Hero 3—in two flavours: the Encore Edition and the Pro Edition. Tailored for titles like Fortnite Festival, Clone Hero, and Rock Band 4, these controllers blend nostalgia with modern flair. Pre-orders are open now, with shipping slated for June 2025, promising to reignite the strumming spirit of gaming’s golden age.

The mid-2000s saw rhythm games strike a chord with players worldwide. Guitar Hero, launched in 2005 on the PlayStation 2, turned plastic guitars into household names, while Rock Band upped the ante with full-band play. The Gibson Les Paul controller, debuted in Guitar Hero 3, became a symbol of that era—its sleek design etched into the memories of late-night shredders. As rhythm gaming faded from the mainstream, its legacy endured among devotees. Today, with Fortnite Festival and fan-driven projects like Clone Hero, the genre is strumming back to life, and CRKD x Gibson are here to lead the encore.

The Encore Edition sports mechanical frets and a classic strum bar, perfect for casual players. The Pro Edition, however, ups the tempo with Hall effect frets and a matching strum bar—magnetic sensors that offer pinpoint accuracy and durability, a godsend for precision-dependent rhythm titles. Both boast a Hall effect whammy bar, RGB lighting, and tilt sensors for star power, bridging retro vibes with cutting-edge tech. They’re compatible with PC, Switch, Android, and Xbox, and a Legacy mode unlocks PS3 classics like Guitar Hero and Rock Band, ensuring no vintage track is left unplayed.

CRKD, known for its stylish Nitro Deck, includes a Purple/Orange Ombre Guitar Shoulder Strap and a Collector’s Pin with pre-orders. The Les Paul design screams display-worthy, appealing to those who cherish gaming’s tangible past. Whether you’re a veteran of Rock Band marathons or a newbie to the fretboard, these controllers promise a riff-tastic revival.

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