David Bridges
The collaboration between gaming accessory innovator CRKD and the iconic guitar manufacturer Gibson is set to revolutionize gaming with the reimagining of guitar controllers. This partnership introduces two uniquely designed Gibson Les Paul-shaped controllers that allow players to engage in immersive gameplay across popular titles like Fortnite Festival, Clone Hero, and Rock Band 4. By merging classic aesthetics with modern functionality, these controllers not only enhance the gaming experience but also pay homage to the legacy of music rhythm games.
The two models—Gibson Les Paul Black Tribal Encore Edition Guitar Controller and Gibson Les Paul Blueberry Burst Pro Edition Guitar Controller—feature advanced technologies like a whammy bar and color-coded frets reminiscent of earlier gaming guitars. These controllers have been meticulously updated to ensure compatibility with modern gaming platforms. CRKD is producing both multi-platform and Xbox-specific versions of these guitars, each offering a distinct set of features based on the edition selected, thus catering to a wide range of gaming preferences and styles.
The advanced features of the Pro Edition make it a standout choice for serious gamers, boasting frets that have been “engineered for unmatched precision and responsiveness.” It also includes a Hall-Effect whammy bar and a Hall-Effect Strum Bar equipped with haptic feedback that enhances the playing experience. The Encore Edition, while slightly less advanced with traditional mechanical frets and a standard strum bar, still offers an impressive level of quality. CRKD ensures that both controllers are designed with modularity in mind, allowing users to purchase and swap components in the future, thus extending the lifespan and versatility of the controllers.
In addition to their impressive musical capabilities, both guitars are equipped with built-in analog sticks and a d-pad, making navigation through in-game menus seamless and intuitive. They feature three distinct connection methods to suit various gaming setups: a wired option via USB cable, a wireless connection using a 2.4GHz wireless dongle, or Bluetooth technology. The Xbox versions of these guitar controllers are compatible with Xbox consoles, PCs, and Android devices, while the multi-platform versions support gaming on PC, Nintendo Switch, Android, and PS3. It’s noteworthy that fans of Guitar Hero should opt for the multi-platform guitar controller, as it provides superior compatibility with Guitar Hero titles.
Despite the decline in popularity of guitar controllers due to significant changes in the gaming landscape, the resurgence of interest can be attributed to the emergence of third-party PC titles like Clone Hero and YARG. Additionally, events such as Harmonix’s Fortnite Festival, which infused Rock Band-style gameplay into Epic’s renowned battle royale game in 2023, have reignited the passion for music rhythm games. This revival showcases the enduring appeal of guitar controllers and their ability to adapt to new gaming environments.
For those eager to get their hands on these innovative controllers, the Gibson Les Paul Black Tribal Encore Edition Guitar Controller is currently available for pre-order at $109.99 for the multi-platform version and $119.99 for the Xbox variant. Meanwhile, the Gibson Les Paul Blueberry Burst Pro Edition Guitar Controller can be pre-ordered for $119.99 for the multi-platform version and $129.99 for the Xbox edition. Both models are scheduled to begin shipping in June 2025, promising an exciting addition to the gaming accessory market.
Brandon Fletcher
Daniel Mercer
