Many physical goods are marked as limited edition, but few are actually worth collecting. In terms of controllers, Microsoft is the most high-profile, with otherwise functionally identical controllers available with various types of designs and IP, and even an Xbox Design Lab for a roll-your-own experience. CKRD, pronounced “cracked,” has taken their own approach to the concept of limited edition, collectible controllers with the retro-inspired Neo S series. There are different designs of course, but, more importantly, using a companion app, you can add your Neo S controller to a collection, revealing its rarity rank. Fortunately, CKRD didn’t forget that a controller has to be functional as well, crafting a high-quality, physically configurable multi-platform beast.
In the box, you get the controller, the basics like a 3.2 foot long USB-C to USB-A cable and some paperwork, and a drawstring fabric carrying case, which is a nice perk.
Referred to by CRKD as the “sister controller to the Nitro Deck,” the Neo S uses the same type of D-pad, analog sticks, and general overall design as the well-received Nintendo Switch controller surround. In fact, the Neo S controllers can use the same optional swappable stick tops that were designed for the Nitro Deck – simply pop the current sticks off and pop in the replacements.
The Neo S has the general shape of a classic NES gamepad, just with thankfully more rounded edges like a smartphone, and no cable, unless of course you want to connect one to the top USB-C port. A texture on the back of the controller helps with grip.
On the front of the controller are the left stick and L3 button, D-Pad, minus button, capture button, home button (CRKD logo), plus button, right stick and R3 button, and the face buttons in the Nintendo-style B, A, X, Y layout. A status LED is below the capture button.
On the top of the controller are the ZL left trigger, L left bumper, USB-C port, ZR right trigger, and R right bumper. On the bottom of the controller are charging contacts and a 3.5mm headset jack, although I’m not aware of any compatible accessories for the former at this time.
The rear of the controller features an RFID touchpoint to use with the CRKD app, the S1 and S2 programmable buttons, the program button to map S1 and S2, and a pinhole reset button. Each programmable button can be set to a single input or a series of inputs, and they can be disabled completely for those who hold the controllers in such a way that would accidentally trigger them.
CRKD takes advantage of the flat surface of the controller by treating it like an artist’s canvas. The Blossom by POPeART is arguably the most striking, with its all-white design with pink accents, cherry blossom-inspired artwork, and POPeART signature on the back. The Retro Gold is inspired by the red and gold design of the original Nintendo Famicom controller. The Classic Clear, is, no surprise, transparent, letting you see all of the internals. Aesthetics aside, every controller is functionally identical.
Using the CRKD app for iOS or Android, you can see your Neo S controller’s product number and rarity rank by tapping the RFID touchpoint. For instance, for my Blossom by POPeART, the controller is 104 out of 3,985 units, making it top 500 for rarity. Once registered, you can use the CTRL feature to update the controller’s firmware, as well as configure various settings.
With the CRKD app and the CTRL feature, every aspect of the controller can be customized. Every single button, as well as the thumbsticks and D-pad, can be remapped. The LZ and RZ triggers can be set to low, medium, and high actuation points to adjust when inputs are recognized. The thumbsticks can be set to “No Deadzone Mode”, which allows miniscule stick movement to be recognized. Finally, the intensity of the left and right motor rumble can be set together or individually. Overall, it’s an impressively exhaustive list of customization options that are thankfully made easily accessible due to a straightforward app.
Should you want to replace the thumbstick tops, it’s a simple matter of rotating and pulling upwards. The replacement is then firmly inserted. Although $20 might seem a bit steep for new stick tops, you do get four pairs of unique designs in either Midnight, Retro, or Dust, allowing you to personalize your Neo S even further.
Each Neo S controller works with the Nintendo Switch, PC, mobile devices, and basically any other device that supports Bluetooth or wired connections that are compatible with Nintendo Switch, Xinput, or Android controllers. The Neo S has an internal gyroscope that allows for motion controls on Switch. You can use it like a Pro Controller over Bluetooth or wired over USB, and you can make use of the 3.5mm audio jack and automatically route audio to your headphones when used over USB.
For PC, iOS, or macOS, you can use the Neo S as an Xinput Bluetooth controller, like an Xbox Wireless Controller or Pro Controller, or wired over USB, with the latter only for PC and macOS. For Android, the Neo S will connect as a Gamepad over Bluetooth. The Neo S also works with multiple devices at the same time. You can switch between paired devices by holding the D-pad in the appropriate direction and pressing the home button.
The thumbsticks and triggers are both Hall Effect, meaning they use a magnetic system and are not prone to drift or other types of mechanical failures. The analog sticks have a nice feel with a relatively long throw, as do the triggers. Both are adjustable using the CTRL feature in the CRKD app.
Overall, whether testing on Switch, PC, or Android, I had no issues with using the controllers either as a classic-style controller or modern controller. For instance, on the Switch, I played a variety of the classic games in TAITO Milestones 2, which use the D-pad and generally two buttons, as well as The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, which requires the full suite of controls, and found both scenarios equally comfortable and responsive.
It’s good to know that even if you might think the collectibility aspect of these controllers is somewhat dubious, you’re still getting a top quality multi-platform gamepad with good battery life for a competitive price. Of course, if you’re looking for controllers with modern gamepad ergonomics with grips, then these are likely not for you. Nevertheless, even for the skeptical, these are worth giving a chance as I never felt any of the controls, or comfort, were lacking.
