After teasing one thing final month, PDP formally introduced the Riffmaster, a brand new wi-fi guitar controller releasing this Spring.
The PDP Riffmaster has two configurations: one appropriate with the Xbox Collection X/S and Xbox One, whereas the opposite works on PS4 and PS5. As you’ll be able to see from the photographs under, at first look, it seems much like plastic guitar controllers made on the peak of Guitar Hero and Rock Band’s reputation. However a better examination reveals some noticeable modifications to the components.
Most notably, the Riffmaster has a thumbstick behind the guitar, an ambidextrous design, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a promised battery lifetime of 36 hours on a single cost. Riffmaster’s disassembly, in the meantime, is fairly distinctive. As an alternative of detaching the guitar physique and the lengthy neck to create a two-piece teardown, the Riffmaster makes use of a foldable design that makes it simple to journey or retailer.
One piece that may detach from the controller is the pickguard, which can doubtless include many designs, permitting for some customization. It is a good contact, contemplating the best way some Guitar Hero and Rock Band gamers put stickers on their controllers for private aptitude.
PDP Riffmaster might be appropriate with two video games: Rock Band 4, which launched its ultimate DLC final week, and Fortnite Pageant, as soon as Harmonix releases an replace that permits the sport to help Rock Band guitar controllers. When the replace does arrive, Fortnite Pageant will considerably profit from guitar controller help as this free-to-play rhythm sport is controller and keyboard-only in the mean time, making it really feel odd to play.
“Fortnite Pageant is simply… Rock Band on a gamepad, and it is slightly like taking part in a lightweight gun sport on an analogue stick. Yeah, it really works, but it surely does not really feel like fairly the correct option to play it,” my colleague Luke Reilly wrote in his evaluation of Fortnite Pageant, which he scored a 4/10.
PDP has not but shared a value for the Riffmaster, however the controller might be launched someday this spring.
Taylor is a Reporter at IGN. You possibly can observe her on Twitter @TayNixster.