Rock Band 2 for 360 hits the road

Microsoft's Xbox 360 exclusivity window on Rock Band 2 kicks off this Sunday, as the tandem of MTV Games, Harmonix, and Electronic Arts have announced that their latest rhythm game is shipping to stores and will go on sale this Sunday, September 14.

While the stand-alone version of the Xbox 360 game and individual guitar and drum peripherals will launch this weekend, a full bundle including both instruments, a mic, and the game should follow next month. The game will arrive on the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, and Wii later this year.

Rock Band 2 adds a number of new features to last year's critically acclaimed original, including automatic calibration to compensate for TV lag, "no fail" and online World Tour modes, and backward compatibility with the original game's downloadable content. For an additional $5 fee, owners of the original can transfer most of that game's on-disc set list for play in the sequel. Harmonix is also allowing players to order Rock Band apparel and figures from within the game.

The Xbox 360 game will sell for $59.99, while the wireless Rock Band 2 drum kit is set at $89.99. A wireless Fender Stratocaster controller will sell for $69.99. Other companies will also be getting in on the instrument action, with Mad Catz offering a licensed Fender bass guitar controller, and ION releasing a $299 drum kit complete with cymbals and an all-metal kick drum pedal.

For more on the game, check out GameSpot's Rock Band 2 launch center.