Hyperkin's Hyper Strummer: A New Guitar Hero Controller for the Wii

A new Guitar Hero controller is hitting the market, and it's for the Wii. Hyperkin's Hyper Strummer launches January 8th, priced at $76.99 on Amazon. This unexpected release targets retro gaming enthusiasts and those looking to revisit the Guitar Hero and Rock Band franchises.

The Wii's gaming era may be long past, with production ceasing in 2013, and the last mainline Guitar Hero title released in 2015. The last Guitar Hero game for the Wii itself was 2010's Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock. Despite this, the Hyper Strummer offers a renewed opportunity to experience these classic rhythm games.

The Hyper Strummer, an updated iteration of a previous Hyperkin controller, is compatible with various Wii titles. It works with Guitar Hero games and several Rock Band titles on the Wii: Rock Band 2, 3, The Beatles, Green Day, and Lego Rock Band (but not the original Rock Band). The controller utilizes a Wii Remote inserted into its back.

Why Now? A Resurgence of Interest

The target audience for this new controller is clear: retro gamers. Worn-out or broken Guitar Hero peripherals are a common issue, preventing many from revisiting the games. The Hyper Strummer provides a reliable replacement, allowing players to relive the nostalgic experience.

Recent trends also contribute to this release. The inclusion of a Guitar Hero-style mode in Fortnite's recent festival has sparked renewed interest in the genre. Additionally, the rise of "perfect playthrough" challenges for Guitar Hero games makes a new, responsive controller a highly desirable item for dedicated players. The Hyper Strummer offers precisely that.