Guitar Hero is available on home consoles, arcade cabinets, and mobile devices, depending on which version you want to play and what hardware you own

Guitar Hero stopped being made for new consoles after 2015, so your options depend on whether you want to play older versions on equipment you already have, buy used hardware, or try newer rhythm games that fill the same role. The game exists on PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, and mobile phones — but not on current PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X consoles. Some arcade locations still have the original cabinet, though these are becoming rarer.

If you own an older console, you can still buy used copies of Guitar Hero games and the controller separately. If you do not own hardware, renting or borrowing is cheaper than buying a full setup. Mobile versions exist but are stripped-down compared to console play. Rhythm games that are still actively made — like Clone Hero (free, community-built) or commercial alternatives — may be better choices if you want something you can start today without hunting for old equipment.

Key Takeaways

  • Guitar Hero games for PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Wii can still be bought used, along with the guitar controller, from resale sites like eBay and Facebook Marketplace.
  • You need both the game disc and the wireless guitar controller to play; buying one without the other will not work.
  • Some arcade locations still have Guitar Hero cabinets, though availability varies by region and you should call ahead to confirm.
  • Clone Hero is a free, community-made rhythm game that runs on PC and plays custom song files, with no hardware cost beyond a controller.
  • Mobile versions of Guitar Hero exist but offer fewer songs and simpler gameplay than console versions.

Playing on Home Consoles You Already Own

If you have a PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, or Nintendo Wii, you can buy used copies of Guitar Hero games and play them right now. The games that work on each system are different — Guitar Hero III and IV came out on multiple platforms, but some titles were exclusive to one console. Check which games your console can run before you buy.

You will need two things: the game itself and a wireless guitar controller. The controller is not included with used game copies, so you will have to buy it separately. Guitar Hero controllers are still sold used on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and local resale shops. Expect to pay $30 to $80 for a used controller in working condition, depending on the model and how worn it is. Test it before you commit if you are buying in person.

PlayStation 2 and Wii controllers are the cheapest because those consoles are oldest. Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 controllers cost more because those systems are still in use. Make sure the controller matches your console — a PS2 guitar will not work on an Xbox 360, and vice versa.

Buying Used Games and Controllers

eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and local classified sites are the fastest way to find both games and controllers. Search for the specific title you want — "Guitar Hero III PlayStation 2" or "Guitar Hero World Tour Xbox 360" — rather than just "Guitar Hero," because results will be clearer and prices will vary by game and console.

When you find a listing, check the photos for the condition of the disc and controller. Scratched discs may not play. Controllers with cracked buttons or loose whammy bars still work but feel worse to play. Ask the seller whether the controller has been tested recently. If you are buying from a local resale shop, ask if they test their controllers before selling them.

Shipping a guitar controller is expensive because of its size and weight, so buying locally or from a seller who offers local pickup saves money. If you have to ship, expect $15 to $30 in shipping costs on top of the item price.

Finding Guitar Hero at Arcades

Some arcade locations and entertainment centers still have Guitar Hero cabinets, but they are not common anymore. Your best bet is to search online for "Guitar Hero arcade near me" or call local arcades and ask whether they have it. Dave & Buster's locations sometimes have rhythm game cabinets, though the specific games change by location.

Arcade versions are different from home versions — they use a larger cabinet with a built-in guitar controller and usually have a different song list. The gameplay is the same, but you cannot customize difficulty or song order the way you can at home. Arcade play costs coins or tokens, usually $1 to $3 per play depending on the location.

Call ahead before you go, because arcades update their machines regularly and a location that had Guitar Hero six months ago may not have it now. Ask whether they have the original cabinet or a newer rhythm game instead.

Clone Hero: A Free Alternative on PC

Clone Hero is a free, community-built rhythm game that plays like Guitar Hero but runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers. You read it for free, and it uses custom songs that fans have charted and uploaded. The song library is much larger than any official Guitar Hero release because anyone can create and share charts.

You will need a guitar controller to play Clone Hero — you can use an old Guitar Hero controller if you have one, or buy a used one the same way you would for a console version. The controller connects to your PC via USB or wireless adapter. Clone Hero is legal and free, but the custom songs are fan-made, so the quality and accuracy vary.

Setup takes 20 to 30 minutes if you have never used it before, but once it is running, you can play thousands of songs. The community is active and adds new charts regularly. If you want to play Guitar Hero but do not want to buy old hardware, Clone Hero is the cheapest option.

Mobile Versions of Guitar Hero

Guitar Hero Live was released on iOS and Android phones around 2015. It is no longer sold in app stores, but if you downloaded it when it was available, you can still play it on your phone. The mobile version uses a touch screen instead of a physical controller, so the gameplay feels different from console play.

Mobile Guitar Hero has fewer songs than console versions and the touch controls are less satisfying than a real guitar controller. If you want to play on your phone, it works, but most players who have tried both prefer console or PC versions. The mobile version is worth trying only if you already have it installed.

Renting or Borrowing Equipment

If you do not want to buy a full setup, ask friends or family whether they have an old console and Guitar Hero game you can borrow. Many people have PlayStation 2s or Wiis in storage that they no longer use. Borrowing is free and lets you try the game before you spend money on your own copy.

Some video game rental services still exist in certain areas, though they are rarer than they used to be. Call local game shops or entertainment centers to ask whether they rent consoles or games. Rental costs vary but are usually $5 to $15 per week, which is cheaper than buying if you only want to play for a short time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Guitar Hero on PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X?

No. Guitar Hero was not made for current-generation consoles. The last official Guitar Hero game was released in 2015. If you want to play on a modern console, you would need to use an older PlayStation or Xbox that you buy separately, or play Clone Hero on a PC instead.

Do I need the actual guitar controller or can I use a regular controller?

You need the guitar controller. The game will not work with a standard gamepad. The guitar has buttons, a whammy bar, and a strum bar that are essential to how the game plays. You cannot substitute a regular controller.

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

read Clone Hero on your PC for free. If you have an old Guitar Hero controller, use that. If not, buy a used one for $30 to $80. Total cost is $0 to $80 depending on whether you already own a controller. Buying a used console and game costs $80 to $200 total.

Are used Guitar Hero controllers reliable?

Most work fine, but some have worn buttons or loose whammy bars from years of use. Buy from sellers who test their controllers or offer returns. Ask the seller specifically whether the controller has been tested recently before you commit to the purchase.

Can I play Guitar Hero online with other people?

Some older versions had online multiplayer, but it depends on which game and console you are playing. PlayStation 2 versions did not have online play. Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions had online modes, but the servers are no longer active, so you can only play locally with people in the same room.