NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret Fortnite Competition Version: One-minute evaluation
The NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret Fortnite Competition Version is a brand-new variant of CRKD’s Neo S controller. Functionally, the controller is the very same because the common one, however this particular variant comes bundled with a 5-fret attachment designed for Fortnite Competition and different rhythm video games like Guitar Hero and Rock Band.
The fret attachment slots into the underside of the controller through the headphone jack, and from there it’s good to go. The plain comparability is that of the Guitar Hero: On Tour collection of video games, which featured the same attachment for the Nintendo DS. Nevertheless, the problems that plagued that launch over a decade and a half in the past nonetheless persist right here.
The fret buttons are small with little or no spacing compared to an everyday guitar controller, and holding the controller within the guitar type can grow to be fairly uncomfortable – particularly with greater arms. I’ve examined the NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret for 3 months or so now and located it troublesome to play for over a few hours.
The most important concern is that there’s no good method to strum in guitar-led rhythm video games. The default choice is to faucet the RB button, which is ineffective when it’s a must to strum in fast succession; in the meantime, mapping it to the stick works barely higher, but it surely’s nonetheless no substitute. When you’re on the lookout for a method to play rhythm video games casually, then it’s greater than serviceable. However anybody trying to critically delve into the style is best off on the lookout for a extra appropriate controller just like the PDP Riffmaster.
The controller options an Xbox structure and has Bluetooth connectivity, making it nice for the PC. Nevertheless, it doesn’t hook up with Xbox consoles (though that is promised in a future replace). It does hook up with the Nintendo Switch – but it surely’s awkward to play because of the buttons being swapped round from the standard Nintendo structure.
NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret Fortnite Competition Version: Value and availability
- Listing value: $59.99 / £59.99 / AU$119.95
- Out there within the US through the CRKD web site
- Out there within the UK through Argos and Amazon
The NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret Fortnite Competition Version launched again in November 2024 and prices $59.99 / £59.99 / AU$119.95 – making it $10 / £10 / AU$20 dearer than the common NEO S controller. Nevertheless, it’s at the moment the one method to get the five-fret attachment for the controller. It’s appropriate with Nintendo Change, PC, good TVs, and cell units in the intervening time, with Xbox assist promised to reach later down the road.
NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret Fortnite Competition Version: Specs
| Value | $59.99 / £59.99 / AU$119.95 |
| Dimensions | With out attachment: 5.9 x 2.75 x 0.78 in / 15 x 7 x 2 cmWith attachment: 5.9 x 3.5 x 0.78 in / 15 x 8.8 / 2 cm |
| Connection kind | Wired (Kind-C), wi-fi (Bluetooth) |
| Compatibility | Nintendo Change, PC, iOS, Android, Sensible TV |
| Software program | CRKD App (iOS, Android) |
NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret Fortnite Competition Version: Design and options
- Guitar attachment designed for rhythm gaming
- Bespoke Fortnite Competition design impressed by the sport
- Programmable again buttons and fret buttons
One of many Neo S controller’s predominant gimmicks is the litany of customized designs obtainable, equivalent to one impressed by the Nintendo Famicom coloration scheme, 90’s-style translucent variants, and collabs with the likes of Rocket League and Hellboy.
The Fortnite Competition version is a purple variant with a wavy design that options completely different shades of purple, whereas the d-pad, shoulder, and again buttons are vibrant pink. In the meantime, the again of the controller is a stable purple shell. It’s a lovely-looking controller till you discover the gaudy Fortnite Competition brand slap-bang within the center. A extra refined Fortnite design or emblem would’ve been preferable.
This design isn’t prolonged to the guitar attachment, which can be only a stable purple – though the lighter pink does seem on the fringe of every button. When the attachment isn’t on the controller, it does really feel a bit flimsy, just like the plastic might snap very simply.
This doesn’t assist when getting it onto the controller can really feel fairly fiddly. It’s essential pop it on at an angle earlier than pushing the highest into the ridges, however lining the underside up is usually a bit cumbersome. This attachment comes with a Velcro strap, which you pop in between the controller and guitar, making it simpler to carry like a typical guitar neck.
The Guitar attachment options 5 buttons to emulate the traditional Guitar Hero components; these buttons are routinely mapped to the buttons used for every lane in Fortnite Competition.
The controller comes with three modes: one for Straightforward, Medium, and Onerous modes in-game, one other for Knowledgeable, and one other for Professional mode (which is the one designed for guitar controllers). You’ll be able to swap via all three of those modes by holding down all 5 frets, with the LED on the attachment altering coloration to characterize one other mode. You may as well rebind these buttons for use in common video games, though the place of them could not make this probably the most optimum.
