"2025: New Guitar Hero Controller Launches for Wii"

In an unexpected revival, the Wii is set to receive a new Guitar Hero controller in 2025, the Hyper Strummer, launching on January 8 for $76.99 on Amazon. This move may surprise many, given that both the Wii and the Guitar Hero series have been dormant for some time. The Wii, which marked a triumphant return for Nintendo following the less successful GameCube, ceased production in 2013. Similarly, the last mainline Guitar Hero game, Guitar Hero Live, was released in 2015, and the final Wii entry, Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock, came out in 2010. Despite this, many gamers have moved on from both the console and the series.

Hyperkin, the company behind the new controller, has designed the Hyper Strummer specifically for the Wii versions of Guitar Hero and select Rock Band games, including Rock Band 2, 3, The Beatles, Green Day, and Lego Rock Band, but not the original Rock Band. This updated model of a previous Guitar Hero controller allows for use by plugging in the WiiMote into the back of the controller. This release targets retro gamers and those looking to reignite their passion for Guitar Hero.

Why Release a Guitar Hero Wii Controller Now?

The target audience for the Hyper Strummer may not be immediately clear, given the discontinued status of both the Guitar Hero series and the Wii console. However, it is likely to appeal to retro gamers who are nostalgic for the experience. Guitar Hero and Rock Band peripherals often wear out over time, leading many players to abandon the games once their controllers fail. The official peripherals are no longer in production, making the Hyper Strummer an attractive option for those eager to return to these classic games.

Moreover, there has been a noticeable resurgence in interest in Guitar Hero. The introduction of Fortnite Festival in Fortnite has brought a Guitar Hero and Rock Band-like experience to a new audience. Additionally, gamers are taking on challenges such as completing every song in Guitar Hero without missing a note. A reliable controller like the Hyper Strummer, which promises not to miss any inputs, could be crucial for those aiming to achieve such feats, making it an appealing choice for dedicated players.