CRKD NEO S Controller review - "It just feels cool"

• Easy to use app allows a lot of customization
• Great feel on the controller itself
• Somehow feels collectable too?

There is something that just feels cool about picking up a CRKD NEO S controller. It might be just because of the overall vibe of the CRKD line-up of accessories or it might be the retro feel of the controller itself, but it does feel like something rare and deliberate, as though its a collectable. 

Before I review the controller I want to first dive into the CRKD App. When you open up the NEO S controller's box, there is a START HERE QR Code. When you scan this, it will download an app. The app locks the controller to your device. Locking the controller to the first device you connect it to will require you to unlock it if you want to use it on the next device - It really feels like this controller becomes a part of your device through this!

When registering it to the app, you end up scanning the back and then sharing an image using your camera to see how rare your model is. Maybe it's a bit gimicky, but it does feel super cool seeing how rare my device is and making sure I am the only one that can use it!

Inside this app, you can then change around the sensitivity of the triggers on the controller, the individual button configrations on the front and back, the responsiveness of the thumbstick (including enabling No Deadzone Mode), and the rumble on the controler itself.

• Check out our list of the top games for Android with Controller Support

Once you have the controller set up to your standards, you can start using it. I found it easiest to pair my controller up using the app itself, though there is a cable in case you want to use it with your PC and need to plug it in. This is the same cable that can be used to charge the device - it's a seemingly normal USB to USB-C cable.

The controller itself has everything you'd expect it to have; a D-Pad, two thumbsticks, the A B X Y buttons, left and right trigger, along with the buttons below the trigger. These even quick buttons on the back of the device too. All of these can be changed and customized on the app as well.

The CRKD NEO S feels great to play with - the texture on the thumbsticks are good and the controller isn't very heavy for longerterm play. I feel it's really sleek, especially for the price point. The controller itself comes in a bunch of different designs too!

CRKD devices also can be wall mounted, using their kit to do so. This is extremely easy to do, with the wall mounting having a sticky back to stick to a wall, as well as two screw points for support. Then it's as easy as putting a sticky backed mount on your device and then just slotting it on. These mounts don't take up much space and are a unique way to decorate your gaming room while bringing some function to your wall art.