E3 2016: Harmonix and PDP are bringing us Rock Band Rivals and new peripherals
After the demise of the Mad Catz partnership earlier this year, Harmonix went out and found a new partner in PDP to collaborate with on Rock Band titles and peripherals. The fruits of that union have finally blossomed, with the announcement at E3 today of Rock Band Rivals for Rock Band 4 and introduction of the new peripherals that were teased a couple weeks ago.
The options to purchase new gear for either the Xbox One or PlayStation 4 comes in the form of the Rock Band Rivals Band Kit (includes Rock Band Rivals and Rock Band 4 game, Rock Band Wireless Fender Jaguar Guitar Controller, drum kit, microphone, wooden drum sticks, adjustable guitar strap, and 4xAA alkaline batteries) for $199.99, or the Rock Band Rivals Wireless Jaguar Bundle (includes Rock Band Rivals and Rock Band 4 and Fender Jaguar Guitar Controller) for $89.99. Rock Band Rivals will also be available as a standalone digital download for $29.99 and the Fender will be available for $69.99.
Two other accessories were announced: the Rock Band Fender Jaguar Guitar Controller Charger ($29.99) with included Rechargeable Battery Pack, and LED lights to indicate charge status, you’ll always be ready to perform and the Rock Band 4 Wired Legacy Adapter for Xbox One ($29.99) for those who want to use legacy instruments, such as the Xbox 360 Rock Band 3 Midi PRO-Adapter by Mad Catz, and the ION Drum Rocker for Xbox 360.
Overall, there was very little detail on the Rock Band Rivals expansion itself other than a hint of new modes, as this seemed to be about the hardware, that if you ask Mad Catz, no one really wants. With Rock Band Rivals, the Rock Band team has been flexing their creative muscles to produce something truly unique. For the launch of the expansion, we’re going to be bringing you brand new features that have never been seen in Rock Band before.
HARMONIX AND PDP ANNOUNCE ROCK BAND RIVALS
New hardware, new game modes and new price coming to Rock Band this year
Los Angeles – June 14, 2016 – Harmonix Music Systems, Inc. and Performance Designed Products LLC (PDP) today announced Rock Band™ Rivals, a new expansion pack for Rock Band 4 that will be available this fall on both the Xbox One and PlayStation®4 platforms. Harmonix and PDP also announced new Rock Band hardware bundles featuring Rock Band Rivals and the new and improved Rock Band Wireless Fender® Jaguar® Guitar Controller that will be available at retail this fall. Additional details regarding Rock Band Rivals features, release date and pre order information will be revealed in the coming weeks.
The Rock Band Wireless Fender Jaguar Guitar Controller will be available later this year on both the Xbox One and PlayStation®4 platforms. Featuring an iconic Fender Jaguar guitar design, improved auto calibration for enhanced gameplay performance and a new foldable guitar neck for easy storage and transportation, the new Rock Band Wireless Fender Jaguar Guitar Controller will bring a fresh look to Rock Band Rivals and Rock Band 4 and will be available at retail this fall for $69.99.
Two Rock Band Rivals bundles featuring the new Rock Band Wireless Fender Jaguar Guitar Controller will be available at select retailers this fall. For players looking for a full band experience, the Rock Band Rivals Band Kit, available for both Xbox One and PlayStation®4, offers an all-in-one Rock Band kit featuring Rock Band Rivals and Rock Band 4 game software, Rock Band Wireless Fender Jaguar Guitar Controller, drum kit, microphone, wooden drum sticks, adjustable guitar strap, and 4xAA alkaline batteries for $199.99. For guitar enthusiasts who want to pick up the new Fender Jaguar Guitar Controller, the Rock Band Rivals Wireless Jaguar Bundle will be available with included Rock Band Rivals and Rock Band 4 software for $89.99. Rock Band Rivals will also be available as a standalone digital download on both the Xbox One and PlayStation®4 for $29.99.
“With more than $100 million in sales of Rock Band 4 to date, it’s clear that there are as many aspiring rock stars out there as ever,” said Steve Janiak, CEO of Harmonix Music Systems. “We’re incredibly excited to announce Rock Band Rivals and to formally kick off our co-publishing relationship with PDP. With new and improved hardware, a great price and some fun original features, Rock Band Rivals promises a fresh take on Rock Band 4 for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.”
Harmonix and PDP also detailed a suite of Rock Band accessories at E3 2016 including:
• Rock Band Fender Jaguar Guitar Controller Charger ($29.99) with included Rechargeable Battery Pack, and LED lights to indicate charge status, you’ll always be ready to perform.
• Rock Band 4 Wired Legacy Adapter for Xbox One ($29.99) for those who want to use legacy instruments, such as the Xbox 360 Rock Band 3 Midi PRO-Adapter by Mad Catz, and the ION Drum Rocker for Xbox 360.
