Author Archives: Owen

Zelda’s SNES Classic ‘A Link to the Past’ Joins Nintendo Music: The Must-Listen Tracks

Nintendo has recently made the iconic soundtrack from The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past available on its official Nintendo Music platform, a welcome treat for fans for of this legendary game . First released in 1991 on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), A Link to the Past quickly established itself as one of the pivotal entries in the series. Its unforgettable score, composed by the renowned Koji Kondo, has been lauded for capturing the spirit of exploration and the grandeur of Hyrule’s landscapes.

Arguably the most recognisable piece is the “Overworld Theme,” featuring a rousing melody that perfectly embodies Link’s heroic journey. Listeners often cite the “Dark World Theme” as another standout track, bringing an edgy, sombre layer to the adventure, hinting at the hidden dangers of the alternate realm. The gentle, almost homely tune of “Kakariko Village” offers a contrast to the game’s more intense moments, providing a sense of respite amidst the chaos. Likewise, “Hyrule Castle” and its regal progressions underline the weight of Link’s quest to save Princess Zelda.

Technically, the SNES’s audio hardware (utilising the SPC700 sound chip) allowed Koji Kondo’s compositions to shine in more nuanced ways than the original Nintendo Entertainment System ever could. Despite limitations such as a mere eight channels, the sound team’s creativity resulted in a rich, layered soundtrack that continues to resonate with retro gaming fans. A Link to the Past also influenced subsequent Zelda soundtracks, setting the bar for orchestration and thematic cohesion in future instalments.

As of February 27, 2025, the full collection can now be streamed officially, giving newcomers and long-time devotees a chance to revisit these defining compositions. With each track, one is reminded of how music can elevate gameplay into a truly immersive experience, and take you back to playing the game – even decades after a title’s original release.

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Sky Shapers: A New Vertical Shmup for the Amiga

Amiga fans looking for a fresh challenge in the beloved vertical shoot-’em-up genre will be pleased to learn about Sky Shapers. Announced in January 2025, this upcoming title has caught the attention of classic arcade aficionados who fondly recall the likes of 1942 and TwinBee. As the name suggests, Sky Shapers places players in control of a futuristic fighter craft, navigating an upward-scrolling battlefield teeming with wave after wave of airborne adversaries. The rapid pacing is complemented by colourful graphics, reminiscent of late-80s arcade hits, while the responsive controls evoke the tactile thrill of those early joystick-and-button experiences.

Credit: Indie Retro News

Early previews indicate that Sky Shapers offers carefully considered level design, ensuring new arrivals can find their footing without dampening the excitement for seasoned shmup veterans. The difficulty curve, a crucial element of any good shooter, appears finely tuned to challenge reflexes and reward strategic thinking. A neat technical flourish is the inclusion of smooth sprite handling, which many gamers will appreciate, particularly on older platforms. The developers have highlighted their commitment to retaining the “pick-up-and-play” quality that defined the original vertical shooters, aiming to offer a truly classic experience with modern refinements.

Vertical scrolling shoot-’em-ups have long been a staple of retro gaming culture, tracing their roots to early arcade cabinets. Although each generation introduced new hardware capabilities, the core appeal of racing skyward while blasting enemies has remained. Sky Shapers seems poised to carry on that tradition—offering vibrant pixel art, quick reflex-based gameplay, and a familiar yet polished style that is sure to resonate with fans of classic shoot-’em-ups. With continued support from the retro community and dedicated developers pushing the hardware’s limits, Sky Shapers stands ready to become a highlight in 2025’s growing catalogue of vintage-inspired titles. You can check out the project on Amiga Shop, with more information at Indie Retro News who do a great job of reporting on all of the scene for the retro home computers.

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New Mario and Kirby-Themed Collectables from Bandai have just Dropped in Japan

Bandai has launched a fresh line of products in Japan featuring two of Nintendo’s most cherished characters: Mario and Kirby. Available now, these items include character magnets and gummy chocolates. This release underscores Bandai’s ongoing collaboration with Nintendo, a partnership that has long produced merchandise celebrating the company’s iconic franchises.

Credit: Bandi Japan

Mario, the plumber who leapt into fame with Donkey Kong in 1981, and Kirby, the pink hero of Kirby’s Dream Land from 1992, are cornerstones of gaming history. Created by Shigeru Miyamoto and Masahiro Sakurai respectively, both characters have evolved from their 8-bit origins into global icons, spawning countless games and collectibles. Bandai’s latest offerings tap into this legacy, blending nostalgia with modern appeal for players who grew up with these titles.

