NEO S Frost Edition controller review – “It’s ice cold”

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  • Stylish frosted design
  • Surprisingly comfortable to hold during long game sessions
  • Customize sensitivity and buttons via the companion app

As a seasoned gamer who’s seen countless controllers come and go, I must say, the NEO S Frost Edition has stolen my heart! The frosted design is nothing short of breathtaking, reminding me of those chilly winter nights spent huddled around the console, battling virtual foes.

Available only at the Apple Store, the NEO S Frost Edition is a rectangular controller boasting a frosty texture. This versatile controller works with iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch, Mac, and PC devices, allowing you to personalize your buttons and sensitivity levels. With its captivating winter-inspired design, the NEO S Frost Edition is hard to resist visually.

Unboxing the NEO S Frost Edition

The NEO S Frost comes in a slender white cardboard box with a sleek slipcover that shows the device resting on the included charging dock. Upon opening the box, you’ll see the Frost controller nestled snuggly by cardboard. There is also a small white charging station and a USB charging cord.

The device’s rectangular design recalls classic game controllers, and its visual aesthetic aligns perfectly with its cool nickname. From top to bottom, it’s clear until halfway, transitioning to white, giving the controller an icy, frosted appearance. Constructed from durable plastic, it sports traditional LT, LB/RT, and RB trigger buttons on either side of the Type-C charging port. The front triggers mold around the rounded edges, while the back ones slightly protrude, adding a touch of style.

Glancing at the front of the NEO S Frost controller, you’ll notice a central black home button, surrounded by three smaller white buttons below it. Additionally, it has two white Hall Effect joysticks, a D-pad, and X, Y, A, and B buttons. On the backside of the device are two more trigger buttons, labeled S1 and S2. These trigger buttons are designed to be comfortably reached by your middle fingers when holding the controller.

Using the NEO S Frost Edition is Surprisingly Comfortable

It’s super easy to pair the Frost, which retails at $59.95, with your mobile device or PC. Simply hold down the up button on the d-pad and the home button for three seconds. It also comes with a cheat sheet reminding you how to pair to different devices, so no worries if you forget the process.
While I was sceptical about using a rectangular controller for long periods of time, I was able to enjoy Evoland 2 and Roblox for hours on end without any discomfort. This is in part due to the ergonomic design of the back of the device, which lets your fingers rest naturally. Further, the back edge of the RT/LT triggers a curve upward, making a nice resting surface for your index fingers.

A Deliciously Compact Device

This
Apple Store exclusive
is compact, about the length and width of a Samsung Galaxy S22. This lightweight controller easily fits in a typical pants pocket, making it ideal for on-the-go mobile gaming. Despite its small size, CRKD manages to provide enough space between buttons so you aren’t constantly pressing multiple buttons accidentally.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve found the dual Hall Effect joysticks to be a bit lightweight for my taste, but they prove robust during marathon gaming sessions without any issues. The anti-slip surface is a game-changer, ensuring that even during intense races against Disney’s cute characters in Speedstorm, fierce battles with mannequin villains in Forgotten Memories Remastered Edition, or treacherous expeditions in Vendir: Plague of Lies, I never had to deal with any unwanted joystick drift.

NEO S Frost Edition: The Companion App Blues

You can customize the device’s sensitivity and the functionality of the rear trigger buttons; however, you’ll need to download the official app to your phone to do so. After downloading the CRKD app you must register your controller by tapping the company logo on the backside of the controller with your phone screen.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t get my Samsung Galaxy S22 to read the logo even after multiple tries, and since NFC was enabled in the settings, it seemed like a software issue rather than a chance to customize. Additionally, you can alter the appearance of the joysticks by swapping their tops; however, you’ll need to buy CRKD joystick tops for that purpose.

You can recharge your NEO S Frost Edition controller in two methods: either by placing it on the charging dock or by connecting the charging cable directly into the Type-C port located at the top of the device. Regardless of the method you select, you’ll be pleased with the performance. The robust battery inside the NEO S Frost Edition lets you enjoy extended playtime without worrying about recharging frequently.

The CRKD NEO S Frost Edition is a stylish controller that will please any Apple gamer. The included charging dock also acts as a perfect place to display your controller while keeping it charged up and ready to go. On the downside, the Android version of the CRKD app needs some work, as registering your new Frost can be tricky. Still, between the sleek aesthetic, comfortable design, and anti-slip joysticks, the NEO S Frost Edition proves itself worthy. Finally, here are some Android games with controller support that you can try out!

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2024-12-07 17:48