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Beatles: Rock Band gets cheaper bundles

Retail Radar: Best Buy, Wal-Mart, Amazon offering Fab Four's upcoming game packed in with standard guitar, drums, and microphone for $140-$160.

Beatles fans have long understood that the Fab Four's music and merchandise often command a premium over those of merely mortal musicians. So it wasn't incredibly surprising when the Beatles: Rock Band Limited Edition bundles were announced with look-alike instruments for $250.

You could still get a complete band bundle of Rock Band 2 and the stand-alone Beatles: Rock Band game for the same price as that $160 Special Value bundle.

You could still get a complete band bundle of Rock Band 2 and the stand-alone Beatles: Rock Band game for the same price as that $160 Special Value bundle.

However, with just two weeks to go until the game's September 9 launch, new product listings from retailers like Wal-Mart, Best Buy, and Amazon indicate that the Beatles game will also be available in another instrument-laden bundle. The "Special Value Edition" of the game carries a relatively thrifty suggested retail price of $160, although Best Buy and Amazon are charging $140 for the package.

According to the Amazon product description, the Special Value Edition includes a copy of The Beatles: Rock Band, a standard Rock Band guitar, drums, a microphone, a USB hub, and a guitar strap. The Limited Edition package is essentially the same, but it replaces the standard Rock Band instruments with a Beatles-branded drum kit and a Hoffner bass controller. The Limited Edition bundle also includes a mic stand and unspecified "additional special game content."

The Beatles: Rock Band is set for release on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Wii. For more on the game, check out GameSpot's previous coverage.

46 Comments

  • Binarynova

    Posted Sep 8, 2009 6:05 pm GMT

    I must be the only person excited about the $250 bundle. I'm picking it up tomorrow morning and I'm not looking back. Is it expensive? Yes. Is it overpriced? Yep. Do I care? No. I have wanted a Beatles only music game since the day I picked up Guitar Hero for my PS2.

    The themed instruments are just a bonus to me. When my brother asks me what I want for Christmas I'll mention one of the guitars. When my parents ask me I'll mention the other. I already have, and even my parents can see that this is different than your typical GH/RB game... and they aren't even gamers.

    The Beatles are my favorite band. I've been a Beatlemaniac since I was in elementary school in the late 80s. The gear, the music, the history... this game is the real deal.

    Only thing I'm worried about really is the fact that I cringed every time my friends played drums on RB1... and those drums didn't cost me this much. I think I'll always be the multiplayer drummer. They get a little... excited (read: violent).

  • tbbeltz

    Posted Aug 31, 2009 5:33 pm GMT

    I just bought Rock Band 2 with all of the instruments ($100), a used copy of the original Rock Band ($15), and pre-ordered Beatles Rock Band ($60). A total of $185. I am a huge Beatles fan, but felt the $250 package was outrageously priced. I saved $65 and got two more games.

  • PatrickMurphly

    Posted Aug 26, 2009 11:25 pm GMT

    Yeah this is kind of a scam. Lure in the diehard fans with the super expensive set. Then once all their preorders are in, make a last minute announcement about the "value" version and get all the people who wouldn't shell out $250. It's genius really, but if I had already paid for the expensive one I'd be ticked off right about now... (Especially since you gotta know the two sets cost them nearly the same to manufacture) Can't blame em though! Good money making strategy!

  • Indiscrimi

    Posted Aug 26, 2009 11:06 pm GMT

    In support of belgand42, after playing RB2 for god knows how many hours, I went out and bought a Jackson Kelly guitar. I'm learning to play it, and it's all because of these games.

    I also understand BattleSword1's position. A game is just more accessible than the real thing and offers immediate gratification. But there are people out there who, like me, have been inspired to take the next step. Don't give up on music games just yet.

  • Indiscrimi

    Posted Aug 26, 2009 10:57 pm GMT

    I know this will get me a tonne of thumbs downs, but I hope Beatles Rock Band bombs. Seriously. Harmonix went their seperate ways with Activision after GH2 and got really successful for it. Now they're imitating Activision with a specific band themed game. This seems like a step backwards.

    The success of RB1 and 2 has gone to the Harmonix team's collective heads. They think that anything they release will automatically be successful, and they NEED a crushing failure to bring them back to reality and set them on the right path again. That said, the new vocal mechanics look like a good step forward, and I look forward to trying them in RB3, 'cause I am not getting this game.

  • belgand42

    Posted Aug 26, 2009 6:29 pm GMT

    @BattleSword1

    This is an old, tired argument and it just doesn't hold up. Music games have been shown repeatedly to make people even more interested in learning to play an instrument. I know a number of people who have picked up a guitar or bass in response to it and pretty large number of people who have started on the drums as well. At least one person who did both bass and drums.

  • KoRnbizkitpie

    Posted Aug 26, 2009 6:24 pm GMT

    Think I'll get GH5 instead.

