Filed under: Gaming, Peripherals

Previously, the ship dates for Rock Band 2 instruments ranged from “sometime within the next few months” to “sometime.” Now, however, we’re hearing that the standalone wireless drums ($90) and guitar ($70) will begin to ship out next week. Additionally, Mad Catz’s Fender P-Bass wireless guitar controller ($70) and the wired ION Drum Rocker set ($300) should clutter up floor space around the same time. RB2 party to celebrate the Q3 close? Sign us up.

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Filed under: Gaming

Finally got around to trading in that raincheck for your very own Wii? Good. Ready to pick up Rock Band? Believe it or not, we think we know that the aforementioned title is indeed headed to Nintendo’s darling — that’s according to EA’s CEO John Riccitiello, who was reportedly heard mentioning its “coming launch” on a recent conference call. Apparently, IGN even went the extra mile and pinged EA for additional confirmation (and got it), and while no details surrounding a release date, price or wicked new setlist were uncovered, at least you’ve got a few ticks to start scrounging up spare change.

[Via Joystiq]

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Filed under: Gaming

In a bit of shocking news today, two members of the Rock Band instruments set (drums, guitar) have declared that come February 12th, they’re going solo. Citing “creative differences,” and the original bundled guitar’s inability to “clean up its act,” the two solo pieces will be on their own and available for $79.99 and $59.99, respectively. This should come as good tidings for players who’ve had trouble getting a bass into the mix (PlayStation 3 gamers), or those who’ve wanted to rock the drum vs. drum match-ups. No word on whether the microphone will join the fray and walk out on the trio, though rumor has it a number of labels are ready with offers.

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Filed under: Features, Gaming

There’s only a select few titles that are really worth obsessing over for nearly half a year, but apparently, Rock Band is indeed a member of that upper echelon. After months of drooling over images of the game’s accompanying hardware assortment, the star-studded title has finally landed on store shelves, and according to Electronic Arts, copies haven’t been hanging around for long. In a report posted yesterday, EA noted that it moved “hundreds of thousands” of boxes over the Thanksgiving weekend, and judging by most every review we’ve seen, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. ‘Course, with so much critical hardware packed in, it’s not terribly surprising to hear that some early adopters found a few flaws, but it seems that EA has fessed up to the issues and is offering VIP treatment (read: immediate replacements) to those with jacked up axes.

Now that you’ve had some time to work out those vocal cords, brush up on your drum rolls and mosh in your own living room, inquiring minds are dying to know how you would have done things differently. We’ve already given you a shot to vouch for your rhythm game of choice, but haters and posse members alike can feel free to step up to the proverbial microphone and voice your wishes. Would you have thrown in a Telecaster rather than a Strat? How about embedding an accelerometer in the microphone in order to accumulate kudos for mindless twirling? Totally bummed by the omission of a wildly flamboyant mic stand a la Steven Tyler? Whatever your beef, don’t hold back on this one — your All Access pass to remixing Rock Band has (un)officially been granted.

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