The most significant addition to the Rock Band gameplay is the new wireless keyboard controller, which features a 25-key wireless keyboard which can be laid flat on a table or held up with a strap while playing. The keyboard peripheral can also be used to play the guitar tracks. It will be priced at $79.99 if purchased separately, or $129.99 bundled with the game.
The Rock Band 3 drumset features a new cymbal kit, the PRO-Cymbals Expansion Kit, which is made to both reduce the sound made when hitting the cymbal and also increase responsiveness. The cymbal kit will be released separately at $39.99, but will also be bundled with the drumset controller.
Perhaps the most impressive new controller is the 120-button Fender Mustang PRO-Guitar, retailing at $150. The guitar is designed after the Fender Mustang, and contains six actual guitar strings and a 17-fret neck with six buttons on each fret. This guitar is meant for the Rock Band 3 Pro mode, which is designed to teach you how to play an actual instrument. The guitar also functions as a MIDI device, like the keyboard.
Finally, at $39.99 is the MIDI PRO-Adapter, which allows players to take any of their MIDI instruments and use them as Rock Band 3 controllers. The MIDI Pro adapter also has a D-pad and controller face buttons so that it can be easily used to navigate game menus.
Rock Band 3 launches this fall for all console platforms.