9 "Must-Have" Video Game Peripherals (That Instantly Flopped)
7. Guitar Hero Grip - Nintendo DS
What it was: Nintendo, Activision and Guitar Hero: On Tour developer Vicarious Visions' efforts to replicate the popularity of the rhythm action series on the former's original dual-screen handheld.
For that to happen, the DS needed a peripheral similar to that of its brethren and so, the Guitar Grip (complete with plectrum-shaped stylus) was born. Plugging into the DS' Game Boy Advance port, the grip emulated the same colour-coded finger slapping that made the main series so popular, only now, you could show off your fake instrumental skills in public.
Why it flopped: Unfortunately, not a single soul thought to test the comfort factor of wielding the DS as a guitar with an added block of plastic jutting out of one end. Holding, let alone using, the device in such a manner became exceedingly painful over time and the grip itself had a tendency to come loose from its docking station, causing all sorts of technical problems as a result.
The final nail in the coffin, though, came when Nintendo launched the DSi. Lacking the GBA port of the original, On Tour and its sequels were rendered literally unplayable on the new and improved handheld, in turn making the grip useless for any who wished to upgrade.
Great timing, Nintendo.