"2025: New Guitar Hero Controller Launches for Wii"

Summary

• The Hyper Strummer, a new Guitar Hero controller for the Wii, is set to launch on January 8, 2025, and will be available for $76.99 on Amazon.
• This release targets retro gamers and enthusiasts looking to relive the nostalgia of Guitar Hero and Rock Band.
• The controller provides an opportunity for players to rekindle their interest in Guitar Hero.

In a surprising move, the Wii is set to receive a new Guitar Hero controller in 2025. This announcement may come as a surprise to many, given that both the Wii and the Guitar Hero series have been inactive for some time.

The Wii marked a significant resurgence for Nintendo following the less successful GameCube, which struggled to compete with the PlayStation 2. However, the Wii's peak popularity has long passed, with production ceasing in 2013, more than a decade ago. Similarly, the last mainline Guitar Hero game, Guitar Hero Live, was released in 2015, and the last Wii-specific entry, Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock, launched in 2010. Most gamers have moved on from both the console and the game series.

Despite this, Hyperkin is set to release the Hyper Strummer, a new Guitar Hero controller designed specifically for Wii versions of the game. According to Hyperkin, the Hyper Strummer is compatible with various Guitar Hero titles and select Rock Band games released on the Wii, including Rock Band 2, 3, The Beatles, Green Day, and Lego Rock Band. However, it is not compatible with the original Rock Band. The Hyper Strummer is an updated version of a previous Guitar Hero controller from Hyperkin and requires a WiiMote to be plugged into the back of the controller. The Hyperkin Hyper Strummer will be available starting January 8, 2025, priced at $76.99 on Amazon.

Why Release a Guitar Hero Wii Controller Now?

A question many gamers may have is who this controller is intended for. Given that both the Guitar Hero series and the Wii console are discontinued, the controller is unlikely to see high demand. However, it may appeal to retro gaming enthusiasts. Guitar Hero and Rock Band peripherals often wear out over time, and many players may have abandoned the games due to broken controllers, especially since official ones are no longer produced. The Hyperkin Hyper Strummer offers nostalgic fans a chance to return to these beloved games.

Additionally, Guitar Hero has experienced a resurgence in interest recently, partly due to Fortnite Festival in Fortnite, which offers a similar experience to Rock Band and Guitar Hero. Furthermore, some gamers are taking on challenges such as playing every song in Guitar Hero flawlessly. A reliable controller like the Hyper Strummer, which promises not to miss inputs, could be appealing to those looking to tackle such challenges.