Rock Band 3 Will Launch on the 26th of October

Harmonix has announced that Rock Band 3 will be released on the 26th of October in North America on the Xbox 360, the PlayStation 3, the Nintendo Wii and the Nintendo DS. The latest core installment in the Rock Band series will contain 83 songs to choose from, as well as a huge library of downloadable content packs available for purchase.

North American customers have the chance to pre-order the game to receive some retailer-specific bonuses. Those who choose GameStop for their PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 Rock Band 3 pre-orders will have free access to three downloadable songs at launch. They are Burning Down the House by Talking Heads, My Own Summer the Deftones and Blue Monday by New Order.

Those who reserve an Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 or Nintendo Wii copy of Rock Band 3 using Amazon will get a free exclusive in-game guitar. HD console Amazon pre-orders will also come with a ten-dollar price reduction for a future video game purchase. Wal-Mart's online customers who pre-order the game will receive a ten-dollar eGift card for a limited time.

Harmonix also revealed that Rock Band 3 will be shipped simultaneously worldwide, so fans living outside the United States should expect that the title will release soon after the North American launch date. While Mad Catz is the official peripheral manufacturer for the latest rhythm outing to come from Harmonix, the developer promised that any kind of plastic instrument would be compatible with Rock Band 3, even those that come with Guitar Hero games. Mad Catz will also be producing the peripherals needed for the new Pro Mode of Rock Band 3. These plastic instruments will resemble real guitars and drums more closely and will allow players to easily learn how to rock.