Embracer Freemode, announced today its new CRKD branded range of premium gaming gear offering distinct, collectible products, designed to enhance play for passionate gamers.
Created in Freemode’s technology incubation lab, CRKD is a collaborative project, brought to life by creators in gaming hardware with decades of experience in software, industrial design, artwork, engineering, and consumer electronic launches. CRKD products are born from a passion to deliver premium, innovative, collectible hardware for enthusiasts around the globe.
Each product in the CRKD range will be designed in-house, following a strict policy of launching only when the product is ready, ensuring the highest levels of quality control. Each core product in the CRKD range connects via the ‘True Collection System’, a companion app for iOS™ and Android™ which utilizes proprietary technology to securely verify digital proof of physical ownership.
The first product to launch in the CRKD range will be the Nitro Deck, a professional Handheld Deck for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch OLED consoles. An essential product for the dedicated Switch user, gamers slide their screen into the Nitro Deck for a highly elevated handheld experience. Thumbsticks with Hall Effect sensors eliminate stick drift and the Thumbstick Toppers can be swapped out for different designs to suit desired preference. Connection via USB-C (instead of relying on Bluetooth®) ensures ultra-low latency for the most demanding of games, and for professional control, a series of remappable Back Buttons provide users with extra versatility to express their play style. On the rear of the Nitro Deck, players will find a plug-and-play USB-C input, allowing charging of their system whilst gaming, as well as a USB-C output for simple connection to the Nintendo Switch Dock, so that gamers can use the Nitro Deck as an external controller without the screen should they wish.
All products in the CRKD range will be designed with the enthusiast in mind. At launch, seven variations of the Nitro Deck will be available. The range includes White, Black and Grey colors, as well as limited edition Classic Grey and Retro Purple, the first two products in the CRKD Nostalgia Collection.
CRKD is also partnering with Limited Run Games for a day one collaboration, demonstrating Freemode’s commitment to working with group companies across strategic projects. Upon launch, Limited Run Games will launch two limited edition Nitro Decks in Atomic Purple and Glacier Blue. Capped to a production run of 1000 units per color, these two designs will only be available via the Limited Run Games website which is accepting pre-orders starting today.
The four limited edition Nitro Decks each comes complete with a high-quality Carry Case, a 5m (8.2ft) USB-C cable and an additional set of Thumbstick Toppers.
Renowned hardware art designer POPeArt will be working on a variety of upcoming designs for the Nitro Deck, a further collaboration presenting a series of fresh and creative designs for fans.
Enhancing the collectible nature of the range further, users can register their hardware via the ‘True Collection System’ app. By tapping a mobile device to the Nitro Deck, gamers can reveal their product number, discover the rarity rank, and register to their own secure CRKD collection adding another layer to the collectible experience. In the future, product release news, updates and announcements will be available to gamers via the app, making it an essential part of the CRKD eco-system.
Lee Guinchard, CEO of Embracer Freemode commented, “Bringing CRKD to the gaming community has been a labor of love and a true team effort. The Freemode group has so much talent on board who have lent their creativity and expertise in realizing this vision. We believe the Nitro Deck will enhance how gamers interact with their Switch console, and it serves as the perfect taste of what’s to come from the CRKD brand. We can’t wait to share more product news shortly and look forward to bringing the Nitro Deck to gamers everywhere.”
Nitro Deck the Professional Handheld Deck is expected to start shipping in September 2023 and will retail for an SRP of: $59.99, with limited edition Nitro Decks retailing for an SRP of $89.99.
Initial pre-orders will be limited to USA and Canada with other territories following shortly thereafter.
For more information on CRKD and to pre-order the Nitro Deck, please visit: https://go.crkd.gg/nitro-deck
