Wii Guitar Hero Controller Makes a Surprise Comeback in 2025
A new Guitar Hero controller for the Wii, the Hyperkin Hyper Strummer, is hitting Amazon on January 8th for $76.99. This unexpected release likely targets retro gaming enthusiasts seeking a nostalgic experience and those wanting to revisit Guitar Hero and Rock Band. It offers a fresh opportunity to reignite the passion for the classic rhythm game.
The Wii's resurgence in 2025 with a new Guitar Hero controller is certainly a head-scratcher. Both the Wii console (discontinued in 2013) and the Guitar Hero franchise (last mainline title in 2015) have been dormant for quite some time. While the Wii enjoyed considerable success after the GameCube, its peak has long passed. The last Guitar Hero game for the Wii, Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock, launched in 2010.
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). This updated controller uses a WiiMote inserted into the back.
Why a New Wii Guitar Hero Controller Now?
The target audience for this controller is clear: retro gamers. Given the discontinued status of both the console and the game series, mass market appeal is unlikely. However, worn-out or broken Guitar Hero controllers are a common problem. Many may have abandoned the games due to damaged peripherals, especially since original controllers are no longer available. The Hyper Strummer provides a solution for nostalgic players.
Renewed interest in Guitar Hero is also a factor. The recent inclusion of a Guitar Hero-style experience in Fortnite's Festival event has boosted its profile. Additionally, the rise of "perfect playthrough" challenges has increased demand for reliable controllers – the Hyper Strummer offers just that.
