Embracer Freemode introduces new gaming hardware brand CRKD with its Nitro Deck, the professional portable deck for Nintendo Switch and OLED Switch
Embracer Freemode company today announced its new range of high quality gaming products under the CRKD brand. It offers distinctive and collectible products designed to enhance the game of passionate gamers.
Created in the Freemode technology incubation lab, CRKD is a collaborative project; brought forth by video game hardware creators with decades of experience in software, industrial design, artistic work and engineering. CRKD products are born from a passion to offer quality, innovative and collectible hardware to fans around the world.
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. Every core product in the CRKD range connects via the ‘True Collection System’. This is an iOS and Android application that uses proprietary technology to securely verify digital proof of physical ownership.
Details on the new CRKD Nitro Deck
The first product launched in the CRKD range will be the Nitro Deck, a professional portable deck for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch OLED consoles. An essential product for Switch users, who can slide their screen into the Nitro Deck for a premium portable experience.
Thumbsticks with Hall effect sensors eliminate stick drift and Thumbstick Toppers can be swapped out for different designs depending on your preference. Connecting via USB-C (rather than relying on Bluetooth) ensures ultra-low latency for the most demanding games.
For a professional check, a set of remappable shoulder buttons gives users further versatility to express their play style. On the back of the Nitro Deck, gamers will find a plug-and-play USB-C input, allowing the console to be charged while playing. There is also a USB-C output for simple connection to the Nintendo Switch Dock, so players can use the Nitro Deck as an external controller without the screen if they wish.
CRKD Nitro Deck: the models available
All products in the CRKD range will be designed with the enthusiast in mind. At launch, seven variants of the Nitro Deck will be available. The range includes the colors white, black and gray, as well as the limited editions Classic Gray and Retro Purple, the first two products of the CRKD Nostalgia Collection.
CRKD is also partnering with Limited Run Games for day one, demonstrating Freemode’s commitment to working with group companies on strategic projects. At launch, Limited Run Games will release two limited edition Nitro Decks in Atomic Purple and Glacier Blue. With a maximum print run of 1000 per colour, these two designs will only be available through the Limited Run Games website, which is accepting pre-orders starting today.
The four limited edition Nitro Decks come with a high quality case, a 5m USB-C cable and an additional set of Thumbstick Toppers. The famous hardware art designer POPeArt will be working on a number of upcoming designs for Nitro Decksa further collaboration that will feature a number of fresh and creative designs for fans.
The True Collection System application
To further enhance the collectible nature of the range, users can register their hardware via the ‘True Collection System’ application. By tapping the Nitro Deck with a mobile device, players can reveal their product number, find out the degree of rarity and register to your CRKD secure collection.
Going forward, product news, updates and announcements will be available to players through the application, making it an essential part of the CRKD ecosystem.
Lee Guinchard, CEO di Embracer Freemodecommented:
Bringing CRKD to the gaming community has been a labor of love and a true team effort. The Freemode group has so many talents on board who have lent their creativity and experience to realize this vision. We believe the Nitro Deck will improve the way players interact with their Switch console and represents the perfect taste of what’s to come from the CRKD brand. We look forward to sharing more product news and bringing Nitro Deck to players around the world.
Availability and prices
Nitro Deck the Professional Handheld Deck is expected to ship in September 2023. The retail price is $59.99, while the limited edition Nitro Decks will retail for $89.99. Initial pre-orders will be limited to the US and Canada, with other territories to follow shortly.
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