  • Elvis4576

    Posted Aug 26, 2009 4:54 pm GMT

    I wouldnt even give thought to 250 but its the beatles anyone else and i wouldnt have thought about it

  • diablo_del_bano

    Posted Aug 26, 2009 4:34 pm GMT

    Maybe you have USB receivers for the PS2 versions, but for a PS3 or 360, the wireless instruments use the system's own built in wireless technology.

  • Hunt270

    Posted Aug 26, 2009 2:13 pm GMT

    I'll probably snag the game and a guitar, thank you.

  • mariokart64fan

    Posted Aug 26, 2009 1:43 pm GMT

    im calling highway robbery on this one , , 249 for a game and some cheap guitars and only 4 lowsey drums
    and a cheap microphone almost every one who owns rockband already has lol
    even at 160 , , give me a break 79,99 should be the price of the game the highest 129,99 no fn way will any one pay 90 more then they paid for the 360 lol or just as much as they paid for their wii lol

  • mustanggirl9

    Posted Aug 26, 2009 1:22 pm GMT

    hey ive tried playing a real electric guitar but i just couldnt get it so rockband is for the hopeless like me, i can sing but i just cant play guitar to save my life...=( ...but im excited I love the Beatles!!!

  • HisCreation

    Posted Aug 26, 2009 1:09 pm GMT

    Highway robbery. That price is extremely high.. I like The Beatles, and I like Rock Band but $250? You've got to be kidding. And those Beatles inspired instruments are way to cool to pass up so who would buy this $160 dollar bundle when you could buy rock band 2 with all the instruments and the Rock Band Beatles game for cheaper than that.. Lol.

  • Hvac0120

    Posted Aug 26, 2009 12:09 pm GMT

    @jjdomo Yes; you have to plug in the USB receivers for the instruments. The mic is still wired, though. They need a wireless mic and a single receiver that can sync with all the instruments (2 of each would be nice).
    _

  • AirPortugall

    Posted Aug 26, 2009 11:53 am GMT

    @BattleSword1 i find that sad aswell but i don't blame the people that make music games for this happening. Companies know people aren't always up for the work and effort to start a real band or whatever reason for it so if they can just buy a game and get somewhat of the feeling of being in a band - they're happy. Just like every gaming company - if they make money of it it's all good for them.

  • BattleSword1

    Posted Aug 26, 2009 10:51 am GMT

    While I have nothing against Rock Band or The Beatles, I no longer support music games. Why? Because with all of the new ones being released, no one will be interested in playing ACTUAL MUSIC. My friend chose to spend his school grade money on this game instead of a real bass guitar. It's rather sad, if you ask me.

  • jjdomo

    Posted Aug 26, 2009 10:18 am GMT

    @diablo del bano

    even though they are wireless, you have to plug the receiver thingies into the usb ports, right?

  • diablo_del_bano

    Posted Aug 26, 2009 10:14 am GMT

    Hopefully they at least use RB2 instruments, I like the RB2 drums better than the RB1 drums. I'm guessing because of the USB hub, these are not though, all the RB2 instruments are wireless I believe. Mine are at least, but I bought them separate rather than in the pack.

    I wonder though, will it work with this:
    http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002EWD09A

    Because I have been considering getting that, and if I got one, I would have two mics to do the harmony parts

  • Torque203

    Posted Aug 26, 2009 9:05 am GMT

    i like the new beatles guiters there comming out with

  • Hvac0120

    Posted Aug 26, 2009 8:42 am GMT

    Here's a special deal... Buy Rock Band 2 at Target this week for $89.99 (US) and then The Beatles: Rock Band game for $60. That means you get the instruments (albeit not The Beatles branded), Rock Band 2 and The Beatles: Rock Band all for $150.
    _

  • TheJediExile

    Posted Aug 26, 2009 7:16 am GMT

    Oh boy... I can't wait to deal with all the people asking if we'll match Wal-Mart's Special Value Edition's price

  • Harerazer

    Posted Aug 26, 2009 6:21 am GMT

    The $250 package will still probably be $250. You didn't read that the Special Value bundle has regular RB instruments...maybe even RB1 wired drums for all we know.

    Me, I'll just get the game alone if it's compatible (and it looks like it is). I already have two mics and Gamestop has them for like $10 or something if I need another, which I doubt.

  • MrT__

    Posted Aug 26, 2009 4:01 am GMT

    This product has been listed in the UK for a few weeks now, its the RB:Beatles game with the RB1 instrument pack here.

  • 13ALUCARD13

    Posted Aug 26, 2009 1:52 am GMT

    personaly music games has officialy gotten on my nerves since thats all it seems to apeal people around where i live.......but yeah....beatles......new graphics....band member actualy playing.......i might consider this game....even tho im annoyed

  • Gothika707

    Posted Aug 26, 2009 12:37 am GMT

    Beatles damn this maybe the only music game i'll get

  • pycho22solid

    Posted Aug 25, 2009 10:54 pm GMT

    I'm a little excited for this game but all together I'm a little tired of music games- and shelling out $100+ to get the full experience for the game (meaning you'd need the drums, guitar, AND mic) just isn't worth it to me anymore.
    But still it's the Beatles, gotta love em

  • killer978452

    Posted Aug 25, 2009 9:17 pm GMT

    Well since the $250 deal includes special content and look alike content And I have enough money I'm getting that.

