Reviving Nostalgia: CRKD Launches NEO S Controller for a New Era of Rhythm Gaming

The resurgence of rhythm gaming has taken a fascinating turn, bringing back memories of an iconic accessory. More than a decade since its debut, the innovative Guitar Hero DS fret grip is being reignited within the current vibrant landscape of gaming events. The nostalgia of the early rhythm game wave is being reemphasized as new players take on former classics. In 2008, the popularity of rhythm games reached its peak, with even the handheld Nintendo DS joining in the fun.

Activision introduced the Guitar Grip, allowing players to engage with a miniature Guitar Hero experience. Now, with the Fortnite Festival reviving interest in this genre, the original creators of various plastic gaming devices are breathing new life into the Guitar Hero DS legacy. CRKD has launched the NEO S Purple Wave controller, designed for compatibility with the Fortnite Festival alongside PCs, Switch consoles, and mobile devices. Imagine a traditional gamepad transformed into a boxier design, then see the classic Guitar Grip concept wrapped around it, and you'll have a sense of what this new controller provides.

While it may not perfectly replicate the original Guitar Hero DS experience, the gameplay method evokes strong feelings of nostalgia among fans of the series. CRKD emphasizes that although they are not Red Octane, much of their hardware team is composed of the core developers who crafted the original Guitar Hero controllers. This commitment to community engagement and innovation aims to create league-standard, collectible gaming gear for enthusiasts globally. Red Octane, known for its role in creating the original Guitar Hero peripherals, initially provided input on the Guitar Grip back when it was first released.

The essence of Red Octane's legacy seems to be thriving at CRKD. Besides its compatibility with Fortnite Festival, the NEO S controller supports various community-driven Guitar Hero projects, such as Clone Hero and YARG. Early feedback from notable community members suggests this new device will be a powerful addition to the rhythm gaming toolkit. What’s particularly thrilling is that CRKD hints the NEO S marks the beginning of a range of rhythm gaming products anticipated to be implemented in the upcoming months.

This news has piqued the interest of rhythm gaming enthusiasts who are hopeful for an entirely fresh collection of authentic guitar controllers reminiscent of the classic Guitar Hero design. Earlier this year, PDP introduced its own guitar peripheral, the PDP Riffmaster, aimed at Rock Band fans, but its construction features a squishy strum bar that some players found less than satisfying. Enthusiasts are now looking to CRKD to possibly deliver a product with the coveted, satisfying click that characterized Guitar Hero’s gameplay. Meanwhile, the legacy of the Guitar Grip continues to resonate.