Guitar Hero III wireless guitars hitting early 2008

If the endless amount of platform combinations between Rock Band and Guitar Hero III have you stymied already, here's a little tidbit to make it just a little bit harder to choose: Guitar Hero III wireless controller are going to be available early next year for all platforms. Rock Band has wireless controllers on the way in a similar time frame for both the 360 and PS3, but for some reason the 360 version costs an extra $20, so hopefully Guitar Hero guitars keep some better price parity.

[Yoshi Likes Boys @ Nov 26th 2007 11:25AM]

"Some reason" = Microsoft charges for use of its 2.4ghz wireless technology, and the Rock Band wireless guitars on PS3 use a USB dongle instead of having bluetooth built in.

[artic5693 @ Nov 26th 2007 5:10PM]

So very correct

[Flashpoint @ Nov 26th 2007 11:35AM]

"some reason" - its because ALL of Microsoft's Xbox360 peripherals are overpriced.

PS3's come with Wifi adapters already built into the console. I had to buy the Wifi adapter for my 360 which cost me $89.

Microsoft's choice to go with 2.4 Ghz was a stupid one over Bluetooth.

My controller frequently loses its connection - my wireless headset fruequently loses its connection.. and I'm only sitting less than 10 feet away from the console.

I like PS3's Bluetooth better because it gives you choice and access to a wide variety of Bluetooth headsets. WARHAWK for example came with the Jabra BT125

[why not the LS2/LS7? @ Nov 26th 2007 11:54AM]

I think an open wireless standard is good on a console, and MS' isn't open. But I'm not ready just yet to call Sony's system open. Yes, it supports headsets, keyboards and such, but the Rock Band and GH3 controllers don't use Sony's Bluetooth system, so I wonder if Sony's system is really fully up to snuff, openness-wise.

[Qsat @ Nov 26th 2007 12:06PM]

i have 2 router, 2 2.4ghz phone, a ps3, 2 laptop with wifi on, 1 2.4Ghz keyboard, 1 bluetooth keyboard, 1 2.4Ghz mouse, 1 Xbox 360 with a controller and a wireless guitar, 1 2.4Ghz headphone and 1 2.4Ghz video transmitter and a microwave oven in the same room and my controller never ever disconnect. May be you shouls put some good power pack or batteries in it.

The only time i had been disconnect was with cheap ever-ready AA batteries, it's not the 2,4Ghz frequency fault.

[Temple @ Nov 26th 2007 12:08PM]

>>Microsoft's choice to go with 2.4 Ghz was a stupid one over Bluetooth.

Stupid for the consumer yes, but not for MS; unlike Nintendo & Sony who use Bluetooth, MS can charge for payment for third-party peripherals like the GHIII guitar.

[JeffNLA @ Nov 26th 2007 12:39PM]

Buddy ... bluetooth radios use 2.4Ghz TOO!

Please research before you speak.

[JeffNLA @ Nov 26th 2007 12:40PM]

Q: What is Bluetooth?
A: Bluetooth is the name for a short-range radio frequency (RF) technology that operates at 2.4 GHz and is capable of transmitting voice and data. The effective range of Bluetooth devices is 32 feet (10 meters). Bluetooth transfers data at the rate of 1 Mbps, which is from three to eight times the average speed of parallel and serial ports, respectively.

[Temple @ Nov 26th 2007 2:36PM]

>>Buddy ... bluetooth radios use 2.4Ghz TOO!

I don't think the point is what frequency BT is on. Wifi 802.11b/g also uses 2.4Ghz. The point is that MS has their own PROPRIETARY signal that they charge licensing royalties for. Perhaps the OP could have worded it better, but the difference to the consumer is that 360 owners will have to pay $20 extra for the exact same peripheral as the other consoles that use an open standard.

[Dragod @ Nov 26th 2007 4:41PM]

This is a business... You do what's right to make your product sell. I only buy Microsoft controllers because I know it will work and I know I don't have to worry about a dongle. That extra $10 is worth it to me.

Think about it. If it used 100% Open Bluetooth, Microsoft's controllers would be $40 more expensive than, say a madcatz controller, that has all of the same functionality, but can be offered at a much cheaper price. Microsoft has to make money if we want the 360 to be supported.

Plus, it's a good way to regulate what goes onto your system. When Microsoft puts its "Wireless technology certified"(Or whatever it is) label on it, they are guaranteeing that it will work 100% with the other hardware, like the wired headsets.

[larry @ Nov 26th 2007 11:49AM]

uhhh.. i have GH3 for ps2, and i have 2 wireless controllers for it... so why are they hitting in 2008? Did i accidentally hop in my time traveling delorean and fly a few years ahead?

