PS3 Fanboy hands-on: Nyko's Front Man guitar

by Andrew Yoon { Apr 13th 2008 at 6:15PM }

The popularity of games like Rock Band and Guitar Hero has created an extraordinary demand for guitar peripherals. However, many PS3 fans are left cold knowing that their Guitar Hero controllers won't work in Rock Band, and vice versa. It seems ridiculous to have a small army of guitar controllers lying around to play these two games. Thankfully, Nyko has an excellent solution.

The Front Man guitar is an excellent option for those looking for an extra guitar. Unlike the official options from Activision and Harmonix, this third-party solution allows for playback on both games, with a simple flip of a switch. For those looking for one guitar that works with both music games, this is obviously an ideal choice.

However, we found that the Front Man guitar is simply the best guitar available on the PS3. Like other guitars on the platform, you will need to connect a dongle to the system for it to work wirelessly. The dongle is rather cute, looking like a guitar foot pedal. There are lights on the front of the pedal, each corresponding to the five buttons you can press on the guitar. They light up according to what you're pressing down. Neat!

The guitar feels terrific as well. The buttons feel smoother than the Guitar Hero ones, and the strum bar doesn't have the same "mushy" feel that the Rock Band controllers do. The guitar takes three AA batteries (included!), and the life on it seems fantastic. For those that don't mind a corded option when jamming, the unit also includes a fantastically long USB cable for a direct connection. We use the USB cable on our DualShock 3 controllers as well -- it's great to finally be able to play a game and charge PS3 controllers with this super-long USB cable.

Considering how Nyko's Front Man guitar retails for the same price as competing guitars and works on both Guitar Hero and Rock Band, this is obviously the guitar of choice for those looking for one. With its solid construction and thoughtful design features, Nyko has developed a winner.

Tags: frontman, guitar, guitar-hero, guitar-hero-iii, joystiqfeatures, nyko, rock-band

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

stawnkald @ Apr 13th 2008 6:47PM

Did you by any chance check to see if this is compatible with Guitar Hero 1,2 and 80's Edition when playing on PS3?

sUKi @ Apr 14th 2008 12:15AM

http://www.nyko.com/Nyko/Support/Product.aspx?t=faqs&p=130

Beaujon85 @ Apr 14th 2008 11:14AM

The Ant Commandos have 2 new guitars that work for all PS2 & PS3 guitar hero's and also Rock Band on PS2 & PS3.
They should be coming out this month and I'll make a decision based on their reviews;
Guitar ($50): http://store.theantcommandos.com/product-p/drv-wl-blkv3.htm
Bass($60): http://store.theantcommandos.com/product-p/bss-wl-blkv3.htm

AshStampede @ Apr 13th 2008 7:06PM

is this out at retail or just product preview? what about out in the uk or just usa?

Joe @ Apr 13th 2008 7:50PM

I might consider getting this...

nefarious098 @ Apr 14th 2008 11:15AM

Does this controller have the same "lag / response / interference" issues that the official controller has? Compared to the GH3 controller for the Wii / 360, the PS3 one is a joke... Just blows my mind how terrible it is by comparison.

I've been interested in this controller from Nyko, but I'm still worried about the same interference problems... One would think going w/ the corded option would resolve the issue.

Any word on the guitar that will come with GH Aerosmith? If they actually release a bluetooth controller with it, I'd rather just wait until June.

Andrew Yoon @ Apr 14th 2008 11:15AM

Perhaps it's fixed that "lag" that you're talking about, because I do perform much better with the Nyko controller.

Dark Archon @ Apr 14th 2008 4:29AM

Sold out everywhere already... D'oh...

"Pre-order Ships 5/15/2008"...

Matt @ Apr 14th 2008 10:28AM

Does anyone know if this fits in the Guitar Hero "Dual Gig Bag"? Just wondering, cause it'd be a nice perk if it did...

Also, is anyone going to review the TAC Widow Maker? That one's been on my radar for a little while now as well, coming out soon and sounds great, as well...

Dan @ Apr 14th 2008 5:18PM

There is no way the TAC guitar will work with GH1 and GH2 on the PS3. When you start the PS2 games the PS3 turns off the USB ports. So any controller that has a USB dongle won't work.

nefarious098 @ Apr 14th 2008 7:12PM

I guess the next question is... has anyone actually FOUND one of these anywhere?

Han @ Apr 14th 2008 9:29PM

I think that's a bit deceitful on their part. It will work with GH I and II, but I think they mean on the PS2. What a sneaky way of advertising!

MasterInsan0 @ Apr 15th 2008 2:20PM

http://www.nyko.com/Nyko/Support/Product.aspx?t=faqs&p=130

Question:
Does the PS3 FrontMan work with the PS2 version of Guitar Hero I, II, III and Rock Band?
Answer:
No. The PS3 FrontMan does not work on the PS2 version of Guitar Hero I, II, III or Rock Band.

MasterInsan0 @ Apr 15th 2008 2:19PM

You mean...Nyko actually made a decent peripheral for once?! I'm floored.

Actually, from the sounds of it, it's better than the Rock Band Strat. Makes me wish there was a 360 version.

Stranger Danger @ Apr 16th 2008 9:16AM

The Ant Commando Guitar works like this,

Compatibility Matrix

1. Guitar Hero I, II, III for PlayStation 2
2. Guitar Hero III for PlayStation 3
3. Rock Band for PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3

Package Content:

1. Sticker sheet
2. Wireless receiver for PS2 and PS3
3. Guitar Strap
4. Instruction manual
5. Widow Maker Bass Guitar Controller
6. FreedomClip

skechers @ Apr 17th 2008 10:16PM

My Nyko Frontman guitar controller for PS3 arrived today, but I could not get it to link at all. =(

skechers @ Apr 18th 2008 4:28AM

UPDATE: My Nyko Frontman for PS3 works now! The link button on the USB adapter was pressed in and was stuck, so i popped it out. It worked perfectly on both GH3 and RB for PS3!

Tad @ Apr 28th 2008 9:20AM

The frets suck. I recommend the original..

Daniel @ May 4th 2008 2:55PM

I bought 2 of these and they work flawlessly. I say F both activision and harmonix. I bought their games used on ebay and paid well spent money on these guitars. My GF and I play together on GH3 & Rock Band all the time and we have had absolutely no issues. I wouldn't recomend this guitar for left handed players though. It's strange shape is only functional right-side up.

I also have a ps2 so I'm going to buy GH 1&2 and see if they work.

Chava713 @ May 15th 2008 7:17PM

It wont work for me. I try to do what the instructions say but it wont get the signal or something. Can someone please do a video of the set up or try to help me somehow? Please, it would really help. Thank you!

Carmen @ May 21st 2008 9:48PM

i just bought this guitar today, and i'm pretty pleased with it. i like the "clicky" strumming. and i absolutely hate the rock band guitar... so i like this one much better ^_^ the only thing that really was bothering me was that the linking instructions are WRONG! for anyone having trouble linking the controller, you need to press the "ps" button 3 times, and it will link.