Credit: Bandai Japan

The Mario Character Magnets, now in their second series, cost 250 yen each—roughly €1.55, $1.65, or £1.30, based on exchange rates as of February 2025. Sold in blind bags, each pack includes a magnet, a memo card, and a piece of gum, with 22 designs featuring Mario and his universe’s characters. The Kirby gummy chocolates, priced at 200 yen per bag (about €1.25, $1.35, or £1.05), offer 11 distinct Kirby designs encased in a chocolate shell with a gummy centre. These prices reflect Japan’s retail market, though international fans may need to explore import options like HobbyLink Japan or Play-Asia, as direct purchase links from Bandai remain Japan-focused.

Credit: Bandai Japan

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Famidash Brings Geometry Dash to the NES in Latest Homebrew Triumph

The NES homebrew development scene continues to thrive, showcasing the dedication and creativity of retro gaming fans. A standout project in this vibrant community is Famidash, a fan-made demake of the popular rhythm-action platformer Geometry Dash, now available for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Developed by a team initially led by Zephyrside and later maintained by kandowontu, Famidash was released on October 10, 2024, and brings the fast-paced challenge of its modern inspiration to the 8-bit console. With 12 levels recreated from the original game plus three community-designed additions, players navigate rhythm-based obstacles—switching between a jumping cube, flying ship, or rolling ball—within the NES’s tight technical limits. The latest update for the game brings the number of levels up to 63 and the game can be played in its entirety without a gamepad, utilising the SNES Mouse.

Credit: Rom Hack Plaza

The NES, first launched in 1985, has long been a favourite among homebrew developers due to its straightforward design and well-understood hardware. Nearly 40 years on, the scene remains active, supported by forums like NESdev, where coders exchange ideas and tackle the challenges of 6502 assembly programming. Famidash itself is built using a mix of C language and assembly, a feat that highlights the skill required to adapt a modern game to such vintage technology. The community has also seen growth thanks to tools like NESFab, which simplify development, leading to a steady stream of new titles like CelesteNES and Mosh-Lift.

Credit: Rom Hack Plaza

Activity in the NES homebrew world is robust, with developers regularly releasing games and sharing progress online. Platforms like Reddit and GBAtemp buzz with discussions about projects, while X posts reveal upcoming works like R-G-Bleeki. Famidash has been warmly received, praised for its faithful mechanics and nostalgic appeal, further fuelling interest in creating for the NES. This ongoing wave of innovation ensures the console’s legacy endures, blending classic gaming with fresh ideas. To get in on the Famidash action, you can check its project page on Rom Hack Plaza, or its Github page.

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Magic: The Gathering Embraces Spider-Man in a Blockbuster 2025 Line-Up

Magic: The Gathering (MTG), the trailblazing collectible card game that reshaped gaming culture since its debut in 1993, is swinging into 2025 with a spectacular crossover featuring Marvel’s Spider-Man. Launching on September 26, 2025, this set introduces Spider-Man, Venom, and a rogues’ gallery of villains to MTG’s strategic battlefield. Preorders are live on Amazon, offering Play Boosters ($209.70 for a box), Collector Boosters, Scene Boxes ($41.99) which include six new-to-Magic cards like “Grasping Tentacles” and “Pumpkin Bombs” tailored for Commander play, and a MTG/Spider Man Bundle ($69.99). This collaboration, the first of several Marvel-themed expansions, blends retro gaming heritage with modern flair, appealing to collectors and players alike.

The Spider-Man set is fully draftable and Standard-legal, featuring mechanics that mirror the web-slinger’s agility—think cards with evasion abilities—and Venom’s brute force, possibly tied to black mana’s sacrifice themes. Scene Boxes add a collectible twist, with foil cards forming larger artworks, while the removal of the Universes Beyond frame ensures a cohesive MTG aesthetic. This isn’t just a nostalgic nod; it’s a calculated evolution of a game that pioneered the CCG genre, influencing everything from Pokémon to today’s digital card games.

