ok time to install some new games on the cab

[MiKman]

I want to play rock band and guitar hero on my cabinet. Running a P4 2.4 so I'm sure I can play it... which guitars, drums, mic etc can plug into a PC via usb?  can I buy the cheap PS2 version and all the epuipment will plug in and just get the pc game? Or do I need to find the full PC package and go that route?  what is everyone else doing? what are my best and cheapest options?

[Timstuff]

As far as I know, Rock Band has not yet been announced for PC, although all the accessories for the PS2/PS3 version are PC compatible right out of the box. Given that the PC can use the Playstation RB controllers so easily, I think it's only a matter of time before they announce a PC version. With Guitar Hero 3, there is a PC version availible, and it's possible to play it with either the Guitar Hero Xplorer controller, or the Rock Band Stratocaster controller. I'm not sure if GH3 is sold un-bundled, or only with the guitar. I'd love to get my hands on an un-bundled copy though, because I own two PS3 Stratocaster controllers and IMO they are superior to the GH controllers (plus, I don't want to pay to buy a 3rd guitar I don't need).

[MiKman]

Thanks for the input, good to know that both the PS2 and PS3 controllers work on the PC right out of the box!  I see the PS2 versions of these things on sale quite a bit.  also  isn't there some kind of PS2 emulator for the PC?  :-)

Also I gather that means that PS2/PS3 dance pads will also work out the box on a PC too?

[Turnarcades]

Yes. There are PC-based alternatives too that encapsulate all variations of the games too, like Stepmania (for DDR games) and Ultrastar (for Singstar games).

[RoboG2]

The are open source "clones" in development for both Guitar Hero and Rock Band.  Both clones make use of the actual controllers or a keyboard (and hence arcade controls!).  Here you go:

Frets on Fire
http://fretsonfire.sourceforge.net/

Unsigned
http://www.unsigned-game.com/
http://www.unsigned-game.com/forums/index.php

Have fun!