  • Wowbelowme

    Posted Aug 25, 2009 8:45 pm GMT

    What if you already pre ordered it does that mean you will get some money back? Because i pre ordered it for 250$

  • royal7thguy

    Posted Aug 25, 2009 6:38 pm GMT

    Uh-oh for gamestop because they haven't lowed their price down yet. Trade-in values and a wide distribution won't help them this time...

    Still probably the music game of the year.

  • otanikun

    Posted Aug 25, 2009 6:06 pm GMT

    Now that's what I like to see, still out of my price range for one game but it's at least cheaper than the original price

  • PatchMaster

    Posted Aug 25, 2009 5:50 pm GMT

    And yet a stand alone guitar still costs $70-90? Kinda weird that I wanna get this game and a second guitar and this bundle may be the cheapest option to do so.

  • BanjoMumbo

    Posted Aug 25, 2009 5:49 pm GMT

    I was originally going to just buy the $60 game alone, now I can think otherwise.

  • baystatethrashr

    Posted Aug 25, 2009 5:30 pm GMT

    great deal for people who dont want the beatle themed instruments, even though i think they look amazing

  • Paul_GameFury

    Posted Aug 25, 2009 4:52 pm GMT

    I have been an avid defender of the bundles, but they do seem to be getting excessive. The drum sets can be bought from Ebay for less than $40. Guitars are around $20. A USB mic is usually under $10. I can't imagine having the Beatles replica instruments will make the bundle worth another $100 or so. Even the Beatles instruments will probably start popping up on the Internet barely used for good prices after Christmas. However, the standard package for $140 or $160 is probably a good deal for fans that don't have any instruments yet.

  • lamprey263

    Posted Aug 25, 2009 4:40 pm GMT

    well, since I never got Rock Band 2 and the game w/ peripherals comes to just $100 now, I can get Rock Band 2 and Beatles: Rock Band for a total of $160 by getting the Rock Band 2 bundle and just the Beatles: Rock Band game (w/o instuments) - that too me makes more sense than paying for the Beatles: Rock Band with standard instruments for the same price

  • brian_13un

    Posted Aug 25, 2009 4:35 pm GMT

    Cool

  • irongobbo

    Posted Aug 25, 2009 4:03 pm GMT

    So when it says "Standard Guitar" I hope it means the rock band 2 instruments, cuz they were wayyy beter then the rock band one instruments

  • BlackSubmarine

    Posted Aug 25, 2009 3:51 pm GMT

    Absolutely love the beatles, this is my most anticipated game of the year. But I will skip the bundle. I just started college, and I am not going to be spending a lot of money. Already got 2 guitars, 3 microphones (2 singstar mics) and will buy the drums, since mine broke, but will order it from amazon. VIVA LA BEATLE!!!!!!!!!!!!1

  • nickythenewt21

    Posted Aug 25, 2009 3:42 pm GMT

    I think that I might, since this will be my first (and probably only) Rock Band game, buy the instruments off of eBay and just get the game by itself.

  • AstroChimp83

    Posted Aug 25, 2009 3:33 pm GMT

    So wait, neither the $250 or the $160 edition come with 3 microphones? The only reason I'm really interested in this is for crazy 3-part Beatles harmony. I don't want to have to pay even more for things that should be included right out.

  • wh1te_m4trix

    Posted Aug 25, 2009 3:18 pm GMT

    I agree with Freakalator, it is a ridiculous price to pay. For instance, you can get a pretty decent acoustic guitar for $200 and attempt to learn the real thing. Sure, games like Rock Band and Guitar Hero are pretty entertaining and simulate the action of playing guitar, drums and bass for those people who don't have the patience or find it very difficult, but $250 is way overpriced, plus as jazilla mentioned, $20 per album, seems kinda harsh.

  • messtimeteacher

    Posted Aug 25, 2009 3:17 pm GMT

    @freakalator:
    well, buying a Fender doesn't make you a rock star either. The fun about those plastic instruments is that anyone can join in, even when they don't read a note.

  • Savvy30039

    Posted Aug 25, 2009 3:15 pm GMT

    Weren't these made known like weeks ago?

  • jazilla

    Posted Aug 25, 2009 3:12 pm GMT

    So $250 for the look alike stuff with game included. $20 per album for DLC. Pass thanks.

  • messtimeteacher

    Posted Aug 25, 2009 2:58 pm GMT

    I'm not concerned about the initial costs for playing this game, one can save money and look forward buying a great game. But I'm wondering whether the DLC will be released at a reasonable rate. A DLC album every month is a bit steep I think. For what I understand there will be other sorts of DLC too.

  • freakalator posted Aug 25, 2009 2:58 pm GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    freakalator

    Posted Aug 25, 2009 2:58 pm GMT (hide)

    OMG what?!?! I mean I've always assumed that these games were like $120 tops..I can't believe people pay upwards of $200 for plastic instruments!! O_o

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