California-based technology innovator in the gaming and entertainment space, Embracer Freemode, has launched a brand that will feature distinctive and collectible products designed to enhance the gaming experience of passionate gamers: CRKD.

The new range's flagship product is called Nitro Deck, a portable deck designed for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch OLED consoles.

According to Embracer Freemode, the creation of the CRKD brand has resulted from the collaborative efforts of a team of creators with extensive experience in software, industrial design, artwork, engineering, and consumer electronics with the aim of providing gaming enthusiasts with premium and innovative collectible hardware.

“Bringing CRKD to the gaming community has been a labour of love and a true team effort," comments CEO Lee Guinchard.

"The Freemode group has so many talents on board who have lent their creativity and experience to realise 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.”

The Nitro Deck, a professional portable deck for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch OLED consoles, is CRKD’s leading product. Expected to start shipping in September, the new deck will allow Switch gamers to enhance their handheld gaming experience by simply sliding their screens into the Nitro Deck.

Featuring thumbsticks with Hall Effect sensors to eliminate stick drift, the Nitro Deck also offers interchangeable Thumbstick Toppers that let players customise control. With the deck’s USB-C connectivity, gamers will benefit from ultra-low latency, while the device’s re-mappable Back Buttons are set to provide them with additional versatility.

For further flexibility, the Nitro Deck can be charged while playing with its plug-and-play USB-C input. And the deck also features a USB-C output that can be easily connected to the Nintendo Switch Dock, which lets gamers use the Nitro Deck as an external controller.

Design-wise the Nitro Deck offers a variety of options to suit gamers’ individual preferences and will be available in seven different colour variations including white, black, and grey, as well as limited edition designs like retro purple and classic grey from the CRKD Nostalgia Collection.

In addition, CRKD has partnered with Limited Run Games for a day-one release of two limited-edition decks in atomic purple and glacier blue, with a production run of just 1,000 units per colour. These are exclusively available for pre-order through Limited Run Games.

The limited-edition decks come with a high-quality Carry Case, a 5m USB-C cable, and an extra set of Thumbstick Toppers. Going forward, more exclusive designs will be available through CRKD’s collaboration with the renowned hardware art designer POPeArt.

To enhance the collectible nature of the CRKD range, the company has created the True Collection System, an iOS and Android companion application which uses proprietary technology to securely verify digital proof of physical ownership for each product in the CRKD range. Through the app, users can register their hardware, adding an extra layer to the collectible experience.

Additionally, by tapping their mobile device into the Nitro Deck, gamers can access their product number, discover the rarity rank of their device, and securely register it in their CRKD collection. In the future, players will also be able to view product CRKD news, updates and announcements through the application, making the True Collection System an essential part of the CRKD product ecosystem.

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