Guitar Hero games and hardware are no longer in active production, but used copies and controllers remain available through resellers

Activision stopped making new Guitar Hero games after 2015, and the company discontinued the controllers and official merchandise years ago. The last new title was Guitar Hero Live, released in 2015 for PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo platforms. Since then, no new games or official hardware have been released.

However, the franchise has not disappeared entirely. Used copies of older Guitar Hero games sell regularly on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and GameStop's used section. Used wireless controllers from the original series also circulate through these channels, though prices vary widely depending on condition and which console version you need.

Key Takeaways

  • Activision stopped making Guitar Hero games in 2015 and has not released new titles since then.
  • Used copies of Guitar Hero games and controllers are available through resellers like eBay, GameStop, and Facebook Marketplace, but prices and availability change frequently.
  • If you want to play Guitar Hero now, you will need to buy used hardware and software from the secondary market.
  • Alternatives like Clone Hero (a free fan-made game) and Rock Band 4 (still supported with occasional updates) offer similar gameplay without hunting for out-of-print hardware.

Why Activision Stopped Making Guitar Hero

The rhythm game market collapsed around 2010 after years of oversaturation. Too many similar games released in quick succession, and players moved on to other genres. Activision tried to revive the franchise with Guitar Hero Live in 2015, which introduced a new controller design and a free-to-play online mode, but sales did not meet expectations.

After 2015, Activision made the business decision to stop producing new games and hardware. The company still owns the Guitar Hero trademark and intellectual property, but has shown no signs of returning to the franchise. No announcements about new games have been made in the past eight years.

Where to Find Used Guitar Hero Games and Controllers

eBay has the largest selection of used Guitar Hero titles and controllers. You can search by console (PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, or Nintendo Switch) and filter by price and condition. Shipping costs vary, and some sellers charge more for controllers than for games alone.

GameStop's used section carries Guitar Hero games and occasionally controllers, though inventory depends on your local store. You can check their website to see what is in stock near you. Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist let you buy locally and avoid shipping costs, but you will need to inspect the hardware in person before paying.

Reverb.com specializes in musical instruments and gaming hardware and often has Guitar Hero controllers listed. Prices tend to be higher than eBay, but the site has buyer protection policies similar to eBay's.

What to Check When Buying Used Guitar Hero Hardware

Wireless controllers are the most common type sold secondhand. Before buying, confirm that the controller powers on, the buttons respond, and the whammy bar (the lever on the neck) moves smoothly. Ask the seller whether the controller has been tested with a game. Some controllers have worn-out buttons or unresponsive fret pads after years of use.

Check that the controller matches your console. A PlayStation 3 controller will not work with an Xbox 360, and older controllers may not be compatible with newer consoles. The seller should specify which console the controller was designed for.

For games themselves, check that the case is not cracked and the disc or cartridge has no visible scratches. If buying digitally (through the PlayStation Store or Xbox Store), confirm that the listing is still available in your region — some older games have been delisted.

How Much Used Guitar Hero Hardware Costs

Used Guitar Hero games typically sell for $15 to $40 depending on the title and condition. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock and Guitar Hero: World Tour are among the most common and tend to be cheaper. Rarer titles like Guitar Hero: Metallica or Guitar Hero: Van Halen can cost more.

Used wireless controllers range from $30 to $100. Controllers in good working condition with minimal button wear command higher prices. Wired controllers are cheaper but less convenient. Some sellers bundle a game with a controller, which may offer better value than buying them separately.

Prices fluctuate based on demand and how many listings are active at any given time. Checking multiple platforms and waiting for sales can lower your total cost.

Alternatives If You Cannot Find What You Need

Clone Hero is a free fan-made game that runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux. It uses the same gameplay as Guitar Hero but lets you read custom song charts created by the community. You will still need a used Guitar Hero controller to play, but the game itself costs nothing. The Clone Hero community is active and regularly adds new songs.

Rock Band 4 is still in production and available new for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Harmonix (the developer) continues to release new songs through the in-game store, though the pace has slowed. You can buy used Rock Band 4 controllers and the game itself through the same reseller channels as Guitar Hero.

Frets on Fire is another free alternative, though it is less polished than Clone Hero and has a smaller song library. It also requires a controller to play properly.

Can You Still Play Guitar Hero Online?

Guitar Hero Live had an online multiplayer mode and a free-to-play song service, but Activision shut down the servers in 2018. You cannot play online anymore, even if you own the game and controller.

Older Guitar Hero games on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 had online modes, but those servers are also offline now. You can still play single-player campaigns and local multiplayer (with multiple controllers connected to the same console), but online competition is not possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Guitar Hero on Nintendo Switch?

Guitar Hero Live was released for Switch in 2016 and is the only Guitar Hero game available on that console. Used copies and controllers sell through the usual reseller channels. The online mode is no longer available, but you can play the single-player campaign and local multiplayer.

Are Guitar Hero controllers compatible with other games?

Guitar Hero controllers work with other rhythm games on the same console — for example, a PlayStation 3 Guitar Hero controller will work with Rock Band games on PS3. However, they do not work with non-rhythm games or across different console families.

What is the cheapest way to start playing Guitar Hero now?

read Clone Hero for free on your computer and buy a used Guitar Hero controller from eBay or Facebook Marketplace for $30 to $50. This costs less than buying a used game and controller separately. If you prefer the original games, watch for bundle listings that include both a game and controller.

Will Activision ever make a new Guitar Hero game?

Activision has not announced any plans to revive Guitar Hero. The company has not released new content for the franchise since 2015. While revivals of old franchises do happen, there is no indication that Guitar Hero is in development.

Do I need the original controller, or can I use any guitar-shaped controller?

You need a controller specifically designed for Guitar Hero or Rock Band on your console. Generic guitar-shaped controllers will not work. Make sure the controller matches your console — a PlayStation controller will not work on Xbox, for example.