In an unexpected revival, the Wii is set to receive a new Guitar Hero controller in 2025, the Hyper Strummer, launching on January 8 for $76.99 on Amazon. This move might catch many by surprise, given that both the Wii and the Guitar Hero series have been dormant for years. The Wii, once a groundbreaking console for Nintendo following the less successful GameCube, ceased production in 2013. Similarly, the last major Guitar Hero release was in 2015 with Guitar Hero Live, and the final Wii entry was Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock in 2010. Despite this, the gaming community has largely moved on from both the console and the series.

Hyperkin, the company behind this new release, has designed the Hyper Strummer specifically for the Wii versions of Guitar Hero and select Rock Band titles, including Rock Band 2, 3, The Beatles, Green Day, and Lego Rock Band. However, it's not compatible with the original Rock Band. This updated model of a previous Guitar Hero controller requires a WiiMote to be plugged into the back of the controller. The Hyper Strummer aims to breathe new life into these classic games.

Why Release a Guitar Hero Wii Controller Now?

The target audience for the Hyper Strummer might be puzzling at first glance. With both the Guitar Hero series and the Wii discontinued, the controller may not see massive sales. However, it holds significant appeal for retro gamers and those nostalgic for the Guitar Hero experience. Over time, the original peripherals for Guitar Hero and Rock Band often wear out, leading many players to abandon the games. The Hyper Strummer offers these fans a chance to dive back into their favorite titles.

Moreover, there's been a noticeable resurgence in interest in Guitar Hero. The introduction of Fortnite Festival, a mode within Fortnite that echoes the gameplay of Rock Band and Guitar Hero, has sparked renewed enthusiasm. Additionally, gamers are taking on challenges like completing every song in Guitar Hero without missing a note. For these players, a reliable controller like the Hyper Strummer, which ensures no missed inputs, is invaluable. Thus, Hyperkin's new controller could be an attractive option for those looking to engage with these challenges on a fresh piece of hardware.