The Riffmaster Wireless Guitar Controller from PDP is a great option if you love music games and an added layer of realism. I’m old enough to remember Rock Band and the original Guitar Hero games. Accordingly, I couldn’t wait to take a walk down memory lane with this spectacular wireless controller!
Designed for Rock Band 4 and Fortnite Festival, this controller lets you thrash your way through your favourite songs. Moreover, it ups the ante with its build quality. The original wired options were clunky and tough to store. Thankfully, PDP has removed this issue, as this guitar can be folded and easily stored. On top of this, the materials are great, and the actuation distance of the buttons and the whammy bar is comfortable. Consequently, this is a superb option to get your “rock” on.
What’s in the box of the Riffmaster Wireless Guitar Controller?
- The packaging is smaller than expected. Furthermore, it is eye-catching and robust.
- The Riffmaster Wireless Guitar Controller has a classic look. The clean black finish looks amazing. Moreover, the device features a D-pad, an analogue stick, and audio controls.
- Use the strap if you love to stand and play.
- A USB cable and USB dongle are provided.
- Learn the basics with the user manual.
Technical aspects.
This officially licensed Xbox product is compatible with PC and all modern Xbox machines. However, a word of warning: Rock Band 4 can no longer be downloaded. Accordingly, if you don’t own the disc, you will not be able to use this controller on Xbox Series S. Alternatively, if you only wish to play Fortnite Festival, this controller will work perfectly.
Designed for wireless action only, you’ll enjoy up to 30 feet of low-latency gaming. I didn’t test it to that distance, but it would work perfectly from around 12 to 15 feet. Moreover, as long as you use the controller calibration tool on each game, you’ll enjoy lag-free gaming.
No one wants low battery life and endless charging. Thankfully, the Riffmaster Wireless Guitar Controller offers up to 36 hours of wireless gaming. This was great, and the figure is pretty accurate. I used it straight out of the box, and I got around 34 hours. Subsequently, you’ll use this for marathon sessions with ease.
Usability.
This controller is fantastic to use. Despite my ageing reactions, it was a joy to use. It matters not if you are left or right-handed, this guitar can be used either way. Moreover, the analogue stick is well-positioned, comfortable, and a vast improvement over the original guitar.
Once you have this set up, you have nothing else to do. Connecting it to your Xbox or PC is a simple task. Plug in the USB dongle, switch on the guitar, and away you go. Accordingly, this is the perfect option regardless of your skills or abilities.
Build quality.
The Riffmaster Wireless Guitar Controller consists of three main parts. The neck and body are connected with a robust hinge and a sliding lock. This is a phenomenal design choice that delivers durable build quality that is easy to stow. The end part of the guitar can be removed with ease. This has a push switch that is secure and will last the test of time.
The accessories are well-built, and I like the quality and comfort of the strap. Furthermore, the USB cable and dongle are simple but hard-wearing. Additionally, the coloured buttons, analogue stick, D-pad, whammy bar, and strum bar feel amazing and will resist wear and tear.
Is the Riffmaster Wireless Guitar Controller worth it?
Although this is a rather niche product, the Riffmaster Wireless Guitar Controller from PDP will appeal to music-loving gamers. Rock Band 4 may be a dated experience, but the Fortnite Festival moves things forward. As such, if you want to maximise your time with this game, this controller is a must. It looks great, and it is easy to use. Moreover, it is durable, comfortable, and the only way to play a music-based game. Accordingly, it is fantastic, and you should buy it here!
(More information on Turtle Beach can be found here!)
(Full disclosure! A sample was provided for an unbiased and free review!)
