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 for $76.99. This unexpected release likely targets retro gaming enthusiasts seeking a nostalgic experience and those wanting 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 of a new Wii Guitar Hero controller in 2025 is surprising, given both the Wii console and the Guitar Hero series are long discontinued. The Wii, while a huge success for Nintendo following the GameCube, ceased production in 2013. Similarly, the last mainline Guitar Hero game was 2015's Guitar Hero Live, with the final Wii installment being 2010's Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock. Most gamers have moved on from both the console and the game series.
Despite this, Hyperkin is launching the Hyper Strummer, 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). This updated controller utilizes the Wii Remote, inserted into the back.
Why a New Wii Guitar Hero Controller Now?
The target audience for this controller is a key question. While not expected to be a massive seller, the Hyper Strummer caters to a specific niche: retro gamers. Original Guitar Hero and Rock Band controllers often suffer wear and tear, potentially causing players to abandon the games. The Hyper Strummer provides a solution, giving nostalgic fans a chance to return to the action.
Recent trends have also fueled renewed interest in Guitar Hero. Fortnite's inclusion of a rhythm game mode reminiscent of Rock Band and Guitar Hero has broadened appeal. Additionally, the rise of "perfect playthrough" challenges in Guitar Hero necessitates a reliable controller, making the Hyperkin Hyper Strummer an attractive option for dedicated players.
