CRKD’s Nitro Deck wrap-around controller for Nintendo Switch has become quite popular over the last little while and the brand is now ready to expand its lineup of gaming accessories with the new NEO S. The gamepad looks to be heavily-inspired by the old squared-off form-factor of the classic NES controllers, just with more than its fair share of wild designs and some modern accoutrements in the form of the popular Hall effect stick tech and more. Head below for a closer look.
CRKD’s new Hall effect NEO S gamepad
While the Nitro Deck is designed to surround the Switch console and display, mainly when away from the big screen, the new CRKD NEO S takes on the form of a more traditional retro gamepad with compatibility on a wider range of platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC, mobile, and for smart TV gaming.
CRKD described the NEO S as a “fusion of nostalgia and modern technology, offering an elevated gaming and collectible experience.” It’s not all retro though, NEO S features wireless Bluetooth connectivity on all of the aforementioned platforms alongside adjustable trigger sensitivity, swappable stick tops for durability and customization, re-mappable back buttons, and the oh-so popular Hall effect thumbsticks – “precise and responsive stick drift free control.”
Another place the NEO S stands out, if it wasn’t already obvious from the imagery here, is the artistic styles. CRKD is positioning the new controller as a collectible one with something the brand refers to as its True Collection System Companion App. There are nine designs available for pre-order at launch (some of which are heavily inspired by Nintendo’s Game and Watch and the transparent N64 gamepads) but there will presumably be more to come as the app can provide both the product number and the “rarity rank of your controller.”
Here’s all of the details the brand has offered up on the system thus far:
Each of our core products connect to our True Collection System. A mobile app where digital proof of physical ownership is established. By tapping a mobile device to the product, the user can reveal the product number, rarity rank, & register it to their own secure CRKD collection.
Some of the designs of the controller come by way of artist POPeART – “known for his unparalleled vision, driven by the mission to unleash the limitless power of creativity.”
He skillfully weaves captivating stories through his art, drawing inspiration from the ancient Japanese concept of Wabi-Sabi; which celebrates the beauty found in imperfection adhering to the three guiding principles:“Nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect.” Through these principles, he encourages viewers to see beyond conventional constraints and embrace the organic, ever-evolving nature of life and art.
The new CRKD NEO S controllers are now available for pre-order ahead of the expected April 2024 shipping date at $49.99.
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