It's been a very long time since a brand-new Guitar Hero-style game released on Xbox, with the last one being Guitar Hero Live in 2015 (unless you count Fortnite Festival in 2023), but another one has now been announced for Xbox!
This game is called Sound System, and it's being developed by the team at Echo Foundry Interactive, led by two veterans of the Guitar Hero, DJ Hero and Band Hero games. It's described as a "next-generation rhythm platform built for performance, competition, and community", featuring support for guitar, bass and vocals at launch.
Sound System will be split across both Classic and Pro modes, with the former featuring more relaxed timing windows and no-fail states, while the Pro option is for players "seeking the ultimate challenge". It's also going to be a free-to-play game by default, but a "Complete" edition for $34.99 will allow players to unlock all 60 launch tracks along with other in-game bonuses. Individual tracks will also be available to purchase as DLC.
One of the other major focuses of Sound System will be customisation, with dynamic backgrounds, custom themes and full-motion videos all available to choose from, and even a note chart editor that's being integrated into the game!
Here's a bit more about Sound System from a press release:
"Sound System is a next-generation rhythm game that brings guitar gaming back to its classic arcade roots while introducing an entirely new platform built around free music, streamers, and community-driven gameplay. Players can shred guitar, sing vocals, and build their own note charts for any tune anytime, unlocking a new era of music gaming. Sound System is scheduled for release first on PC, due Spring 2026, with PlayStation®, Nintendo® Switch™ and Xbox versions also in development."
Now, as you can see, Sound System will be launching first on PC in Spring 2026, and we've seen further documentation that suggests it'll release in May. There's no word on when the Xbox version will arrive just yet, but it'll hopefully support even more features when it does — a roadmap mentions support for lots more DLC tracks, an XP levelling system, a "massive core track setlist" and even support for drum pads and keyboards in the future.
While we wait for an Xbox release date, it's worth mentioning that Drakong has properly unveiled its new guitar controller as part of the Sound System reveal, known as the "InfinaKore Telecaster Edition". This controller will feature a fully modular design featuring customisable components, as well as a new Fret-Tapping D-Pad mechanic that's said to "challenge players old and new".
"Introducing the ultimate Guitar Hero™ and Rock Band™ hybrid guitar. The InfiniKore “Telecaster® Edition”! This one of a kind guitar was made with the community at heart. Equipped with a fully modular design, brand new ways to rock, modern innovations, and accessibility in mind, the InfinKore “Telecaster® Edition” is your robust one stop shop. Made for rhythm gamers to jam out on their favorite platforms; from Fortnite® Festival, to Guitar Hero™ & RockBand™, or Clone Hero & Yarg, redefine what it means to rock out with the InfiniKore!"
We'll leave you with the trailer for that new Telecaster Edition controller down below, and of course, don't forget that other guitar controllers like the Riffmaster and even the original Rock Band 4 guitar controller will also work when Sound System arrives.