Guitar Up: New Controller Unveiled for Wii

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

A new Guitar Hero controller is hitting the market for the Wii console – the Hyper Strummer from Hyperkin. Launching January 8th, 2025, for $76.99 on Amazon, this release is likely aimed at a niche audience: retro gaming enthusiasts.

The timing might seem odd, given the Wii's discontinuation in 2013 and the last mainline Guitar Hero game releasing in 2015. However, the Hyper Strummer offers a compelling proposition for those with a nostalgic fondness for the rhythm game genre and the Wii console. Many original Guitar Hero controllers are worn out or broken, making this a welcome replacement for players who want to revisit the classic titles.

The Hyper Strummer, an updated iteration of a previous Hyperkin controller, is compatible with various Wii Guitar Hero and Rock Band games, including Rock Band 2, 3, The Beatles, Green Day, and Lego Rock Band (but not the original Rock Band). It functions by connecting a Wii Remote to the back of the guitar.

Why Now? A Resurgence of Interest

The release taps into a renewed interest in Guitar Hero. Factors contributing to this include the recent Guitar Hero-inspired Fortnite event and the growing popularity of "perfect playthrough" challenges within the Guitar Hero community. A reliable, new controller is crucial for tackling these high-difficulty runs. The Hyper Strummer provides just that, offering a fresh, functional alternative to potentially damaged legacy controllers. Therefore, while not a mass-market product, it caters to a specific segment of gamers eager to relive their musical gaming past or conquer new challenges.