New Guitar Hero Controller Releasing for the Wii in 2025

Summary

• A new Guitar Hero controller for the Wii, the Hyper Strummer, launches January 8th, priced at $76.99 on Amazon.
• This release targets retro gamers seeking nostalgic experiences and those wanting to replay Guitar Hero and Rock Band titles.
• The controller offers a renewed opportunity to enjoy the Guitar Hero experience.

In a surprising twist, the Wii is getting a new Guitar Hero controller in 2025. This is unexpected, given both the Wii console and the Guitar Hero series are long discontinued.

The Wii, while a successful console for Nintendo following the GameCube, is no longer produced (discontinued in 2013). Similarly, the last mainline Guitar Hero game was 2015's Guitar Hero Live, with the final Wii entry being 2010's Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock. Most gamers have moved on from both.

However, Hyperkin is releasing the Hyper Strummer guitar controller for Wii Guitar Hero and Rock Band games. According to Hyperkin, it's compatible with Wii versions of Guitar Hero and Rock Band 2, 3, The Beatles: Rock Band, Green Day: Rock Band, and Lego Rock Band (but not the original Rock Band). An updated model of a previous Hyperkin controller, it uses a Wii Remote plugged into the back. The Hyper Strummer launches January 8th, priced at $76.99 on Amazon.

Why a New Guitar Hero Wii Controller Now?

The target audience for this controller is a key question. Given the discontinued nature of both the console and game series, mass appeal is unlikely. Instead, it caters to retro gamers. Many older Guitar Hero peripherals are worn out, leading some to abandon the games. The Hyperkin Hyper Strummer offers these nostalgic fans a chance to revisit their favorite titles.

Guitar Hero's recent resurgence in interest also plays a role. Fortnite's Rock Band-style Festival mode and challenges like perfect playthroughs of every song have rekindled interest. A new, reliable controller is attractive to those aiming for such achievements.