Wireless guitar works with PS2 and PS3 versions of Rock Band

by Nick Doerr { Nov 5th 2007 at 6:45PM }

So you've decided to buy Rock Band this December, but for some reason you're going to nab the PS2 version, complete with wireless guitar. All of a sudden, you inherit a PS3. What do you do? Apparently, you shrug and use the guitar on the PS3, as it will be compatible with either the PS2 or PS3 version of the game. Since the drum and microphone use the same USB interface, it's assumed they'll work in the same way.

Another reason to buy the PS2 version -- it comes with a USB hub. If you're getting the new 40GB PS3 (which has 2 USB ports instead of 4) and the PS3 version of the game, it doesn't have a hub bundled in. It's a strange thing that could get overlooked, but knowledge is power and with power, you can rock. With friends!

Tags: harmonix, rock-band

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

RandCRule @ Nov 5th 2007 7:07PM

I was wondering if the ps2 version of rock band would work with GH2 on ps3?or GH3 for that matter....i have a ps2 and a ps3 but i want to play GH2 on ps3 but i don't want to buy GH3 because i don't want to spend a 100 on that and 170 on rock band....i would prefer using GH2 with the rock band controller (on ps3)and then maybe buy GH3 just the disc.

Matt @ Nov 5th 2007 7:09PM

I thought the 40GB didn't have BC?

ndoerr @ Nov 5th 2007 7:30PM

@ Matt -- it doesn't. I think they're saying the guitar itself works on the PS3 version of rock band, meaning you don't have to buy a guitar for each version of the game.

Sen @ Nov 5th 2007 7:36PM

Who said anything about BC?

They are saying you can use the GUITAR.

Kattleox @ Nov 5th 2007 7:48PM

Exactly. This isn't BC. This is FC! FC FTW! maybe there will be some DLC for the FC on the PS2 to work on the PS3 with the USB and the AC-RO-NYM.

At any rate, this doen't affect many people, unless Grandmama and Grandpapa buy PS2 RockBand and Tio Juan y Tia Juanita buy little Jonny a shiny 40GB PS3 instead of the 20GB they see GameStop trying desperately to get rid of for $370 or the awkwardly priced 60GB. Ah, well.

Popfrogs @ Nov 5th 2007 8:23PM

@1: I wonder if you buy GH3, if you can use that new guitar on GH2 with the PS3. PDQ.

hypersauce @ Nov 5th 2007 8:31PM

@7 You can't, the problem is since it has that dongle, when you switch to a ps2 game it turns off USB (the light on the dongle goes off so the controller no longer functions) and the guitar no longer works. I'm sure if it were a true Bluetooth guitar it would work since that is running even when it's emulating a ps1/ps2. I'm actually surprised more people aren't making a stink about it, but it is kind of a confusing mess.

Neon @ Nov 5th 2007 9:27PM

I know I'M waiting until they get BC sorted out for GH before I purchase ANY of these games. I want ONE guitar that works with both PS2 and PS3 GH games. I can't imagine that is too much to ask for...but apparently it is.

mccomber @ Nov 5th 2007 10:13PM

I can't imagine how well a ps3 guitar that worked with all the Guitar Hero titles would sell. I know I wish I had the know-how and means to produce and market one, hopefully now that GH3 and RockBand are coming out someone will make one that works with ALL the titles...

KHCloud @ Nov 5th 2007 10:27PM

I could've sworn the Rock Band guitar worked with GH, GH2, and GH3....

RPGJock @ Nov 5th 2007 11:42PM

@8 Wait. That can't be right, the USB being turned off, because then my mic for Singstar or my buzzer for Buzz Mega Quiz wouldn't work.

Michael @ Nov 6th 2007 12:08AM

What i want is a WIRED guitar . . . i have 4 usb ports and i hate the wireless guitars for GH3 (looks nice but does not perform) anyway thats what i want i even sent an email to harmonix (from the rock band website) asking if they are going to do a wired model (no response yet)

hypersauce @ Nov 6th 2007 2:50AM

@12 WEll then there must be something else they have to tweak to get the dongle to work with GH2, because I've tried everything I can think of and the dongle never turns on during any ps2 emulation. It's kinda frustrating.

Laser123454321 @ Nov 6th 2007 11:42AM

@14
Usb does not get turned off. When it goes into emulation mode all controllers are disconnected. That's why it pops-up a little message telling you to press the PS button.

Well if you remember, pelican(?) released that PS2 controller adaptor for the PS3 that was Guitar Hero Compatible (GH1 full, GH2 Kind of). All it does is add a usb controller and translate the input from ps2 controllers. It works fine. I got it and I can use the TAC Flying V wireless controller with GH1 and GH2 w/o hammer ons, etc.

And the reason why non-bluetooth controllers don't work immediately is due to the lack of a PS button on the controllers, which the Rock Band dongle will have. So you should be able to do it that way. And since the dongle is not meant to translate a ps2 control signal, the guitar can output whatever necessary.

Will this happen, probably not.

NoahsArk43 @ Jan 27th 2008 11:49AM

Have you tried using the PS2 guitar w/GH III on PS3? I just purchased both RB and GH III, but also have GH 1 for PS2. I really want to play GH1 and GH III in Co-op modes but only have the Les Paul GH III controller and the RC strat. I cant get either guitar to work on GH1.

hypersauce @ Nov 6th 2007 12:05PM

@15 The GH3 controllers with dongle do have a PS button also. But when it switches to emulation the light on the dongle goes off, and it doesn't come back on. So from what you say it must be something either with me being an idiot or that the hardware just doesn't work with emulation. Has anyone else tried this?!

hypersauce @ Jul 25th 2008 9:45PM

What I really want is a ps3 version of a guitar that lets me play the PS2 guitar heroes on the ps3. I hear rumors that the February guitar-only guitars that come without the game are going to be actually Bluetooth, but guitar hero seems to be the one game holding me back from giving away my ps2. Such a shame.