Embracer Freemode unveils CRKD, a new range of collectible gaming gear designed to enhance the gaming experience for passionate gamers.
Embracer Freemode, a leading technology incubation lab, has recently announced the launch of its premium gaming hardware brand, CRKD. With a team of experienced creators in software, industrial design, artwork, engineering, and consumer electronics, CRKD aims to deliver innovative and collectible gaming gear for enthusiasts worldwide.
The CRKD range sets itself apart by adhering to a strict policy of launching products only when they meet the highest standards of quality control. Each product in the range is designed in-house, ensuring meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship. The brand’s commitment to excellence is further solidified through its True Collection System, a companion app available on iOS and Android. This proprietary technology securely verifies the digital proof of physical ownership, enhancing the collectible nature of CRKD products.
The inaugural product in the CRKD range is the Nitro Deck, a professional Handheld Deck designed specifically for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch OLED consoles. The Nitro Deck is poised to become an essential accessory for dedicated Switch users seeking an elevated handheld gaming experience. By sliding their console screen into the Nitro Deck, gamers can enjoy improved comfort and control.
One of the standout features of the Nitro Deck is the integration of Thumbsticks with Hall Effect sensors, effectively eliminating the issue of stick drift. Additionally, users can customize their gameplay experience by swapping out the Thumbstick Toppers with different designs to suit their preferences. The Nitro Deck offers a USB-C connection for ultra-low latency gaming, ensuring optimal performance for even the most demanding games. The inclusion of remappable Back Buttons adds versatility, allowing players to personalize their play style. On the rear of the Nitro Deck, gamers will find a plug-and-play USB-C input, enabling simultaneous charging of the console while playing, as well as a USB-C output for easy connection to the Nintendo Switch Dock, making it possible to use the Nitro Deck as an external controller without the screen if desired.
To cater to different tastes, CRKD will launch the Nitro Deck in seven variations at the initial release. The range includes classic colors like White, Black, and Grey, as well as limited edition designs in Classic Grey and Retro Purple, part of the CRKD Nostalgia Collection.
In a demonstration of strategic collaboration within the Embracer group, CRKD has partnered with Limited Run Games for a day one collaboration. Limited Run Games, a well-known producer of limited edition physical video game releases, will offer two exclusive Nitro Deck designs in Atomic Purple and Glacier Blue. Each design will be limited to 1000 units per color, and these limited edition Nitro Decks will only be available for pre-order through the Limited Run Games website.
To complement the exceptional hardware design, CRKD has enlisted the renowned art designer POPeArt to work on upcoming Nitro Deck designs. The collaboration promises a series of fresh and creative designs that will resonate with fans and collectors.
Adding to the collectible experience, users can register their CRKD hardware via the True Collection System app. By tapping a mobile device to the Nitro Deck, gamers can unveil their product number, discover the rarity rank, and securely register their CRKD collection. Furthermore, the app will provide future product release news, updates, and announcements, making it an indispensable part of the CRKD ecosystem.
Lee Guinchard, CEO of Embracer Freemode, expressed his enthusiasm for introducing CRKD to the gaming community, attributing its success to the talent and dedication of the Freemode team. Guinchard believes that the Nitro Deck will revolutionize the way gamers interact with their Nintendo Switch consoles, offering a taste of what’s to come from the CRKD brand. He eagerly anticipates sharing more exciting product news in the near future and looks forward to making the Nitro Deck available to gamers worldwide.
The Nitro Deck, the flagship product of CRKD, is expected to start shipping in September 2023. It will retail for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $59.99, offering gamers a high-quality and feature-rich handheld gaming experience. Limited edition Nitro Decks, in collaboration with Limited Run Games, will retail for an SRP of $89.99. These exclusive designs, available in Atomic Purple and Glacier Blue, will be limited to 1000 units per color and can only be pre-ordered through the Limited Run Games website.
While initial pre-orders for the Nitro Deck will be limited to the United States and Canada, CRKD plans to expand availability to other territories shortly thereafter, ensuring that gaming enthusiasts worldwide can experience the premium quality and innovation of CRKD’s gaming gear.
