A New Look for the Plastic Guitar Scene

CRKD has officially expanded its hardware lineup with the announcement of the Olive Drab Pro Edition Gibson Les Paul guitar controller. Featuring a distinct military-inspired color scheme, this model offers a more understated aesthetic compared to the previously released Cherry Sunburst and Alpine White versions. This new release is exclusively compatible with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC.


Platform Exclusivity and Hardware Shifts

Unlike previous releases that offered both multiplatform and Xbox-specific variants, the Olive Drab edition is strictly limited to the Xbox and PC ecosystem, with no multiplatform version currently in the pipeline.


Perhaps the most significant adjustment in this iteration is the removal of the 9-mode physical dial found on earlier Pro models. According to the manufacturer, this change was implemented after extensive playtesting to ensure a more efficient, plug-and-play user experience. Regarding this transition, the company noted that moving these settings to software was a priority: «Game presets, controller remapping, profiles, firmware updates, and deeper customization are all still available; they simply live entirely inside the CRKD companion app now rather than on a physical control on the guitar body.»


Core Features and Connectivity

Despite the interface updates, the controller maintains the core hardware components that define the CRKD Pro series, including:

  • EZ Glide Mechanical Fret Buttons.
  • Hall Effect Strum Bar with integrated Haptic Feedback.

Connectivity remains robust, supporting wired USB-C, low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless via an included dongle, and Bluetooth. The guitar is fully compatible with popular titles such as Fortnite Festival, Rock Band 4, Clone Hero, and YARG, as well as the highly anticipated upcoming game, Stage Tour.


Scarcity and Future Evolution

The Olive Drab Pro Edition is priced at $134.99 USD and is currently available while supplies last. Notably, CRKD has confirmed that this colorway will be a one-time production run, making it a potential target for collectors. Industry analysts suggest that this shift toward a more streamlined software interface is likely part of a broader strategy by CRKD to prepare its hardware ecosystem for the upcoming launch of Stage Tour, reducing friction for new players entering the genre.