Exclusive: New Guitar Hero Controller Coming to Wii in 2025

Wii Guitar Hero Controller Makes a Comeback in 2025

A new Guitar Hero controller for the Wii, the Hyperkin Hyper Strummer, is hitting Amazon on January 8th, priced at $76.99. This unexpected release likely targets retro gaming enthusiasts seeking a nostalgic experience and players eager to revisit the Guitar Hero and Rock Band franchises. The controller offers a fresh opportunity to reignite the passion for these classic rhythm games.

The announcement is surprising, given both the Wii console and the Guitar Hero series are long discontinued. Nintendo's Wii, while a massive success following the GameCube, ceased production in 2013. Similarly, the last mainline Guitar Hero title, Guitar Hero Live, arrived in 2015, with the final Wii installment, Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock, released in 2010. Most gamers have moved on from both the console and the game series.

However, Hyperkin is launching the Hyper Strummer, a new guitar controller specifically designed for Wii versions of Guitar Hero and select Rock Band titles (Rock Band 2, 3, The Beatles, Green Day, and Lego Rock Band—but not the original Rock Band). This updated model, compatible with the Wii Remote, provides a welcome replacement for worn-out or broken legacy controllers.

Why a New Wii Guitar Hero Controller Now?

The target audience for this controller is a key question. Given the discontinued status of both the console and the game series, mass market appeal is unlikely. Nevertheless, the Hyper Strummer offers a compelling proposition for retro gamers. Guitar Hero and Rock Band peripherals are notoriously susceptible to wear and tear, leading many players to abandon the games due to malfunctioning controllers. Hyperkin's offering provides a chance for nostalgic fans to rediscover the rhythm game experience.

Renewed interest in Guitar Hero has also contributed to the timing of this release. The recent inclusion of a Guitar Hero-style mode in Fortnite's Fortnite Festival has rekindled interest. Additionally, the rise of "perfect playthrough" challenges across the Guitar Hero community highlights the demand for reliable controllers. The Hyperkin Hyper Strummer, guaranteeing precise inputs, directly caters to players striving for flawless performances.