Guitar Hero Controller Makes 2025 Wii Comeback

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

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

The announcement is surprising given the Wii console and the Guitar Hero franchise are both long discontinued. The Wii, while a massive success for Nintendo following the GameCube, ceased production in 2013. Similarly, the last mainline Guitar Hero title arrived in 2015 (Guitar Hero Live), with the final Wii installment being 2010's Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock.

Hyperkin's Hyper Strummer, however, is designed for compatibility with various Wii Guitar Hero and 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 utilizes the Wii Remote, inserted into the back of the controller.

Why a New Wii Guitar Hero Controller in 2025?

The target audience for this release is clear: retro gamers. Original Guitar Hero and Rock Band controllers often suffer wear and tear, leading many to abandon the games due to malfunctioning peripherals. The Hyper Strummer provides a solution, allowing nostalgic fans a renewed chance to enjoy these titles.

Furthermore, recent trends have fueled renewed interest in Guitar Hero. Fortnite's inclusion of a rhythm game mode, similar to Guitar Hero and Rock Band, has broadened its appeal. Additionally, the rise of "perfect playthrough" challenges within the Guitar Hero community highlights the demand for reliable controllers, making Hyperkin's offering attractive to dedicated players.