- Revival of Guitar Controllers – CRKD and Gibson introduce two Les Paul-inspired controllers for modern rhythm games like Fortnite Festival, Clone Hero, and Rock Band 4.
- Advanced Features & Compatibility – Pro and Encore editions offer modular designs, multiple connectivity options, and broad platform support, including Xbox, PC, Switch, and Android.
- Pre-Orders & Release Date – Available for pre-order now, priced between $109.99 and $129.99, with shipping set to begin in June 2025.
Gaming accessory manufacturer CRKD has partnered with Gibson to bring back the iconic guitar controller, unveiling two new models inspired by the Gibson Les Paul. These controllers will allow players to enjoy music rhythm games like Fortnite Festival, Clone Hero, and Rock Band 4 with a fresh take on a classic design.
The two models, the Gibson Les Paul Black Tribal Encore Edition and the Gibson Les Paul Blueberry Burst Pro Edition, retain the familiar whammy bar and colored frets from past gaming guitars but have been upgraded for compatibility with modern platforms. CRKD is offering both a multi-platform version and an Xbox-specific version, with the Pro Edition featuring enhanced components such as precision-engineered frets, a Hall-Effect whammy bar, and a Hall-Effect strum bar with haptic feedback. The Encore Edition, while lacking these advanced features, is designed to be modular, allowing players to swap in upgraded components if desired.
Both controllers include built-in analog sticks and a D-pad for seamless in-game navigation, as well as multiple connectivity options. Players can connect via a USB cable, a 2.4GHz wireless dongle, or Bluetooth. The Xbox-specific versions work across Xbox, PC, and Android, while the multi-platform controllers are compatible with PC, Switch, Android, and PS3. For those looking to play Guitar Hero titles, the multi-platform controller offers broader compatibility with those games.
The return of the guitar controller comes as a boost to the rhythm gaming community, which has seen a decline in mainstream support following the slowdown of Guitar Hero and Rock Band franchises. Despite this, third-party PC games like Clone Hero and YARG have kept the genre alive, and Harmonix’s introduction of Fortnite Festival in 2023 helped bring rhythm-based gameplay back into the spotlight within Epic Games’ battle royale platform.
The Gibson Les Paul Black Tribal Encore Edition Guitar Controller is now available for pre-order at $109.99 for the multi-platform version and $119.99 for the Xbox version. Meanwhile, the Gibson Les Paul Blueberry Burst Pro Edition can be pre-ordered for $119.99 and $129.99, respectively. Both models are set to begin shipping in June 2025, offering players a modern way to relive the golden era of music rhythm games.
