Review: Crkd x Gibson guitar controller for Switch & Switch 2 - Great quality at a price

CRKD's collaboration with Gibson offers quality guitar controllers for Switch with unique features at $114.99 and $124.99.

: CRKD, in collaboration with Gibson, presents two innovative guitar controllers for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, the Tribal Encore Edition and the Blueberry Burst Pro Edition. Priced at £109.99/$114.99 and £119.99/$124.99 respectively, the Blueberry Burst Pro edition features mechanical fret buttons and a Hall Effect strum bar. Users can easily swap necks between editions, with additional customizations available through the CRKD app. Despite some awkward button placements, these controllers provide a compelling experience for Fortnite Festival and other compatible games, marking a standout choice for gaming enthusiasts.

CRKD’s collaboration with Gibson has resulted in a stylish and high-performance guitar controller for rhythm game fans, compatible with both the Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Switch 2. The design mimics a Gibson Les Paul, available in two editions: the Encore (Black Tribal) and the Pro (Blueberry Burst). Both feature modular necks, allowing for future customization, while the Pro edition adds mechanical fret switches and a Hall-effect strum bar with tunable haptics. RGB lighting, tilt-activated star power, and a built-in navigation hub with analog-stick-style knobs enhance the experience.

Connectivity is comprehensive: USB-C wired, 2.4GHz wireless, and Bluetooth are all supported. The guitar is also compatible with a wide range of platforms including PC, Android, and cloud gaming services. Legacy Mode enables play with PS3-era Guitar Hero and Rock Band titles, while a separate Xbox model supports Xbox One and Series X|S. Notably, there is no compatibility with Fortnite Festival on PS4 or PS5, which may limit appeal for some console players.

Reviewers have praised the build quality and visual design, calling the controller "feature-rich" and "utterly stunning." The Pro model's mechanical switches and strum feel received high marks, though some users found the button layout of the navigation hub slightly awkward. The haptic feedback on the strum bar was considered underwhelming by a few testers, but overall response and latency are excellent thanks to rapid-polling internals.

The controller’s premium pricing—over £100 or around $130—has sparked debate about its value. However, for dedicated fans of rhythm games like Clone Hero or those revisiting legacy titles, the build quality, compatibility, and aesthetics justify the investment. Its cross-platform functionality further enhances its appeal, particularly among multi-device players.

Additional features include a hidden D-pad in the headstock for menu navigation, lighting modes that sync with gameplay, and a rotary dial for platform selection. While some limitations exist, especially around PS4/5 support for Fortnite Festival, the Crkd x Gibson controller stands out as one of the best modern guitar controllers currently available.

Sources: Nintendo Life, GameSpace, Amazon

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