Guitar Hero works on gaming consoles, computers, and mobile devices, depending on which version you own

Guitar Hero is not one game—it is a series that spans multiple platforms and decades. The original games from 2007 to 2011 ran on PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Nintendo Wii. Newer versions like Guitar Hero Live (2015) and Guitar Hero: Warriors of Rock work on different hardware. If you already own a Guitar Hero game, the device you need depends on which specific title you have and when it was released.

The easiest way to know what you can play on is to check the back of your game case or the game's official page—it lists every compatible system. But if you are starting fresh and want to know where to begin, the sections below break down what is available on each type of device.

Key Takeaways

  • Original Guitar Hero games (2007–2011) run on PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Nintendo Wii, but these consoles are aging and harder to find.
  • Guitar Hero Live is the most recent full console release and works on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
  • Mobile versions exist for iOS and Android but are stripped-down games with fewer songs and different gameplay than console versions.
  • PC versions of some Guitar Hero games exist but are rare and often require emulation or older hardware to run.
  • Used copies of older games are cheaper but may not include the guitar controller, which you will need to buy separately.

PlayStation consoles: PS2, PS3, and PS4

PlayStation has the largest Guitar Hero library. The original games and most sequels launched on PlayStation 2 first, including Guitar Hero, Guitar Hero II, Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, and Guitar Hero: World Tour. These games still work on PS2 hardware if you can find a working console and a copy of the game.

PlayStation 3 also has a deep catalog: Guitar Hero III, World Tour, Metallica, Van Halen, 5, Warriors of Rock, and Live all released on PS3. If you want the newest console experience, Guitar Hero Live is the only recent title available on PlayStation 4. It is the most modern version and has the largest active song library through its online service, though the service has limitations compared to when the game first launched.

Xbox consoles: Xbox 360 and Xbox One

Xbox 360 has a solid Guitar Hero lineup that mirrors PlayStation 3 in many ways. Games like Guitar Hero III, World Tour, Metallica, 5, and Warriors of Rock all work on 360. The controller compatibility is straightforward—any Guitar Hero controller made for Xbox 360 works across all 360 versions of the games.

Guitar Hero Live is the only Guitar Hero game on Xbox One. Unlike the PS4 version, the Xbox One edition has been delisted from the store in some regions, which means you cannot buy it digitally anymore. If you want to play on Xbox One, you will need to find a physical copy.

Nintendo Wii and Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Wii was a major platform for Guitar Hero during the series' peak years. Games like Guitar Hero III, World Tour, 5, and Warriors of Rock all released on Wii. The Wii guitar controller is wireless and motion-enabled, which made it popular at the time, though the motion features are not essential to gameplay.

On Nintendo Switch, Guitar Hero Live is the only option. It plays the same as the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions but is portable, which appeals to players who want to play on a TV or in handheld mode. The Switch version uses standard controllers or the official Guitar Hero Live controller.

Mobile devices: iOS and Android

Guitar Hero has mobile versions on both iOS and Android, but they are not the same as console games. Mobile versions use touch-screen controls instead of a guitar controller and feature a smaller song library. Guitar Hero Live Mobile exists on both platforms but was discontinued in some regions and may no longer be available for read.

If you find a mobile Guitar Hero game still available in your app store, be aware that it will play very differently from the console experience. The touch interface changes the rhythm gameplay significantly, and you lose the tactile feedback of holding a guitar controller. These versions are best thought of as a separate game rather than a portable version of the console experience.

PC and emulation

A few Guitar Hero games released on PC, but they are uncommon. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock and Guitar Hero: World Tour have PC versions, though they are difficult to find and may not work on modern Windows systems without compatibility adjustments. The PC versions use the same guitar controllers as console versions, but driver support for older controllers can be a problem on newer operating systems.

Some players use emulation to play older Guitar Hero games on PC, which involves running console versions through emulator software. This is legal for games you own but requires technical knowledge and may not work perfectly with guitar controllers. Emulation is not an official way to play and is not supported by the game publishers.

What you need besides the game

Every version of Guitar Hero requires a guitar controller to play. The game does not work with a standard gamepad. If you buy a used copy of the game, check whether the controller is included—many used listings sell the game alone, and controllers can cost $40 to $100 to replace depending on the platform and whether you buy new or used.

Controllers are not cross-compatible across all platforms. A PlayStation 2 guitar will not work on PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 controllers will not work on Xbox One. Nintendo Wii controllers are wireless and use a different connection method than other platforms. Before you buy a game, make sure you have the right controller for that console or budget for buying one separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play old Guitar Hero games on new consoles?

Some older games have backward compatibility. PlayStation 3 games work on some PS4 models through the store, but this is limited. Xbox 360 games have broader backward compatibility on Xbox One, though not all Guitar Hero titles are supported. Nintendo does not offer backward compatibility for Wii games on Switch. Check the specific game's store page to see if it is available on your console.

Where can I buy Guitar Hero games and controllers?

Used copies are available on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and local game stores. New copies are rare for older games but may still be in stock at some retailers for Guitar Hero Live on current consoles. Controllers are sold separately on Amazon, eBay, and specialty gaming retailers. Prices vary widely depending on condition and platform.

Do I need an internet connection to play Guitar Hero?

Single-player campaign mode does not require internet on any version. Guitar Hero Live has online multiplayer and song downloads that need a connection, but the core game works offline. Older versions like Warriors of Rock have optional online features but are fully playable without internet.

Is Guitar Hero still being updated with new songs?

Guitar Hero Live had a song service that added new tracks, but it was shut down in 2018. No new Guitar Hero games have been released since 2015. The game is no longer actively supported, though you can still play the songs that were available before the service ended.

Can I use any guitar controller with any Guitar Hero game?

No. Controllers are locked to their platform—a PlayStation controller will not work on Xbox, and vice versa. Within the same console family, older controllers sometimes work with newer games, but this varies. Always check the game's manual or product page to confirm controller compatibility before buying.