Wii Guitar Hero Controller Revival: Hyperkin's Hyper Strummer
A new Guitar Hero controller for the Wii, the Hyper Strummer by Hyperkin, is hitting Amazon on January 8th, priced at $76.99. This unexpected release likely targets retro gaming enthusiasts seeking a nostalgic experience and those wanting to revisit the Guitar Hero and Rock Band franchises. The controller offers a fresh opportunity to reignite the passion for these classic rhythm games.
The announcement of a new Wii Guitar Hero controller in 2025 is surprising, given both the Wii console and the Guitar Hero series are long discontinued. The Wii, while a massive success for Nintendo following the GameCube, ceased production in 2013. Similarly, the last mainline Guitar Hero title was 2015's Guitar Hero Live, with the final Wii entry being 2010's Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock.
Hyperkin's Hyper Strummer is designed for Wii versions of Guitar Hero and select Rock Band games (Rock Band 2, 3, The Beatles, Green Day, and Lego Rock Band; excluding the original Rock Band). It's an updated iteration of a previous Hyperkin controller, requiring a Wii Remote to be inserted for operation.
Why a New Wii Guitar Hero Controller Now?
The controller's target audience is a niche market. However, its appeal lies in the retro gaming community. Given the age and wear-and-tear of older Guitar Hero peripherals, many may have abandoned the games due to malfunctioning controllers. The Hyper Strummer provides a solution, allowing nostalgic fans to jump back into the action.
Recent trends have also contributed to renewed interest in Guitar Hero. Fortnite's inclusion of a rhythm-game-style experience, and the rise of "perfect playthrough" challenges, have fueled a comeback. A new, reliable controller is highly desirable for those tackling such feats, making Hyperkin's offering attractive to a dedicated segment of players.
