New Guitar Hero peripheral announced for Wii

Wii Guitar Hero Controller Returns: Hyperkin's Hyper Strummer Launches January 8th

A new Guitar Hero controller for the Wii is hitting the market! Hyperkin's Hyper Strummer will be available on January 8th for $76.99 on Amazon. This unexpected release likely targets retro gamers seeking a nostalgic gaming experience and those looking to revisit the Guitar Hero and Rock Band franchises.

The announcement comes as a surprise, given the Wii console and the Guitar Hero series are both long discontinued. The Wii, while a major success for Nintendo, ended its production run in 2013. The last mainline Guitar Hero game, Guitar Hero Live, was released in 2015, with the final Wii installment, Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock, arriving in 2010.

Hyperkin's Hyper Strummer, however, offers a new way to enjoy these classic rhythm games. Compatible with various Wii titles, including Guitar Hero games and Rock Band 2, 3, The Beatles, Green Day, and Lego Rock Band (but not the original Rock Band), the controller utilizes a WiiMote inserted into the back. It's an updated version of a previous Hyperkin controller.

Why a New Wii Guitar Hero Controller Now?

The target audience for this release isn't immediately obvious, given the age of both the console and the game series. However, the controller addresses a real need for retro gamers. Older Guitar Hero and Rock Band controllers often suffer wear and tear, leading to unplayable peripherals. The Hyper Strummer provides a fresh, reliable alternative for those who've been sidelined by broken controllers.

Furthermore, recent trends have sparked renewed interest in Guitar Hero. The inclusion of a Guitar Hero-style experience in Fortnite's Fortnite Festival has introduced the gameplay to a new generation. Additionally, the rise of "perfect playthrough" challenges has increased demand for controllers that guarantee accurate input. The Hyperkin Hyper Strummer perfectly caters to these players.