No Bluetooth for PS3 guitars

PS3 guitar peripherals for Rock Band and Guitar Hero 3 will not use Bluetooth technology at launch.

The news was unearthed by 1UP, who noticed a large and unwieldy wireless dongle drooping around a foot in length from the bottom of the Guitar Hero 3 axe.

When contacted about it, RedOctane spokesperson Bryan Lam said it had developed its own wireless solution so it could launch in time, because currently Bluetooth tools only cater for the Sixaxis controllers.

This was later confirmed by Rock Band developer Harmonix, which stated its first-generation of guitars would not feature Bluetooth. Let's hope a USB wireless dongle-hub is provided so all instruments can be played at the same time, then.

Some observers feel the hold-up is due to Sony not issuing adequate tools to allow third-parties to make use of the Bluetooth connectivity. Others suggest RedOctane and Harmonix looked to develop their own technology because of Sixaxis connection problems in the past.

Nintendo, however, doesn't have the same problems, as its peripherals will tap into the existing Bluetooth signals from the controllers. Microsoft will also not have to fart around with dongles, as it has a receiver built in to the Xbox 360.

Guitar Hero 3 is due out on PS3, PC, 360, Wii and PS2 on 23rd November. You can see how it is shaping up over in our Guitar Hero 3 gamepage, where you will also find the most up to date track list and our hands-on impressions.

Rock Band will be released in the first quarter of 2008. PS3 bundle packs will have wireless guitars while 360 boxes will feature wired peripherals and a USB hub to connect them all - wireless axes can be bought separately. Pop over to our Rock Band gamepage for more.