Beyond Spider-Man, 2025 is a packed year for MTG. The Final Fantasy set, releasing June 13, brings materia and summons to the table, blending JRPG roots with MTG’s mechanics—a treat for fans of classic console gaming. August’s Bloomburrow introduces an animalfolk plane, offering fresh lore and draftable play. Meanwhile, Duskmourn: House of Horror, out September 26 alongside Spider-Man, delves into horror with haunted house-inspired cards, rounding out a diverse slate. Each release builds on MTG’s legacy, rooted in tabletop gaming’s golden age, while pushing boundaries with new IPs and designs.

For collectors of gaming history, these sets echo the creativity of MTG’s early days, when expansions like Arabian Nights set the stage for thematic storytelling. Today’s crossovers marry that spirit with cutting-edge card design, ensuring MTG remains a cornerstone of gaming culture.

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Frogger RX Revives a Classic for the ZX Spectrum in 2025

Frogger RX has hopped onto the scene, reinvigorating the timeless appeal of the 1981 arcade classic Frogger for the ZX Spectrum. Originally developed by Konami and published by Sega, Frogger captivated players with its deceptively simple yet challenging gameplay – guiding a frog across busy roads and perilous rivers to reach safety. Today, this new iteration, highlighted by Indie Retro News, brings that same arcade excitement to a platform that remains cherished by a generation of gamers.

The ZX Spectrum, launched in 1982 by Sinclair Research, was a cornerstone of home computing in the UK and Europe. With its modest 48KB of RAM, Z80A processor, and a distinctive, quirky colour palette, the Spectrum required developers to exercise considerable ingenuity. Despite these technical limitations, the platform became home to countless arcade ports, with titles such as Frogger setting the standard. The enduring popularity of the ZX Spectrum has cemented its place in gaming history, turning bedrooms into vibrant gaming hubs during the early 1980s.

The “RX” in Frogger RX suggests a remix or redux, likely offering sharper visuals, new levels, and refined controls tailored to the Spectrum’s unique capabilities. This modern reinterpretation bridges the gap between the original arcade experience and contemporary expectations, demonstrating the indie retro gaming community’s dedication to preserving and celebrating gaming heritage. By updating a beloved classic for modern audiences, Frogger RX not only pays homage to the legacy of Frogger but also ensures that the spirit of vintage gaming continues to thrive.

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Turok: Dinosaur Hunter Update Unleashes a Wave of Enhancements on Switch

A major update for the classic first-person shooter Turok: Dinosaur Hunter has now been rolled out across all platforms, promising fans a host of new features, refined menu options, and a myriad of bug fixes. The update, which has been in development for several months, aims to bridge the gap between the original game’s nostalgic charm and modern gameplay expectations.

Among the most significant additions is an optimized renderer for both Vulkan and the Nintendo Switch, ensuring smoother graphics and improved performance. The game has also been ported to the latest Series X and PS5 consoles, offering enhanced visual fidelity and high refresh rate support. Furthermore, developers have fine-tuned gamepad functionality and vibration support, allowing for a more immersive and responsive gaming experience. Localized achievements and trophies add another layer of polish, catering to a global fanbase.

The update introduces several gameplay features reminiscent of Turok 2. Players can now swap ammo types for the Tek Bow and Shotgun on the fly, and a new run/walk toggle allows for more strategic movement—enabling stealthy approaches from behind enemies. Additionally, the ability to bind multiple weapons to a single button streamlines combat and caters to varied playstyles. Notably, long-forgotten features such as the High Priests’ homing blue magic attack and Purlins’ unused leap smash melee attack have been restored, along with the Gallery cheat code, which now offers previews of enemy animations and boss encounters.

Menu options have also been overhauled, with new icons replacing text in the Input Bindings menus, and a “Reset to Defaults” option making it easier for players to revert settings. Enhanced controller options, gameplay tweaks, and improved HUD, graphic, audio, and video settings have collectively contributed to a more polished user interface.

Beyond these feature enhancements, the update addresses numerous bugs and gameplay issues. Improvements to enemy animations, sound synchronization, and environmental interactions have been meticulously implemented. Minor fixes across maps and scripts further enrich the overall experience, ensuring that both long-time fans and newcomers can enjoy a seamless adventure in the Turok universe. Credit to Night Dive Studios on Reddit for sharing the summary of what is new.

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👾 Retro Gaming Weekly News #0138

A bumper 52 stories coming your way this week, including 30 years of Ristar, more GTA for the Dreamcast, Terminator 2 is back and 100 years of Pokemon? 

