New Rock Band Box, Holiday 2011 Confirmed

[peterock2007]

Okay so it's a bundle of rb3 not a new rb, but still interesting info.

Yes, you read that correctly. I also had to double check the date of the source when I originally read this, as well.

We learned last year that peripheral maker MadCatz would be Rock Band 3′s official peripheral maker, and that outside of the Squier Pro-Guitar, production of all instruments for Rock Band 3 would be managed them. Unlike previous Rock Band core titles, Rock Band 3 did not come in a version bundled with all instruments, rather a single bundle was produced existing of only the game and the new Keys peripheral.

According to Gamasutra, MadCatz has entered into an agreement with Harmonix that allows them to re-release Rock Band 3 this coming holiday season. It also appears that MadCatz will be creating a few new bundles to satisfy customers who didn’t get on board last year. The first is a bundle that will include the game and both the Keys and Guitar peripherals. The second bundle will include the game and a Mustang Pro-Guitar.

If you remember, the price of the Rock Band 3 software was discounted to $19.99 earlier this year, and there is as of yet no word on the bundle pricing.

MadCatz president Darren Richardson commented on the agreement:

“We are pleased to assume publishing responsibilities for Rock Band 3 this holiday season. Rock Band is the ultimate interactive experience for any music fan, whether they’re looking for a great party game to share with friends, playing through Rock Band’s 3000 plus song library, or seeking out a fun way to learn guitar, drum or keyboard skills using Rock Band 3’s Pro Mode.”

While Rock Band 3 was a critical success, many sources note that the volume of sales was far less than expected. Does MadCatz believe they can capitalize on something that was missed the first time around?

This could increase the visibility of rb3, and push more new sales. I was considering buying a new drum set, but I guess I'll wait and see what the bundle looks like.

Also this pushed rb4 back even farther in our guessing when it will be released game. Holiday 2012 anyone?

[skyp1e]

Bundles like this might mean my buying some RB3 for friends and family this holiday season. Good thinking, HMX/Madcatz!

[dog037]

They should just release a Rock Band 3: Game of the Year Edition.

[tnevaker]

hmmm... i guess better a year late than never?

[samjjones]

Unless I am reading the press release wrong, I don't think drums are being included in the bundle. The bundle will be either 1) game, legacy guitar, keys, or 2) game and Mustang.

[Darky_06]

Any oppurtunity to increase the pro playerbase gets a tick in my book.

[MagicMurderBag7]

They should just release a Rock Band 3: Game of the Year Edition.

Don't those usually come with all the DLC? I'd buy it!

[thatmarkguy]

My 2 big questions:

Have whatever mysterious barriers that existed last year that prohibited the sale of software+hardware bundles in North America for the Wii and PS3... suddenly vanished?

Will anyone figure out a way to get this hardware across the border into Canada without requiring a Canadian would-be purchaser to go on a multi-week snipe hunt?

[Witticus]

I wonder if there's going to be an Epic Elite Edition featuring all the pro instruments. Like keyboard, mustang, multiple microphones, and pro drums?

More likely it's going to be just the regular drums, mic, and guitar bundle... possibly with keys.

[dog037]

I wonder if there's going to be an Epic Elite Edition featuring all the pro instruments. Like keyboard, mustang, multiple microphones, and pro drums?

More likely it's going to be just the regular drums, mic, and guitar bundle... possibly with keys.

There's only a game + keys and guitar bundle and a game + mustang bundle.