Music rhythm games saw a boom beginning in the mid-2000s. You had plenty of peripherals for your Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo consoles, including dance pads, microphones, drum kits and even bongoes. The most popular accessories were guitar-shaped controllers, making it easy for anyone to feel like a rockstar. Guitar Hero and Rock band were two of the biggest names in rhythm gaming. These games come bundled with controllers to immerse you in the world of music performance. Ang guess what? Some of those accessories are worth a pretty penny.
Guitar Hero kicks things off
Guitar Hero came first, launching the series in 2005. The first game came with a guitar controller and 47 songs spanning multiple genres. Later installments added drumkit controllers and microphones. Tie-ins with major guitar manufacturers such as Gibson meant you got branded controllers. Expansion titles featured artists such as Metallica and Aerosmith, complete with in-game appearances. The Guitar Hero series has been dormant since the release of “Guitar Hero Live” in 2015.
Rock Band joins the tour
The immense success of Guitar Hero meant competitors weren’t far behind. Rock Band’s first title was released in 2007 with 58 songs on the disc and more available through downloads. The Rock Band series included artists featuring The Beatles and Green Day and, in addition to guitar and drum controllers, offered a bass guitar controller modeled after Paul McCartney’s. There was even a “Lego Rock Band.” 2017 saw the final Rock Band Release with “Rock Band VR.”
Check gear prices on eBay
You hear the words “video games” and “valuable,” you probably think about old sealed Super Mario games or other treasures like that from the 1980s. But video game collectors have varied tastes, and unique controllers are usually a hit. Guitar Hero and Rock Band fit nicely in that collecting niche. The fad died out a few years ago, but not among diehard fans. Whether they want to put them on display or indulge in some retro gaming on older consoles, people are looking for these accessories. And since they don’t make these instruments/controllers, adapters and dongles anymore, they can only be found second-hand. Their need is your gain! We scoured eBay for the highest-priced Guitar Hero and Rock Band listings. Check to see if you have any of these valuable gaming peripherals lying around. You can make a few bucks or hit the jackpot! RELATED: Money tip: 9 ways to make sure you can return the things you buy online
Top 5 priciest Guitar Hero and Rock Band kits/bundles
A “Guitar Hero 5” set for PlayStation 3 complete with everything that came in the box: guitar controller, disk, documents and the coveted USB dongle that lets you play wirelessly. Buy It Now Price: $4,444.This “Rock Band 4 Band-in-a-Box” bundle for PlayStation 4 comes complete with the game, wireless Fender Stratocaster guitar controller, wireless drum kit controller and USB microphone. The box is sealed but pretty beat up. Buy It Now Price: $1,829.00This “Rock Band Rivals” set for Xbox One bundles the game, a wireless Fender Jaguar guitar controller, a drum kit controller with metal kick pedal and a microphone. It’s new and sealed, with some minor wear on the box. Buy It Now Price: $1,749.00Here are some cool accessories for the PlayStation 4 version of “Rock Band 4.” This bundle includes the game, an ION Drum Rocker set with cymbals, Pearl kick pedal, Yamaha electronic kick pad, Roadie Kick Box RB, Fender Stratocaster guitar controller with wireless USB dongle, drumsticks and a microphone. This is quite the kit. Buy It Now Price: $1,412.Have a bunch of dongles lying around? This seller bundled 52 Guitar Hero and Rock Band USB wireless adapters for the PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3 and Wii. A bit of math reveals that the dongles average $23 each in this listing. That’s a bargain compared to how much they sell individually, but those are usually tested before being listed. These aren’t. Buy It Now Price: $1,175.
Top 5 priciest Guitar Hero and Rock Band individual accessories
The PDP Wired Legacy Adapter was developed to allow players to use their old Xbox 360 Rock Band Controllers on their new Xbox One. It also supported more advanced accessories such as the ION Drum Rocker and e-kit drumsets. This one doesn’t come with the box, but the seller threw in a Madcatz Midi Pro Adapter for Xbox 360. Buy It Now Price: $1,349.00.With “Rock Band 3,” a genuine Squier Stratocaster guitar was fitted with hardware to make it compatible with the game. This brought a new sense of realism to these rhythm games, and these guitars are highly sought after. This guitar comes with an Xbox 360 Midi Controller and cables. Buy It Now Price: $799. This Gene Simmons Axe Guitar Controller for the Wii is modeled after the legendary Kiss bassist’s own instrument. The condition is new in the box. Starting Bid: $500.This Peak guitar controller works with both Guitar Hero and Rock Band. The body, neck and headstock are made of real wood, and it comes with a PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3 wireless adapter and a hardshell case. There’s some damage, but the seller writes that the controller works. Buy It Now Price: $398. Here’s an interesting listing. This X-plorer guitar controller for the Xbox 360 is modeled after the Gibson Explorer. The seller writes that they won it in a radio contest in 2007. The guitar is signed by many bands, including Breaking Benjamin, Sum 41, Finger 11, Seether, Nonpoint, Drowning Pool, Skindred, Fiction Plane and Operator. It comes with the original box and several documents from the event. Buy It Now Price: $550.
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