Summary
- Gibson and CRKD introduce new guitar controllers for rhythm games like Guitar Hero and Fortnite Festival.
- Controllers feature Hall Effect analog sticks, RGB lighting, and come in two versions with different pricing.
- Guitar rhythm games are still popular, with diehard fans setting new records and streams on platforms like Twitch.
Guitar maker Gibson is pairing up with accessory manufacturer CRKD to introduce two new guitar controllers for use with multiple gaming platforms and consoles. Both guitars are designed based upon the iconic Gibson Les Paul guitars, and should be suitable for gamers whether they want to play a guitar-based rhythm game classic like Guitar Hero or new titles like Fortnite Festival.
Guitar controllers were something of a must for games like Rock Band and Guitar Hero during their heyday. However, while many fans still like these titles and would be happy to revisit them or their spiritual successors, many of the controllers that shipped with said games have broken down over the years or been lost or damaged. As a result, guitar controllers are making a comeback.
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Gibson and CRKD have now unveiled two new controllers for guitar-themed rhythm games. The CRKD Gibson Les Paul Guitar controllers come in two versions, with the LP Black Tribal Encore Edition and the LP Blueberry Burst Pro Edition. The two versions have some differences, including their colors and overall appearance, but both include Hall Effect analog navigation sticks, wired and wireless functionality, RGB lighting, a tilt sensor, an ergonomic D-Pad on the rear of the headstock, and a removable neck that can be upgraded.
The LP Black Tribal Encore Edition is the less expensive of the two, with the multi-platform variant selling for $109.99 and the Xbox/PC-specific version for $119.99. The Black Tribal Edition features standard rubber membrane fret buttons and a mechanical strum bar, which should provide an experience similar to what gamers will remember from classic Rock Band and Guitar Hero instruments. The LP Blueberry Burst Pro Edition goes for $119.99 and $129.99 for the respective versions, with mechanical fret buttons and a Hall Effect strum bar that includes haptic feedback. Both versions are available for pre-order now and are expected to ship in June 2025. Pre-orders include a purple-orange ombre guitar strap and a collectible pin.
Guitar Rhythm Games Seem Here to Stay
Although the days of extreme hype around games like Guitar Hero seem to be largely in the past, the games have never entirely gone away. In addition to the classics, players are also enjoying games like Clone Hero, which these guitars are also compatible with. Diehard fans are still setting new Guitar Hero records while streaming on platforms like Twitch, which may also be helping to excite fans into revisiting the games or picking up a guitar controller for the the first time.