News

⚽ Super Soccer Exits Switch Online in Japan – Nintendo is removing Super Soccer from the Switch Online SNES library in Japan on March 5, 2025, marking a rare case of a game being delisted from the service. Retroshell

💰 Rare Pokémon Game Sells for Over $80,000 – A sealed copy of Pokémon Red (1996) set a new auction record, fetching more than $80,000 due to its rarity and pristine condition. JustCollecting

🎸 Gibson & CRKD Unveil New Guitar Controllers – Gibson has partnered with CRKD to launch officially licensed Guitar Hero-style controllers, designed for modern and retro gaming platforms. Retroshell

🎮 Retroid Pocket Flip 2: Specs and Colors Revealed – The upcoming Retroid Pocket Flip 2 handheld will feature a clamshell design, improved hardware, and multiple color options, appealing to retro gaming enthusiasts. Retrododo

🦎 Gex Trilogy Set for Summer 2025 Release – Limited Run Games confirms the Gex Trilogy will launch in Summer 2025, bringing the cult-classic platformer series to modern consoles. Retroshell

🚀 Sigma Star Saga Gets Enhanced DX Cartridge Release – The cult-classic GBA title Sigma Star Saga is receiving an upgraded physical release with new features, celebrating its 20th anniversary. Time Extension

🤖 Terminator 2D: No Fate Brings Retro Action to Modern Consoles – Terminator 2D: No Fate is set to deliver classic side-scrolling action with modern enhancements, launching on current platforms. Retroshell

📥 Anbernic Pulls Controversial Firmware Update – Anbernic has removed a firmware update that allowed direct ROM downloads, following backlash over potential legal issues. Time Extension

🕹 Old Towers Expands to Atari Jaguar – The indie puzzle platformer Old Towers is making its way to the Atari Jaguar, continuing the trend of modern games arriving on retro hardware. Retroshell

🎶 Sega Rally 30th Anniversary Soundtrack Now Streaming – The official Sega Rally soundtrack is available to stream for the first time, celebrating 30 years of the arcade racing classic. Time Extension

🎮 8BitDo Unveils Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller – 8BitDo’s new Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller blends modern technology with retro gaming appeal, supporting multiple platforms. Retroshell

🧱 Breakout: Beyond Coming to PC & Consoles in March – The former Amico-exclusive game Breakout: Beyondis set to release on PC and modern consoles next month. Time Extension

🟨 Tetris Forever Update Brings MS-DOS Classics to Modern Players – The latest Tetris Forever update adds MS-DOS game support, expanding its retro gaming library. Retroshell

🕹 GamesCare Unveils New Dev Cart for Sega Genesis – A new development cartridge for the Sega Genesis promises enhanced functionality for homebrew and prototype game creators. Retroshell

🔥 King of Fighters ‘98 Leads Arcade Archives 2 on PS5 & Xbox – King of Fighters ‘98 is the first Arcade Archives 2 Neo Geo title launching for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Retroshell

🐺 Wolfenstein RPG Gets Unofficial PC Port – The rare Wolfenstein RPG from 2008 has been ported to PC by fans, making the mobile-exclusive title more accessible. Retroshell

👊 Final Vendetta Neo Geo Release Delayed for Quality Enhancements – The Final Vendetta Neo Geo version has been delayed, with developers promising improved features and performance. Retroshell

🚀 Fan-Made Genesis R-Type Port Expands with New Content – A homebrew R-Type port for the Sega Genesis is receiving exclusive levels and enhancements. Retroshell

🌙 Sonic’s Lunar Adventure: Unfinished Fan Game Released – An incomplete Sonic fan game, Sonic’s Lunar Adventure, has unexpectedly surfaced online. Retroshell

🎮 Hyperkin Confirms PC Engine / TurboGrafx-16 Clone – Hyperkin has officially announced a new clone console that will support PC Engine and TurboGrafx-16 games. Retroshell

🌍 English Translation of Dreamcast RPG Segagaga in Progress – The fan translation of Sega’s cult-classic Segagaga is making steady progress toward completion. Time Extension

🥷 Justice Ninja Casey Brings SNES Classic to the West – The 1994 SNES game Justice Ninja Casey is finally getting an official Western release this week. Retroshell

