Guitar Hero® Set for 2025 Wii Revival

Hyperkin's Hyper Strummer: A New Guitar Hero Controller for the Wii

A new Guitar Hero controller is hitting the market for the Nintendo Wii in 2025, a surprising release given the console's and the game series' discontinued status. The Hyper Strummer, from Hyperkin, launches January 8th, priced at $76.99 on Amazon.

This release likely targets nostalgic retro gamers and those wanting to revisit the Guitar Hero and Rock Band franchises. The Wii, while a successful console for Nintendo, hasn't been produced since 2013. Similarly, the last mainline Guitar Hero game was released in 2015, with the final Wii entry appearing in 2010.

The Hyper Strummer, an updated model of a previous Hyperkin controller, is compatible 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). It utilizes a Wii Remote inserted into the back of the guitar.

Why Now? A Resurgence of Interest

The controller's release isn't expected to be a massive commercial success, given the age of the console and game series. However, it caters to a specific audience: retro gamers. Many original Guitar Hero controllers are worn out, rendering the games unplayable. The Hyper Strummer provides a fresh, reliable option for those wanting to relive the experience.

Furthermore, Guitar Hero has seen a recent upswing in popularity. The inclusion of a Guitar Hero-style mode in Fortnite's in-game events, and the rise of "perfect playthrough" challenges, have contributed to renewed interest in the franchise. A new, reliable controller is an attractive prospect for players aiming for flawless performances.