Hyperkin Unveils New Guitar Hero Controller for Nintendo Wii in 2025

In a surprising move that taps into gaming nostalgia, video game accessory manufacturer Hyperkin has announced the release of a brand new Guitar Hero controller for the Nintendo Wii—nearly two decades after the rhythm game franchise first swept the charts.

The new controller, called the Hyper Strummer, was introduced on January 1st, 2025, and is now available for pre-order on Amazon at a price of $76.99 USD. The Hyper Strummer is designed to be compatible with every Guitar Hero title released on the Nintendo Wii platform—from Guitar Hero 3: Legends of Rock through to Warriors of Rock—as well as Rock Band 2 and 3.

However, it’s important to note that the controller does not support the original Rock Band game on Wii. Reaction to Hyperkin's announcement has been divided within the gaming community.

Some critics have raised concerns that the company may be simply repackaging or recycling old stock, particularly because of the continued focus on legacy hardware like the Wii so many years after its prime.

Others questioned the decision to release such a specialized controller in 2025, especially when other platforms, like PlayStation and Xbox, support modern rhythm games and peripherals that also function on PC. In response to these concerns, Hyperkin issued an official statement on X (formerly Twitter), aiming to clarify the product’s origins and build quality.

According to the company, while the Hyper Strummer utilizes the same shell mold as a previously released model from 2009, the similarities end there.

The manufacturer explained: the shells are newly produced for 2024, and the internal components are updated to current standards.

Hyperkin stressed, “This is not old stock, nor is it old guitars that have been sitting in the warehouse.” The company also highlighted pricing as a key differentiator, noting that comparable controllers often cost over $100 USD on the resale market.

“The new Hyper Strummer was developed to meet the demand for an accessible and budget-friendly solution,” Hyperkin emphasized in its official statement. The announcement drew additional attention due to renewed interest in rhythm games, bolstered in part by releases like Fortnite Festival, developed by former Guitar Hero studio Harmonix.

While many controllers for PlayStation and Xbox platforms are compatible with both PC and consoles, compatible Wii guitar controllers remain a rarity—especially those available as new retail products in 2025. Hyperkin has established a reputation for revitalizing classic gaming accessories for modern and retro hardware alike, including Nintendo Switch controllers inspired by Americana and the widely-praised "drift-free" N64 control stick.

The Hyper Strummer marks another unconventional, yet notable, addition to its lineup for collectors and rhythm game enthusiasts who still play on Nintendo Wii hardware. Pre-orders for the Hyperkin Hyper Strummer are open now on Amazon, offering Wii and rhythm game fans an opportunity to experience Guitar Hero and Rock Band titles with new hardware for the first time in years.

Nintendo Wii Nintendo Wii Hyperkin Guitar Hero Hyper Strummer Hero