Features & Specifications
The Gene Simmons AXE Game Controller features the ability to work with both the PS3 and PS2 consoles. In addition to working with two consoles, the controller also works with both Rock Band and Guitar Hero. This is also the first guitar controller to be officially licensed 3/4 size replica of the guitar Gene Simmons made famous. Wireless connectivity uses 2.4GHz technology for a range of 30-feet. Power comes from three AA batteries and is promised to be 40 hours.

In Use
Definitely, the first thing you notice about the Gene Simmons AXE Game Controller is the design. If you ever saw a Kiss video or a live concert you will be familiar with the axe that Simmons made famous. The Gene Simmons AXE Game Controller is a replica of the actual guitar and looks appropriately heavy metal. The body is black and the edge of the axe is done in silver.

The buttons used on the controller are more like what you see on a stock Guitar Hero controller than what Rock Band players are used to seeing. The buttons are oval shaped with colors on each end. The middle fret button has three dots on it that you can feel allowing you to find the correct hand placement without looking down.

The neck offers lower solo buttons as well that are spaced closer together. An internal tilt sensor activates Star Power when the guitar is held up. The wireless transceiver plugs into the PS3 via a USB port and itself looks like a small axe. The switch for choosing Guitar Hero or Rock Band modes is on the transceiver.

The guitar itself has a power switch so you can conserve battery power when not in use and the connection button is located on the guitar. A shoulder strap is included as are the batteries to power the controller.

One of the things that some users had a problem with on the Peak wooden guitar controller I reviewed recently was the weight and size of the Peak controller. The Gene Simmons AXE Game Controller is sized about the same as a stock controller and weights about the same as well. This makes it easier for smaller players to handle. The Gene Simmons AXE Game Controller is also much cheaper than the Starpex controller at only $79.99. That is not much more than buying a second stock controller for either music game and the Gene Simmons AXE Game Controller looks much cooler. It's also neat that the Gene Simmons AXE Game Controller is a bass replica so your bassist can have a more correct looking controller.

Button feel is very good, though not quite up to the same level as the Peak controller. The whammy bar is positioned well and can be reached when needed but won’t get in the way during fast play. The strum bar offers good feel and should be durable enough. The controller also features a D-Pad and buttons for navigating game menus. The only real issue that might be a problem is that the neck of the Gene Simmons AXE Game Controller flexes a lot, which could mean a shorter lifespan if not well taken care of.