💖 ToHeart Remake Launching in Japan on June 26, 2025 – The ToHeart visual novel remake is set to release in Japan with updated visuals and gameplay enhancements. Retroshell

🎥 ToHeart Remake Opening Movie Compared to PS1 Version – A side-by-side comparison showcases the graphical improvements in the upcoming ToHeart remake. Siliconera

Features

📖 Metroid Prime’s Legacy Celebrated in New Visual Retrospective – A new book explores the artistic and historical impact of Metroid Prime, offering fans a detailed look at the franchise’s evolution. Retroshell

🕹 Unreleased Popeye Game for Sega Genesis Resurfaces After 31 Years – A long-lost Popeye beat-’em-up from the makers of Double Dragon has been discovered, shedding light on a canceled 16-bit project. Time Extension

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🏆 BAFTA Calls for Votes on Gaming’s Most Influential Title – The British Academy of Film and Television Arts is inviting gamers to vote on the most influential video game of all time. Retroshell

💻 Developer Ports x86 Linux to the NES – A developer has successfully ported a version of x86 Linux to the Nintendo Entertainment System, demonstrating the console’s unexpected capabilities. Research Snipers

🎮 Pokémon Boss Aims for a Century-Long Gaming Legacy – Pokémon Company president Tsunekazu Ishihara discusses the franchise’s long-term vision, aiming for a lasting impact over the next 100 years. Retroshell

🎮 Battle of the Handhelds: Which Portable Console Reigns Supreme? – A deep dive into the best handheld consoles, comparing classic and modern devices in the ever-evolving portable gaming landscape. Nerdbot

🕹 AYANEO Clarifies Production and Future of Flip Handheld – AYANEO has addressed concerns about the production status of its Flip handheld, reaffirming its commitment to upcoming releases. Retroshell

🐴 Link’s Iconic Horse Was Almost a Moose, Reveals Miyamoto Interview – Newly unearthed insights from Shigeru Miyamoto reveal that The Legend of Zelda nearly featured a moose instead of Epona. Creative Bloq

⚔ BioWare Co-Founder Reflects on Jade Empire’s Lost Potential – A BioWare co-founder looks back on Jade Empire, expressing regret over the studio not expanding the franchise further. Retroshell

🤼 Play Classic WCW Games with New Mods for N64 – Modders have recreated WCW Saturday Night using Virtual Pro Wrestling on the Nintendo 64, offering a fresh way to experience classic wrestling games. TheSportster

📟 The Unused Terminal of the NES Disk System – A look into a forgotten feature of the NES Disk System, revealing an unused terminal mode that was never fully implemented. Retroshell

🎰 All the Classic Sega Games Featured in Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth – Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (aka Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii) includes numerous classic Sega titles as playable minigames. Siliconera

🎨 Collector Digitally Preserves Iconic Street Fighter II Figures – A gaming historian has scanned and preserved rare Street Fighter II action figures, ensuring their legacy in digital form. Retroshell

🎵 Streets of Rage Composer Disappointed by Lack of Recognition – Yuzo Koshiro, the legendary Streets of Ragecomposer, expresses disappointment that his influential work isn’t more widely recognized. Time Extension

🌟 Ristar at 30: A Cult Classic Fans Want Revived – As Ristar turns 30, fans are calling for a modern revival of the beloved Sega platformer. CBR

⭐ Ristar Turns 30, Fans Demand a New Game – The 1995 Sega platformer Ristar reaches its 30th anniversary, reigniting discussions about a potential sequel. Metro

🕹 Tokyo Arcade Shares Update on Post-COVID Recovery – A famous Tokyo arcade has provided an update on its business performance after the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Time Extension

🦇 Castlevania: Dracula X—Better Than You Remember? – A fresh look at Castlevania: Dracula X argues that the game deserves more appreciation than it originally received. CBR

🔗 The PlayStation Had a Hidden Multiplayer Mode Using Game Boy Cables – A forgotten multiplayer feature on the original PlayStation allowed link-cable gaming using Game Boy peripherals. Ruetir

🏈 Classic NFL Game Gets Online Multiplayer Mode via Fan Mod – Modders have introduced online multiplayer functionality to a classic NFL video game, reviving it for modern players. AppTrigger

Lists & Rankings

🎮 The Rarest NES Games and Their Prices – A look at some of the rarest and most valuable NES games, with prices reflecting their rarity and collector demand. CBR