[Peppie @ Nov 26th 2007 12:05PM]

I'm kind of with larry, I've had wireless guitars for GH2/3 for awhile now. What exactly do they mean by "wireless"? Do they mean dongle-free?

[Steven @ Nov 26th 2007 12:23PM]

The article states it's the wireless versions of the Les Paul for the 360, PS3, and Wii. They will also have a wireless Kramer version for the PS2.

GameStop told me the second Wii wireless guitar will be out in February, which is absolutely stupid.

[pat @ Nov 26th 2007 12:54PM]

I'm with Larry. I've already got the wireless Kramer for the PS2 that came in a GH3 bundle. It's quite nice, but I think that the wireless controller for the 360 is slightly better (also out).

[Ruben @ Nov 26th 2007 3:26PM]

This is just for the guitar. Not the bundle, which is already wireless. If you want a second guitar and dont want to buy a second copy of GH3, and want the gibson, then in 2008, you can have it.

[larry @ Nov 26th 2007 6:16PM]

IF you want a wireless second guitar, once again, they are already available for purchase... I have one.

[JD @ Nov 26th 2007 12:08PM]

This item is already out for the 360, I have it.

[Monnie @ Nov 26th 2007 4:14PM]

Yup, me too.

JB Hi-Fi, $70 AUD

[Jim @ Nov 26th 2007 12:09PM]

I just wish that they would come out with other wireless models besides the Les Paul for the Xbox 360. The black Kramer would be cool or a wireless X-plorer would be cool too. For all the models you can use in the game, they don't seem to do a very good job of having matching models and color/graphics schemes for the controllers. Where's my Zach Wylde faceplate! Camo!?!?

Don't know if I would want to pay any more than $50 for a new one though.

[Alex @ Nov 26th 2007 12:17PM]

...and of course, the Wii controller for GHIII has been wireless all along..... OH SNAP!

[Ruben @ Nov 26th 2007 3:30PM]

Your a moron.

This article is talking about stand-alone guitars, in wireless form. To get another guitar that is the Gibson shape (or fender), then you have to get another copy of GH3 to have 2 guitars. This applies to all the consoles, since the bundle of the game and guitar on all consoles is wireless, and its only the bundles that are out right now.

Oh, and enjoy your stereo sound! SNAP!

[alloneword @ Nov 26th 2007 3:39PM]

@Ruben

Are you serious? Cause I have two Wii guitars down stairs right now. I bought the 2nd as a stand alone from JB on Saturday.

They are out here in Australia. Have been since launch.

[Alex @ Nov 26th 2007 6:18PM]

@ Ruben

At least I'm smart enough to know the difference between 'You're' and 'Your'

OH! SNAP!

[computer.dude.28 @ Nov 26th 2007 6:17PM]

I don't know what the whole problem is with the stereo sound... I play multiplayer and I can *hear* when the other person screws up cause one side of the sound goes down..

[Ruben @ Nov 27th 2007 10:00AM]

When i said all consoles, i really meant the PS3, PS2, and the 360 since the Wii is nothing more than a kids toy.

I also gathered information from this news item in Gamespot, which indicated that none of the consoles (as well as the Wii) currently have stand-alone guitars available (the Les Paul and Kramer):

http://www.gamespot.com/news/6183382.html?part=rss&tag=gs_xbox_360&subj=6183382

And i didn't realize the grammar police patrolled Engadget. When did that start happening?

[Alex @ Nov 27th 2007 3:00PM]

@ Ruben.

Engadget doesn't have grammar police. There are no fines or penalties for bad grammar, it just looks poorly on yourself...

[Yorch @ Nov 26th 2007 12:17PM]

the wii guitar is wireless.....I'm just waiting for the aftermarket ones so I can buy another one.

[John B @ Nov 26th 2007 1:23PM]

I'm waiting for those idiot developers to fix the damned Dolby Pro Logic issue!! THEN I'll worry about 3rd party guitars.

[R0b3rt @ Nov 26th 2007 12:18PM]

Sooooooo um why should i care the wired 360 explorer is fine and isn't there already a wireless 360 controller for GH3???? just wondering.

[Sherm Didit @ Nov 26th 2007 12:31PM]

Uhh, you would care if you already had the wireless guitar for GHIII and wanted to buy ANOTHER one separately. Up until this point they have only been available as part of the BUNDLE. Reading comprehension FTW.

[Luigi193 @ Nov 26th 2007 12:50PM]

Let me tell you,
ITS NOT FUN using the wiimote as a second guitar... NO SIR-E-BOB!

[Allan @ Nov 26th 2007 12:53PM]

And it would be nice just to have a second guitar for my Wii... I really don't care at this point if it's wireless or not.

