Rock Band 4 coming to Xbox One and PlayStation 4 this year

Harmonix overnight announced it will release Rock Band 4 for Xbox One and PlayStation 4 this year, reviving the popular plastic instrument based franchise. While details are currently scarce, Harmonix has confirmed that gamers who purchase the title on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 will be able to re-download the DLC they own on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 for Rock Band 4 at no extra cost. It is however unlikely that all 2000-something songs will be ready for next-generation consoles at launch.

Rock Band 4 will again make use of plastic instruments: guitars, drums and microphone. In an interview with The Verge, Harmonix product manager Daniel Sussman said the company will be making new instruments, but also hopes to find a way to make old controllers compatible with the new title.

In the interview, Sussman suggested that Rock Band 4 will be built as a platform rather than the first in the number of subsequent sequels. Harmonix took a similar approach with Dance Central: Spotlight, allowing gamers to purchase the game at a low price and then pick and choose which songs to purchase. 

Harmonix has yet to announce any songs for Rock Band 4, but will provide further details during in E3 in June.