A Retro Revival: New Guitar Hero Wii Controller Announced
Hyperkin is releasing a new Guitar Hero controller for the Wii, the Hyper Strummer, launching January 8th, 2025, for $76.99 on Amazon. This unexpected release targets retro gamers seeking a nostalgic experience and those looking to revisit the Guitar Hero and Rock Band franchises. The controller offers a fresh opportunity to enjoy these classic rhythm games.
The Wii's resurgence in the gaming world may seem surprising, given its discontinuation in 2013 and the Guitar Hero series' last mainline title in 2015 (Guitar Hero Live). The last Guitar Hero game on the Wii was 2010's Warriors of Rock. Despite this, Hyperkin's Hyper Strummer is designed for compatibility with various Wii Guitar Hero and Rock Band titles, including Rock Band 2, 3, The Beatles, Green Day, and Lego Rock Band (but not the original Rock Band). The controller, an updated iteration of a previous Hyperkin model, utilizes the Wii Remote for functionality.
Why Now? A Market for Nostalgia and Renewed Interest
The target audience for this new controller is clear: retro gamers. Many original Guitar Hero and Rock Band peripherals are worn out, and the discontinuation of official controllers left many players unable to continue their gameplay. The Hyper Strummer provides a solution, allowing nostalgic fans to pick up their guitars once more.
Furthermore, Guitar Hero has experienced a recent surge in popularity. Factors contributing to this include the Fortnite Festival's rhythm game mode and the rise of "perfect playthrough" challenges. A reliable, new controller is highly desirable for players aiming for flawless performances. Hyperkin's Hyper Strummer offers just that.