Kiss axe: Gene Simmons Guitar Hero controller

 CNET UK is reporting:

Helloooo, England! Are you ready to rawk? No? How about stand around in your living room clicking a plastic guitar? Yes? Cool. To make the whole thing a little more authentic, Kobian has made a fully equipped, axe-shaped guitar controller for PlayStation Guitar Hero and Rock Band games.

The controller is a three-quarter replica of Kiss singer Gene Simmons' signature bass guitar, and is slightly larger than the standard videogame guitar controllers.

The Gene Simmons Axe controller is compatible with both PlayStation 2 and 3, with a Wii version out later this year. It's customised with a replicated paint finish of the original axe. Both Simmons' autograph and famous Kiss face are painted on to the body of the controller.

The device offers wireless range up to 10m, and has five fret and narrow fret buttons with a fully functioning whammy bar and a durable strum bar. It's also USB-connect ready.

No word on UK prices or availability, but the new controller will be available at the end of the month -- on Hallowe'en, appropriately enough -- for $80 (£50) at Amazon.com. Face paint not included.

CNET UK