Crkd shakes up controller market with $70 pro option

The peripherals landscape just got a jolt of competition. CRKD, a name previously known for niche controllers, is aiming squarely at the established giants with a pair of new offerings: the Ult Pro and the Atom Plus. The most surprising element? The Ult Pro, a feature-rich wireless controller for Switch (including the Switch 2), PC, mobile, and smart TVs, clocks in at a mere $70 – a full $20 undercut of Nintendo’s own Pro Controller.

A pro controller that doesn’t break the bank

The Ult Pro isn't just about the price; it’s packed with pro-level features typically found on controllers costing significantly more. Six mappable buttons – four back buttons and two extra shoulder buttons – offer a level of customization that’s increasingly vital for competitive gaming. Swappable stick caps and a d-pad cater to individual preferences, while Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless connectivity, alongside a bundled dongle, ensure versatile compatibility. A charging cradle, reminiscent of 8BitDo’s premium offerings, adds a touch of polish.

But CRKD doesn’t stop there. The Hall effect shoulder triggers can be toggled between analog and hair-trigger mode on PC, a feature appreciated by FPS enthusiasts. A “No Deadzone Mode” for the analog sticks eliminates that initial resistance, providing instant responsiveness. A 1,000Hz polling rate on PC further enhances the experience, along with a turbo function and intelligent device switching – eliminating the need to re-pair when moving between your Switch and PC. Frankly, the sheer volume of features for $70 is astonishing, prompting the question: can a newcomer truly deliver on this promise?

The atom plus: tiny upgrade, big impact

While the Ult Pro grabs the headlines, the Atom Plus deserves attention too. This upgraded version of CRKD’s keychain-sized Atom controller boasts TMR analog sticks, a significant improvement over the original's d-pad-only design. The miniature chassis, retaining the familiar Super Nintendo aesthetic, now features rearranged, full-sized shoulder buttons, rumble, dual four-way toggle buttons, turbo mode, and programmable buttons. Available in Smoke Black and Glacier Blue transparent shells, or Retro Purple and Pal Grey solid options, the Atom Plus is a surprisingly versatile little device, albeit slightly larger than its $20 predecessor.

IGN’s past reviews of CRKD’s Les Paul guitar controller, Neo S gamepad, and fret button attachment have generally been positive, suggesting a history of delivering quality products. However, the Ult Pro’s ambitions are considerably higher. Until reviewers have a chance to put it through its paces, skepticism remains. The question isn't whether CRKD can build cool gadgets, but whether they can consistently deliver a truly great experience at these disruptive price points. The June release date will tell.