NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret Fortnite Pageant Version: One-minute evaluation
The NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret Fortnite Pageant 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 Pageant and different rhythm video games like Guitar Hero and Rock Band.
The fret attachment slots into the underside of the controller by way of the headphone jack, and from there it’s good to go. The plain comparability is that of the Guitar Hero: On Tour sequence 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 kind can develop into fairly uncomfortable – particularly with larger palms. 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 subject is that there’s no good technique to strum in guitar-led rhythm video games. The default choice is to faucet the RB button, which is ineffective when you must strum in fast succession; in the meantime, mapping it to the stick works barely higher, however it’s nonetheless no substitute. For those who’re in search of a technique to play rhythm video games casually, then it’s greater than serviceable. However anybody trying to significantly delve into the style is healthier off in search of 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 connect with Xbox consoles (though that is promised in a future replace). It does connect with the Nintendo Swap – however it’s awkward to play because of the buttons being swapped round from the same old Nintendo structure.
NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret Fortnite Pageant Version: Worth and availability
- Checklist worth: $59.99 / £59.99 / AU$119.95
- Obtainable within the US by way of the CRKD web site
- Obtainable within the UK by way of Argos and Amazon
The NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret Fortnite Pageant 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 presently the one technique to get the five-fret attachment for the controller. It’s suitable with Nintendo Swap, PC, sensible TVs, and cell units in the intervening time, with Xbox help promised to reach later down the road.
NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret Fortnite Pageant Version: Specs
| Worth | $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 Swap, PC, iOS, Android, Sensible TV |
| Software program | CRKD App (iOS, Android) |
NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret Fortnite Pageant Version: Design and options
- Guitar attachment designed for rhythm gaming
- Bespoke Fortnite Pageant design impressed by the sport
- Programmable again buttons and fret buttons
One of many Neo S controller’s essential gimmicks is the litany of customized designs obtainable, comparable to one impressed by the Nintendo Famicom colour scheme, 90’s-style translucent variants, and collabs with the likes of Rocket League and Hellboy.
The Fortnite Pageant version is a purple variant with a wavy design that options totally 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 strong purple shell. It’s a lovely-looking controller till you discover the gaudy Fortnite Pageant emblem 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 strong 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 may snap very simply.
This doesn’t assist when getting it onto the controller can really feel fairly fiddly. You could pop it on at an angle earlier than pushing the highest into the ridges, however lining the underside up could be 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 normal guitar neck.
The Guitar attachment options 5 buttons to emulate the basic Guitar Hero method; these buttons are mechanically mapped to the buttons used for every lane in Fortnite Pageant.
The controller comes with three modes: one for Simple, 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 may swap via all three of those modes by holding down all 5 frets, with the LED on the attachment altering colour to symbolize one other mode. You can too rebind these buttons for use in common video games, though the place of them might not make this essentially the most optimum.
Sadly, I discovered the NEO S Fortnite Pageant Version fairly uncomfortable to carry after lengthy classes – 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 Pageant Version: Efficiency
- Strong battery life
- Simple 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 Swap, it’s so simple as holding the CRKD button whereas on the controller join display screen. The NEO S Fortnite Pageant 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; nonetheless, for those who’re trying to remap the buttons, you’ll want to take action within the CRKD app. This extends to the Guitar attachment too, which may be mapped to any button on the controller and works even outdoors of Fortnite Pageant. Nevertheless, there’s no technique to truly choose and enter a tune in Fortnite Pageant 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 develop into 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 may remap the management follow work as a strum bar, which appears like the best answer, nonetheless, I couldn’t get this to work in Fortnite, however it does work in fan video games like Clone Hero.
CRKD was based by former RedOctane workers – who created the unique Guitar Hero controllers – which means that these buttons really feel consistent with the unique sequence (particularly the DS Guitar Grip). Nevertheless, if you wish to play this type of music sport significantly, I’d advocate investing in a correct guitar controller.
Ought to I purchase the NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret Fortnite Pageant Version?
Purchase it if…
Do not buy it if…
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Nonetheless not offered on the CKRD NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret Fortnite Pageant 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 Pageant Version | PDP Riffmaster | GameSir Nova |
|---|---|---|---|
| Worth | $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 Swap, PC, Steam Deck, iOS, Android, Sensible TV | Xbox Sequence X, Xbox Sequence S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, PC | Nintendo Swap, 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 Pageant Version
- Examined for round 15-20 hours
- Used it to play Fortnite Pageant and Clone Hero on PC
- Used it as an everyday controller on Nintendo Swap
I’ve been utilizing the NEO S Purple Wave 5-Fret Fortnite Pageant Version on PC and Nintendo Swap since mid-December 2024 (so just below two months). Throughout this time I’ve performed a bunch of Fortnite Pageant, however my real love affair has been with Clone Hero. I examined the controller in a wide range of totally 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 Chicken).
In my expertise, it labored finest in slower songs and songs with a variety of hammer-ons and pull-offs resulting from my subject with the strum bar. The spotlight of this expertise was enjoying a customized chart of the total Flood album by They May Be Giants, which featured a variety of piano (amongst different devices) charted to Guitar Hero’s clear notes, which didn’t require me to strum.
First reviewed February 2025