Looks familiar…

🦔 Sonic’s Surprisingly Weak Characters – A ranking of the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise’s weakest characters, highlighting those who fall short in terms of power and impact. GameRant

⚔ Best 32-Bit Tactical RPGs, Ranked – A list of the top tactical RPGs from the 32-bit era, showcasing strategic gameplay and memorable stories. GameRant

🕹 The Best Arcade Games of All Time – A curated selection of the greatest arcade games ever, celebrating their lasting influence on gaming history. Digital Trends

🎮 Best Third-Party GameCube Games, Ranked – A ranking of the best third-party titles on the GameCube, spotlighting hidden gems and fan favorites. CBR

Super Soccer to Exit Switch Online in Japan

Nintendo has sent ripples through the retro gaming community with the announcement that Super Soccer will be removed from the Switch Online SNES collection in Japan on 28 March 2025. This unexpected move marks a rare cull from the service’s lineup, stirring nostalgia among players who recall the game’s pixelated pitches and infectious chiptune soundtrack. First launched in 1991 for the Super Famicom—Japan’s version of the SNES—Super Soccer was a pioneering effort by Human Entertainment, delivering a fresh take on football simulation with its distinctive behind-the-goal camera angle.

What set Super Soccer apart was its use of the SNES’s Mode 7 graphics, a technical marvel that allowed for a pseudo-3D effect, rotating and scaling the pitch to create an immersive experience. This innovation was groundbreaking in an era dominated by flatter, top-down perspectives. The game boasted a solid lineup of international teams, offering exhibition matches and tournament play that balanced accessibility with tactical depth. Since joining the Switch Online library in 2019 as an early third-party title, it’s been a cherished gem for those revisiting the 90s golden age of gaming.

So why the removal? Nintendo hasn’t spilled the beans, but speculation points to licensing hurdles with Spike Chunsoft, the current rights holder. For collectors, the game endures through original cartridges or emulation, though its exit from Switch Online underscores the fragility of digital preservation. Fans of vintage football titles might turn to contemporaries like International Superstar Soccer or FIFA International Soccer, which also left their mark on classic consoles.

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Gibson and CRKD Unveil New Guitar Controllers

Gibson and CRKD have joined forces to launch two striking guitar controllers, unveiled on 27 February 2025. Dubbed the CRKD Gibson Les Paul Guitar Controller Range, this collaboration resurrects the iconic Les Paul silhouette—famous from Guitar Hero 3—in two flavours: the Encore Edition and the Pro Edition. Tailored for titles like Fortnite Festival, Clone Hero, and Rock Band 4, these controllers blend nostalgia with modern flair. Pre-orders are open now, with shipping slated for June 2025, promising to reignite the strumming spirit of gaming’s golden age.

Credit: CRKG

The mid-2000s saw rhythm games strike a chord with players worldwide. Guitar Hero, launched in 2005 on the PlayStation 2, turned plastic guitars into household names, while Rock Band upped the ante with full-band play. The Gibson Les Paul controller, debuted in Guitar Hero 3, became a symbol of that era—its sleek design etched into the memories of late-night shredders. As rhythm gaming faded from the mainstream, its legacy endured among devotees. Today, with Fortnite Festival and fan-driven projects like Clone Hero, the genre is strumming back to life, and CRKD x Gibson are here to lead the encore.

Credit: CRKD

The Encore Edition sports mechanical frets and a classic strum bar, perfect for casual players. The Pro Edition, however, ups the tempo with Hall effect frets and a matching strum bar—magnetic sensors that offer pinpoint accuracy and durability, a godsend for precision-dependent rhythm titles. Both boast a Hall effect whammy bar, RGB lighting, and tilt sensors for star power, bridging retro vibes with cutting-edge tech. They’re compatible with PC, Switch, Android, and Xbox, and a Legacy mode unlocks PS3 classics like Guitar Hero and Rock Band, ensuring no vintage track is left unplayed.

CRKD, known for its stylish Nitro Deck, includes a Purple/Orange Ombre Guitar Shoulder Strap and a Collector’s Pin with pre-orders. The Les Paul design screams display-worthy, appealing to those who cherish gaming’s tangible past. Whether you’re a veteran of Rock Band marathons or a newbie to the fretboard, these controllers promise a riff-tastic revival.

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