New Guitar Hero Controller Releasing for the Wii in 2025

Summary

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

In a surprising turn, the Wii is getting a new Guitar Hero controller in 2025. This news might seem unexpected, given the Wii and Guitar Hero franchises are long discontinued.

The Wii, while a significant success for Nintendo following the GameCube, is a relic of the past, its production ceasing 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 a new Wii-compatible Guitar Hero controller: the Hyper Strummer. According to Hyperkin, it's compatible with Wii versions of Guitar Hero and several Rock Band games—Rock Band 2, 3, The Beatles, Green Day, and Lego Rock Band (but not the original Rock Band). This updated model connects via a Wii Remote inserted into the back. The Hyperkin Hyper Strummer launches January 8th at $76.99 on Amazon.

Why a New Guitar Hero Wii Controller Now?

The target audience for this controller is a key question. With both franchises discontinued, mass appeal is unlikely. However, retro gamers will likely find this appealing. Guitar Hero and Rock Band peripherals are prone to wear and tear, and many may have abandoned the games due to broken controllers, especially since original controllers are no longer produced. The Hyperkin Hyper Strummer offers nostalgic fans a chance to return to the games.

Guitar Hero's recent resurgence also plays a role. Factors include Fortnite's Guitar Hero-inspired Festival and players challenging themselves with feats like completing every song flawlessly. A new, reliable controller is attractive for such challenges.