[fistpittingnork @ Nov 26th 2007 3:04PM]

The only thing that sucks is I believe we'll have to pay $60 USD for the standalone guitar. Why we have to pay as much as 360 and Ps2/3 gamers whose guitars have "controllers" built in and we have to bring our own [Wiimotes] to the table seems a bit, unfair.

[Josh @ Nov 26th 2007 1:08PM]

The Rock Band bundle for PS3 comes with a wireless guitar, whereas the bundle for Xbox 360 included a wired one. That bites. I'm assuming when the wireless Rock Band guitar comes out for the Xbox 360, they won't be repackaging the bundle... rather, will expect the 360 owners who want wireless to buy *both.*

If the Rock Band bundle for the 360 came with a wireless guitar I'd be much more likely to buy it.

[Kip Granson @ Nov 26th 2007 1:08PM]

Can someone clarify for me? So I decided to go cheap and buy GH3 without the guitar because I had the wired guitar from GH2 already and it works fine. The bad thing is, my GH2 guitar is now going out. This is for the 360. Also, i played the wireless guitar and it is pretty nice. Has a much nicer feel over the wired GH2 guitar.

Is there ANY after market (wired or wireless) GH3 guitars for the 360? I can't seem to find any at all. They all seem to be for the PS2. I regret buying GH3 without the guitar.

[moo083 @ Nov 26th 2007 1:37PM]

The PS2 Guitar is the only non-bundled guitar out right now. Sorry. Thats why this story is interesting.

[Kip Granson @ Nov 26th 2007 2:06PM]

Yeah.. that's what I figured. Was just hoping that I was missing something somewhere and would have been able to pick one up.

[navstar @ Nov 26th 2007 11:19PM]

Flashpoint>> Just FYI, Bluetooth IS 2.4GHz -- (2.4-2.4835 to be exact).

[bubba2274 @ Nov 26th 2007 1:47PM]

Isnt the Wii guitar from GH3 already wireless because of the Wiimote?

[crescentdavid @ Nov 26th 2007 2:03PM]

I'm a little out of the loop here ... do they make a wired or wireless guitar for grownups? Something approaching the actual size of a standard electric guitar? Or is the niche more of a kids/novelty category?

[Ruben @ Nov 26th 2007 3:33PM]

Rock Band's guitar is closer to the size of a regular guitar and doesnt look like a Fisher Price toy like this does. The song selection, imo, isnt as good, but at least theres drums to play. Good luck finding it in stock though.

[Jeremy K. @ Nov 26th 2007 2:04PM]

zomg how about making a real guitar?! Oh yeah, that'd defeat the whole purpose of being supremely lame.

[Wes @ Nov 26th 2007 2:32PM]

yes!

and why make FPS's when we have real guns, and RTS's when we have real wars! and RPG's when we have real lives? And Platformers when we ahve real hallucinogen inducing mushrooms?

why?

because it's a game.

[Marty @ Nov 26th 2007 2:28PM]

"Something approaching the actual size of a standard electric guitar? Or is the niche more of a kids/novelty category?"

It's a game for everyone, that anyone can enjoy as long as they are coordinated enough to follow (i.e., not too young and not old as dirt).
That you judge the game based on the controller is not quite right, like judging a book by it's cover. That's like saying Time Crisis is more of a kids's game cause the light guns are bright orange. Besides, with the way Guitar Hero plays, it makes no difference. You could map the same buttons to a broom and the game would be the same really.

The GH3 bundle for Xbox 360 comes with wireless guitar and game, but there is no way to buy the guitar by itself. I don't know anything about PS3 or Wii, but I didn't think they have any wireless guitars yet.

I guess engadget was too excited about the announcement, they forgot to put any background into the article. But all good journalists should assume their readers are know-it-alls (oh the irony of my statement...)

[Daimyo Nintendo @ Nov 27th 2007 9:36AM]

That's great but as long as the Wii version is not in surround and only mono (PATHETIC) I am not buying one, and neither are many others.

[alloneword @ Nov 26th 2007 3:06PM]

I am confused. The wii is wireless. But the 360 version I bought is ALSO wireless.

I know rock band is launching with wired guitars for 360, and they will be adding wireless guitars later. But GHIII has always been wirelss from the outset.

[Conal @ Nov 26th 2007 5:41PM]

Cant wait for Heroin Hero III.

[livedream @ Nov 26th 2007 6:21PM]

South Park fan then?

[livedream @ Nov 26th 2007 6:17PM]

Not really a news story then as GH3(360) already comes with the wireless guitar. I saw it in Game today.

[computer.dude.28 @ Nov 26th 2007 6:18PM]

(on the wii)