Sadly, I discovered the NEO S Fortnite Competition Version fairly uncomfortable to carry after lengthy periods – extra so than the discomfort of an everyday guitar controller. Nevertheless, it’s way more comfy in wi-fi mode, because the USB-C port on the prime of the controller will get in the way in which in any other case.
NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret Fortnite Competition Version: Efficiency
- Strong battery life
- Straightforward to arrange
- Customized button mapping requires utilizing a cell app
The NEO S works straight out of the field with a USB-C cable connection to PC, or by holding the CRKD button and left on the d-pad to allow Bluetooth connection for PC or cell. For the Nintendo Change, it’s so simple as holding the CRKD button whereas on the controller join display screen. The NEO S Fortnite Competition Version’s battery life lasted round eight hours from my testing. I didn’t discover a lot distinction in battery drain when utilizing the guitar attachment.
The controller is absolutely remappable; nevertheless, in the event you’re trying to remap the buttons, you’ll want to take action within the CRKD app. This extends to the Guitar attachment too, which will be mapped to any button on the controller and works even exterior of Fortnite Competition. Nevertheless, there’s no method to really choose and enter a music in Fortnite Competition with out utilizing the common controller.
The default mapping for the strum bar is the bumper buttons, which is ok for informal play, however the points grow to be obvious when you’re confronted with fast-moving songs like Metallica’s Battery. Whereas a strum bar would can help you alternate instructions for quicker moments, tapping one button makes this tiresome, or near-impossible in some instances. You’ll be able to remap the management follow work as a strum bar, which appears like the best answer, nevertheless, I couldn’t get this to work in Fortnite, but it surely does work in fan video games like Clone Hero.
CRKD was based by former RedOctane employees – who created the unique Guitar Hero controllers – that means that these buttons really feel in keeping with the unique collection (particularly the DS Guitar Grip). Nevertheless, if you wish to play this type of music recreation critically, I’d suggest investing in a correct guitar controller.
Ought to I purchase the NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret Fortnite Competition Version?
Purchase it if…
Do not buy it if…
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Nonetheless not bought on the CKRD NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret Fortnite Competition Version? Right here’s the way it compares to the opposite Guitar Controller available on the market and a extra common pad for reference.
| Header Cell – Column 0 | NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret Fortnite Competition Version | PDP Riffmaster | GameSir Nova |
|---|---|---|---|
| Value | $59.99 / £59.99 / AU$119.95 | $129.99 / £129.99 / AU$199.95 | $34.99 / £39.99 |
| Dimensions | With out attachment: 5.9 x 2.75 x 0.78 in / 15 x 7 x 2 cmWith attachment: 5.9 x 3.5 x 0.78 in / 15 x 8.8 / 2 cm | 21.38 x 10.51 x 3.23 in / 54.30 x 26.69 x 8.20 cm | 6.26 x 5.98 x 2.56 in / 15.9 x 15.18 x 6.50 cm |
| Connection kind | Wi-fi (Bluetooth), wired (Kind-C) | Wi-fi (2.4GHz dongle), wired (Kind-C) | Wi-fi (2.4GHz and Bluetooth), wired (Kind-C) |
| Compatibility | Nintendo Change, PC, Steam Deck, iOS, Android, Sensible TV | Xbox Collection X, Xbox Collection S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, PC | Nintendo Change, PC, Steam Deck, Android, iOS |
| Software program | CRKD App | PDP Management Hub | N/A |
How I examined the NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret Fortnite Competition Version
- Examined for round 15-20 hours
- Used it to play Fortnite Competition and Clone Hero on PC
- Used it as an everyday controller on Nintendo Change
I’ve been utilizing the NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret Fortnite Competition Version on PC and Nintendo Change since mid-December 2024 (so slightly below two months). Throughout this time I’ve performed a bunch of Fortnite Competition, however my real love affair has been with Clone Hero. I examined the controller in quite a lot of completely different musical conditions: acoustic tunes that depend on strumming patterns with a number of notes, thrash tunes that require a ton of fast-paced strumming, and songs with wailing guitar solos (sure, I did play Free Hen).
In my expertise, it labored greatest in slower songs and songs with a whole lot of hammer-ons and pull-offs resulting from my concern with the strum bar. The spotlight of this expertise was taking part in a customized chart of the total Flood album by They Would possibly Be Giants, which featured a whole lot of piano (amongst different devices) charted to Guitar Hero’s clear notes, which didn’t require me to strum.
First reviewed February 2025
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