Use your 3D printer to customize this new Stage Tour guitar PC controller

The rhythm gaming genre, which soared to prominence in the mid-2000s with titles like Guitar Hero and Rock Band, is poised for a resurgence with the release of Stage Tour in 2026. This new entry from RedOctane Games promises to reinvigorate band-based gameplay, accompanied by fresh hardware innovations. Among these peripherals is the InfinaKore Fender Telecaster Edition, a customizable guitar controller designed by Drakong, a California-based company under the HyperKin umbrella.

Set to retail at approximately $130, the InfinaKore controller emphasizes user creativity through its modular design. Players can personalize their instrument by modifying the physical form factor via 3D printing, enabling alterations to the guitar’s body shape, size, and color. This open-source approach allows for a unique blend of gaming and maker culture, inviting users to craft bespoke controllers that reflect individual style or community-generated designs.

Beneath its customizable exterior, the controller incorporates advanced hardware components tailored for performance and durability. The top frets utilize low-profile Kailh Choc mechanical switches that are hot-swappable, providing tactile responsiveness and the option for easy maintenance or customization. In contrast, the lower frets employ membrane switches, balancing cost and function. The strum and whammy bars are equipped with hall-effect sensors, which offer enhanced longevity by reducing mechanical wear.

Innovative features extend to the fretboard layout, which includes elements styled as a directional pad (D-pad) to expand strumming techniques and gameplay interaction. The controller also addresses portability concerns with a foldable neck design, allowing players to store and transport the device conveniently.

Connectivity options support multiple modes, including tri-mode wireless and wired configurations, facilitating compatibility across various platforms and games. A four-mode slider switch and dedicated power-up button augment gameplay control, while tilt detection adds another layer of input, enabling functions such as entering power-up modes seamlessly.

Furthermore, button mapping capabilities provide players the flexibility to tailor controls to their preferences, enhancing accessibility and custom gameplay setups. These comprehensive technical features position the InfinaKore Fender Telecaster as a versatile peripheral for rhythm game enthusiasts.

The upcoming Stage Tour title from RedOctane is anticipated to revitalize the music rhythm genre, and the introduction of this controller complements the game’s launch by offering a fresh hardware experience. While details about the game itself remain limited, the emphasis on modular, customizable hardware reflects a broader trend toward personalization in gaming peripherals.

As rhythm games evolve, the integration of user-driven customization and advanced switch technologies illustrates the intersection of hardware innovation and player engagement. The InfinaKore controller represents a significant step forward in this niche, potentially setting a new standard for guitar controllers in the genre.

For players and collectors alike, the arrival of the InfinaKore Fender Telecaster controller marks an exciting opportunity to combine gameplay with creative expression. Its release later this year is expected to generate interest among both longtime fans and newcomers drawn by the promise of adaptable and durable rhythm game hardware.