Two renowned brands, Gibson and CRKD, have collaborated to breathe new life into the world of guitar controllers. The partnership has resulted in the creation of two distinct Gibson Les Paul-shaped controllers designed for contemporary gaming experiences. These controllers are compatible with popular titles such as Fortnite Festival, Clone Hero, and Rock Band 4. Featuring advanced technology and a modular design, these controllers offer both aesthetic appeal and enhanced gameplay functionality across multiple platforms.
The collaboration between Gibson and CRKD brings forth two models: the Gibson Les Paul Black Tribal Encore Edition and the Gibson Les Paul Blueberry Burst Pro Edition. Both controllers integrate modern features like colored frets and a whammy bar, updated for compatibility with today's gaming systems. The Pro Edition boasts superior precision and responsiveness with its Hall-Effect components and haptic feedback, while the Encore Edition offers traditional mechanical elements. Despite their differences, both guitars are built with modularity in mind, allowing users to upgrade components over time.
In addition to their musical capabilities, these controllers come equipped with built-in analog sticks and a d-pad for easy navigation through game menus. They also support three connection methods—USB cable, 2.4GHz wireless dongle, and Bluetooth—ensuring versatility across consoles, mobile devices, and PCs. The Xbox versions of the controllers work seamlessly with Xbox, PC, and Android, while the multi-platform version is compatible with PC, Switch, Android, and PS3. For fans of Guitar Hero, the multi-platform controller provides broader compatibility with those games.
The resurgence of guitar controllers comes at a time when the music rhythm game genre has seen a decline due to changes in the industry. However, third-party PC games like Clone Hero and YARG, along with Harmonix’s integration of Rock Band-style gameplay into Fortnite in 2023, have kept the spirit alive. Now, with the release of these new Gibson Les Paul controllers, enthusiasts can look forward to an enhanced gaming experience. Pre-orders for the controllers are now available, with shipping set to begin in June 2025.
This innovative partnership not only revives a classic gaming accessory but also introduces it to a new generation of players. By combining cutting-edge technology with iconic design, Gibson and CRKD are setting a new standard for interactive entertainment. As gamers eagerly await the arrival of these controllers, the future of music rhythm games looks brighter than ever before.