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Logitech Needs $250 to Make You Holler

The maker of mice is getting into the apparently booming business of high-end rhythm game peripherals.

He gave me this guitar!
He gave me this guitar!
Once the exclusive domain of faux-raux DIY enthusiasts, super-realistic peripherals for those darn rhythm games--you know, the ones that retailers are running out of room for--are apparently in high-enough demand that honest peripheral manufacturers are getting in on the action. Today Logitech announced its matter-of-factly named Wireless Guitar Controller Premiere Edition, a product that honestly requires only a little more explanation than what's provided by the title.

For the $250 asking price, you'll get a v-axe with authentic materials such as “a wood neck, a rosewood fingerboard and metal frets,” as well as Logitech's rubber dome technology, which promises to make those fret buttons a little less clacky. Being an officially licensed Guitar Hero World Tour peripheral, the Logitech Wireless Guitar Controller Premiere Edition will also feature a touch-sensitive pad on the neck and a dedicated Star Power button, two features mirrored by the controller that will be included with World Tour.

While the press release doesn't mention any specific platform compatibility, the official Logitech website lists both a “Wireless USB receiver for PLAYSTATION®3” and a “Wireless controller port receiver for PlayStation®2” as part of the package contents. Sounds like Wii and Xbox 360 owners may be left out in the cold on this one. Additionally, Rock Band functionality goes unmentioned, though it would seem damn foolish to manufacture and market a pricey piece of kit like this and not make it work with as much of the market as possible.

I realize that rhythm games are currently seeing an unprecedented level of popularity, having apparently overtaken sports games, but even if it worked with the PS2, Wii, PS3, and Xbox 360, as well as both the Guitar Hero and Rock Band franchises, this seems like a pretty niche market. Are there enough people out there that are so unhappy with the controllers that came with their games that they're willing to plunk down $250 for a new one, particularly when the most apparent added value is extra fanciness?

Also, isn't all this premium, realistic gear for your pretend rock 'n roll video game tantamount to cosplaying by yourself?

32 Comments

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Fiziks

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Edited By Fiziks

I can understand paying 250 for a quality racing wheel, considering the fact that you're paying 250 to simulate driving 50k+ cars at the very least. However, when you can go out, and buy a guitar and amp pack for 99 bucks, this seems a little much. I've known friends who've loved the GH series so much, that instead of paying out their ass to further "simulate" playing the guitar, they've gone out and just spend the 100 some odd dollars for the real thing.

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zoozilla

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Edited By zoozilla

I just want Guitar Rising to be released so I can use my actual guitar.

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Destroyeron

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Edited By Destroyeron

If people wanted to play the real guitar, they'd do it. I bet most people play GH/RB to yah know, play a cool game, not learn an instrument.

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bornagain888

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Edited By bornagain888

I tried to learn the guitar but it really hurts my fingers, and I wouldn't make the argument that as a hobbie guitar playing is cheaper than playing music video games. I've been to Guitar Center and know better. Their both really fun pursuits but very different.

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StaticFalconar

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Edited By StaticFalconar

A cheap real guitar cost that much. That's where i draw the line.

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headcase

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Edited By headcase

@Jayzilla: You know, real guitars get girls for a reason. They're hard to play. I think if all you needed was $200 for a guitar and you had girls all around you, more people would indeed be buying real guitars.

That said, this thing is too pricy. If it had a real string (or strings) with a vibration sensor, a touch sensitive fret board, that kind of stuff, that would be something worth plunking $250 for. This, not so much. It'll sell to the elite players with cash to burn though.

I'm much more interested in Logitech's drum plans.

@Knifey: "Oh and whoever mentioned the g25 racing wheel. That is completely separate from what this is. A wheel gives a new experience, a more immersive one. These guitars don't add any gameplay differences other than it may feel better to use."

But why do you need that expensive racing wheel? Why not buy a cheap one from Mad Catz? Because the Logitech ones feel better to use, perhaps?
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chicNstu360

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Edited By chicNstu360

I love Rock Band & Guitar Hero as much as anyone. But if I'am spending $250.00 on this or the ION Drum Kit not only will I get Divorced (Deservedly So) but that also may be one of the signs of the coming apocolypse!

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Milkman

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Edited By Milkman

As sexy as that guitar looks, the instruments that come with the game are fine and anyone who buys this is a major tool.

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KnifeySpoony

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Edited By KnifeySpoony

pretend band and cosplay hero

I really think they are going too far with this stuff, there are so many better ways to spend your money. Maybe even trying to save it. I don't know anyone who would be willing to buy one, even if they had the money.

Oh and whoever mentioned the g25 racing wheel. That is completely separate from what this is. A wheel gives a new experience, a more immersive one. These guitars don't add any gameplay differences other than it may feel better to use.

