Ever since the series’ revival was announced, it’s been clear that Mad Catz and Harmonix are going the extra mile with Rock Band 4’s backward compatibility options. As the game crosses the console generation divide, they’ve made it clear that previous DLC purchases will roll across within a given console ecosystem – so from Xbox 360 to Xbox One, and PlayStation 3 to 4 – as well as doing their utmost to support older peripherals alongside the new.
On PlayStation 4, that’s as easy as plugging in the USB cable or dongle from the PS3 instruments – a full compatibility list can be found here – but it’s more complicated for Xbox One owners. Wired Xbox 360 instruments aren’t supported, with a Harmonix representative saying to Polygon that “We don’t currently support wired USB instruments.” Wireless Xbox 360 instruments, which connect natively with the 360, are being supported with a USB adapter for Xbox One to work around Microsoft’s changing wireless protocols.
Including this raises the RRP of the standalone game on Microsoft’s console to $80/£70, compared to the standard $60/£50 on PlayStation. It’s a slight sting in the tail for those looking to keep their DLC and peripheral collection from 360 useful by sticking with Xbox One.
Of course, that’s still a much cheaper option than buying the game bundled with a new guitar for around £110 or with guitar, drums and microphone for £220…
Starman
I bet that adapter costs them about 7p to make.
Stefan L
Well, there’s the R&D, the wireless chipset, potential licensing fees to MS, manufacturing on a potentially quite limited scale and the increased cost of shipping and distribution for a larger box… I think it’s safe to say it costs more than 7p to make?
Starman
Maybe I underestimated it a bit, but I bet it’s still nowhere near £20.
Kennykazey
That’s a bit steep, but still worth it for owners of older instruments. Which I suppose is why it’s priced that way.
I understand the need for a wireless adapter given the 360s taste for peculiar standards. But it’s a bit odd the wired instruments aren’t supported. And what’s with the “currently” part?
I’d say it was to sell new instruments, but then we’d see the same thing on PS4. Maybe there’s an upcoming update for the XO that adds greater USB compatibility? Maybe they’re getting round it using the backwards compatibility? Weird.
Advanced Imouto
I’m glad they’re supporting the Guitar Hero instruments as well, since I still have the drum kit and Guitar from World Tour. May need to upgrade the hard drive as I have a ton of Rock Band DLC. Speaking of, does anyone know if the export keys work on PS4?
coruscant
I’m so looking forward to this, me and my friends still play Rock Band (1) when we get together. It was PS3 though so luckily I don’t have to shell out for the adaptor, but I might get the guitar bundle cos I have a Rock Band 1 guitar and a Guitar Hero guitar and I’d like to replace the Guitar Hero one.