CRKD Neo S – Review

CRKD has taken a unique approach where limited edition, collectible controllers are concerned. While there are a number of products that come with the limited edition tag, there are only a handful that are worth collecting. Its Neo-S series seems to be retro-inspired and it is available in different designs.

Design and Ergonomics

When you open the box, you will find the CRKD controller, a drawstring fabric carrying case and a USB-C to USB-A cable. The overall design, analog sticks and D-pad of the Neo S are quite similar to the Nitro Deck from Nintendo. It even uses the same swappable stick tops, which means you can just pop off the current sticks and put in replacements.

As far the shape is concerned, Neo S is similar to an NES gamepad, but its edges are more rounded. The controller also has some texture on the back to improve your grip. On the front of the controller, you will find several buttons.

These include the L3 button, left stick, minus button, D-Pad, plus button, capture button, home button, R3 button and right stick. The face buttons are in the B,A, X, Y layout of Nintendo. Below the capture button, there is also a status LED.

The top of the controller is where you will find the USB-C port, L left bumper, R right bumper, ZL left trigger and ZR right trigger. There is a 3.5mm headphone jack and charging contacts on the bottom. On the controller, there is an RFID touchpoint that can be used with the CRKD app.

Other features you will find include a pinhole reset button, the program button for mapping S1 and S2 and the S1 and S2 programmable buttons. The flat surface of the controller has been leveraged to add flair to the device. You can find it in different designs and they will appeal to those who enjoy aesthetics.

Software and Customization

The CTRL feature lets you update the firmware of the controller and configure different settings. You can also use the CRKD app to customize nearly every aspect of the device. You can remap every button, including the D-pad and thumbsticks.

You can even make adjustments to the intensity of the right and left motor. The app itself is very straightforward and you will not have any trouble using it. To replace the thumbstick tops, you just need to rotate them and pull them upwards. You can personalize the Neo S even more with new stick tops that are available in unique designs.

Features and Performance

You can use the Neo S controller with PC, the Nintendo Switch, mobile devices and any other device that supports wireless and Bluetooth connections. You can also use it with multiple devices simultaneously. The triggers and thumbsticks are not prone to mechanical failures because they are Hall Effect.

The analog sticks also feel nice and so do the triggers. You can use the CTRL feature in the app to adjust both of them. The controller works fine with both classic and modern games.