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sociald1077

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Edited By sociald1077

Way too much in a time were saving money should be thought about.

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PLWolf

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Edited By PLWolf

I'm right there with ya, Jeff!!  wait...what?

damn..

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Jayzilla

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Edited By Jayzilla

spending this kind of money on a fake guitar is ludicrous. you can buy a really nice REAL guitar for this price. Real guitar players get girls. Virtual guitar players, not really at all. i really don't understand this, but then i guess that i don't fit into this niche market.

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kennybaese

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Edited By kennybaese

I don't thing it's expensive enough...

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ElectricHaggis

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Edited By ElectricHaggis

Don't pay this much for fake instruments.  If you like fake guitar that much, just learn to play the real one, it's not that hard!

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Johnny5

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Edited By Johnny5

Actually person below me its the Wheel, Pedals, Shifter and that racing game that has totally slipped my mind now. That you get for 250 dollars.

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DarkHomer

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Edited By DarkHomer

That logitech racing wheel looks pretty damn awesome but..damn , $250 dollars for a wheel? dave ,you crazy!

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digital_sin

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Edited By digital_sin
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Elk

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Edited By Elk
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Jvak

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Edited By Jvak

Well, I was sucker enough to drop 300 on the Ion Drums. If I liked playing guitar as much as the drums, I could see myself ponying up for this.

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Vampyre

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Edited By Vampyre

Better have a big warranty

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joey2683

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Edited By joey2683

I bought my brother the Logitech racing wheel for Christmas back when Gran Turismo 3  was destined to be paired with it. He used it ONE time! So F these expensive periphrials.

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Elazul

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Edited By Elazul

Peavey put out a full size wooden guitar controller that seems to be a real guitar with the electronics installed instead of frets.

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Gunner

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Edited By Gunner

real guitar > that.

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Kajaah117

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Edited By Kajaah117

I was hoping Logitech would be making premium instruments but keeping them in the sub-$200 range. This is just taking it too far.

BTW, where did the whole "he gave me this guitar" thing come from? The phrase definitely spawns some interesting google results.

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RenegadeSaint

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Edited By RenegadeSaint

I'm not railing against RB or GH here (I love and play them both), but I implore you: take the money you were going to use on this and buy a real guitar.  You can get a decent little starter for $250.

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mackgyver

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Edited By mackgyver

Perhaps you need to elaborate on that Jeff!.....cosplay huh? and what exactly?

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vigorousjammer

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Edited By vigorousjammer

oh snap... you could buy a real guitar for $150 bucks...

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stephengotlost

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Edited By stephengotlost

I've cosplayed as a shirt ninja at a camp pool once.

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snide

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Edited By snide

I'd laugh at this, but I personally own and enjoy a Logitech G25.

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lordofultima

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Edited By lordofultima

We've all been there. It's ok Jeff.

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jeff

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Edited By jeff

I already cosplay by myself!

Perhaps I've... said too much.
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Edited By Ryan  Staff
He gave me this guitar!
He gave me this guitar!
Once the exclusive domain of faux-raux DIY enthusiasts, super-realistic peripherals for those darn rhythm games--you know, the ones that retailers are running out of room for--are apparently in high-enough demand that honest peripheral manufacturers are getting in on the action. Today Logitech announced its matter-of-factly named Wireless Guitar Controller Premiere Edition, a product that honestly requires only a little more explanation than what's provided by the title.

For the $250 asking price, you'll get a v-axe with authentic materials such as “a wood neck, a rosewood fingerboard and metal frets,” as well as Logitech's rubber dome technology, which promises to make those fret buttons a little less clacky. Being an officially licensed Guitar Hero World Tour peripheral, the Logitech Wireless Guitar Controller Premiere Edition will also feature a touch-sensitive pad on the neck and a dedicated Star Powerbutton, two features mirrored by the controller that will be included with World Tour.

While the press release doesn't mention any specific platform compatibility, the official Logitech website lists both a “Wireless USB receiver for PLAYSTATION®3” and a “Wireless controller port receiver for PlayStation®2” as part of the package contents. Sounds like Wii and Xbox 360 owners may be left out in the cold on this one. Additionally, Rock Band functionality goes unmentioned, though it would seem damn foolish to manufacture and market a pricey piece of kit like this and not make it work with as much of the market as possible.

I realize that rhythm games are currently seeing an unprecedented level of popularity, having apparently overtaken sports games, but even if it worked with the PS2, Wii, PS3, and Xbox 360, as well as both the Guitar Hero and Rock Band franchises, this seems like a pretty niche market. Are there enough people out there that are so unhappy with the controllers that came with their games that they're willing to plunk down $250 for a new one, particularly when the most apparent added value is extra fanciness?

Also, isn't all this premium, realistic gear for your pretend rock 'n roll video game tantamount to cosplaying by yourself?