CRKD Launches Gibson Guitar Controllers for Stage Tour
CRKD has released three new Gibson-branded guitar controllers for RedOctane's rhythm game Stage Tour, launching December 10, 2026. The collection includes Les Paul, SG, and Explorer models with high polling rates and official licensing. Pre-orders are open, with prices ranging from $120 to $130 depending on platform compatibility. The game features over 90 songs and supports multiple instruments and play modes.
Key points
- CRKD designed three Gibson guitar controllers for Stage Tour: Les Paul Oxblood, SG Midnight Blue, and 8K Explorer 20th Anniversary Edition.
- Stage Tour releases on December 10, 2026, for PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Switch 2.
- The controllers feature Hall effect strum bars, mechanical frets, LED lighting, and polling rates up to 8,000Hz for the Explorer model.
- Pre-order prices range from $120 to $130, with the Explorer shipping in mid-January 2027 while others launch with the game.
- Stage Tour includes over 90 licensed songs, 180+ in-game guitars, and supports lead guitar, bass, drums, vocals, keyboard, and gamepad.
Background
Stage Tour was announced at Gamescom 2026 as a spiritual successor to Guitar Hero, developed by RedOctane Games. Earlier coverage noted its December 10, 2026 release date and pre-order bundles for hardware. Gibson has previously collaborated with CRKD on rhythm game peripherals, and recent news highlighted limited-edition Gibson guitars for Gears of War: E-Day.
How outlets are covering it
Engadget emphasizes the technical specs and design inspiration of the CRKD controllers, linking them to classic Guitar Hero hardware. Game Informer focuses on pricing and nostalgia, noting bundle costs and the return of plastic instruments. Nintendo Everything highlights the Switch 2 release and detailed gameplay modes, including roguelite Tour Mode and cross-platform co-op. All sources agree on the December 10 release date and the inclusion of major artists like Metallica and Paramore.
Why it matters
The launch of Stage Tour and its official hardware signals a revival of the rhythm game genre, leveraging nostalgia for Guitar Hero while introducing modern features like high polling rates and cross-platform play. The collaboration with Gibson and CRKD ensures authentic hardware, potentially attracting both new and returning players.
What to watch
Pre-orders for the CRKD controllers are open now, with the Les Paul and SG available at launch and the Explorer shipping in mid-January 2027. Stage Tour will release on December 10, 2026, with over 90 songs and multiple play modes. Further details on the game's full tracklist and hardware compatibility may emerge closer to launch.
- Here Are Three Sick Gibson Guitar Controllers Made For Stage Tour's Dec. 10 Release Engadget
- Stage Tour Goes Live On December 10, With Hardware Bundles Up For Pre-Order Now Game Informer
- New Rock Band-style game from original Guitar Hero developers release alongside plastic instruments December 10 Video Games Chronicle
- New Guitar Hero-Inspired 'Stage Tour' Coming To Xbox With Full-Band's Worth Of Controllers Pure Xbox
- Stage Tour shares Nintendo Switch 2 release date, new trailer Nintendo Everything
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