Shred guitar, play bass, or sing vocals using keyboard, controller, compatible guitar controllers, or microphone. Enjoy local split-screen or online modes, including co-op band performances with shared multipliers and effects, and head-to-head competitive modes for stage control battles. 

In Sound System, players are empowered to craft their perfect performance space through extensive customization options that transform every session into a unique audiovisual experience. The game offers full control over its unique note highways, a wide selection of static and FMV backgrounds, customizable scoring widgets, and cohesive visual themes and bundles.

In addition to gameplay, Sound System revives the classic 5-fret guitar rhythm experience while innovating with a revolutionary PulseMap Editor—described as “Mario Maker meets Guitar Hero.” This in-game note chart editor allows players to upload their own music, create charts from scratch, or edit existing ones. Artists can upload original music and see it come to life in the game. Players can share charts with friends, unlocking massive community creativity.

The game offers three distinct modes for varied playstyles:

• Classic Mode – The core traditional arcade guitar experience with forgiving timing windows and no-fail gameplay, so new and casual players stay in a flow state and focus on the vibe and the music. 
• Pro Mode – Designed for rhythm game veterans, this mode features tighter timing windows and DDR-style scoring (Gold/Perfect, Silver/Great, Bronze/Good). Miss a total of 11 notes and it’s Game Over. 
• Hardcore Mode – The ultimate challenge where one missed note means you're out—perfect for e-sports integration, elite players, and leaderboard chasers.

Sound System will launch with a diverse music catalog of 50+ songs mixing legendary covers, established indie artists, and rising new bands—providing hit songs for familiarity, nostalgia, and comfort alongside fresh tracks to foster music discovery and support the music community. Core songs from indie and emerging artists are always free, with studio covers at $0.99 and endless DLC from new and established bands, including exclusive single releases every month and regular content store refreshes.

Echo Foundry Interactive, founded by industry veterans behind the Guitar Hero, Rock Band, and DJ Hero franchises, announced that Sound System will launch through Steam Early Access on October 16, 2026 for $24.99, and will remain so for about 6 months.

“Sound System is being developed in three planned phases. In Phase 1 (Early Access launch) we plan to launch the core experience, which includes single-player and local multiplayer. We want to build a community for the game and listen to all the feedback players have as we move into the other phases. In Phase 2 we plan to expand the game by opening upload capabilities, allowing players to add their own music collection to the Sound System ecosystem for personal play and local multiplayer. Then in Phase 3 for the full release we plan on introducing online multiplayer.”

“The Early Access version of Sound System features a wide selection of music playable in single-player or local multiplayer. Players can perform Guitar, Bass, or Vocals using a keyboard, standard controller, guitar controller, or microphone.”

“We plan to focus on single-player and local multiplayer for Early Access, giving players a solid foundation to jump in and start playing together. Looking ahead to the full release, we’re planning online multiplayer for up to three players, with both competitive and cooperative modes. We also want players to truly make the game their own—by uploading custom music and creating their own note charts, Sound System will offer a fully customizable, community-driven experience.”

Key Features:

• General Gameplay: Sound System brings back the legendary mechanics that made rhythm games unforgettable. Note combos, multiplier climbs, whammy expression, and explosive performance moments have been reimagined with updated features and modern systems built for today’s players. Every session is designed to empower players to reach the ultimate “flow state” that defines a great music gameplay experience.
• Unique Customization Options: Sound System features a wide range of unique backgrounds and curated visual themes, including full-motion videos. Players can customize their stages with interchangeable “note highway” skins, widgets, user interfaces, and more. For the ultimate gameplay experience, Sound System supports the upload of user-generated backgrounds and full-motion videos. Regular DLC drops will keep stages fresh with all-new cosmetic upgrades and special artist collaborations.  
• PulseMap Editor: Sound System features a revolutionary in-game note chart editor. Players can manually edit existing note charts or upload music and create charts from scratch. Want to play along to a song you wrote? Is there a band that you wish was in the Content Library? PulseMap gives you the freedom to add music and play it your way. 
• Content Store: The Sound System Content Store puts players in control of their gameplay experience. Premium backgrounds, FX layers, and UI skins allow for deep visual customization, and individual song purchases allow for an ever-growing content library. With regular updates, there’s always something new to explore.
• Instruments: Players can choose between bass, guitar and vocals. 
• Local Single and Multiplayer: Players can shred the stage solo or join a band with up to two additional players. All players can choose any instrument - want two bassists in your band? No problem! 
• Co-Op and Competitive Modes: Co-Op Mode simulates a live band performance. The better you perform, the better the show is! Everyone works together to gain multipliers and special stage effects.Want to shred head-to-head against your friends? Choose Competitive Mode! You control your own stage and multipliers. 
• Classic and Pro Modes: Classic mode is perfect for players looking for a casual, low-stakes music gaming experience. No matter how many mistakes you make, you’ll never fail the song! Less restricted expressive timing windows allow you to score points even if you didn’t hit the note perfectly. Focus on fun, not perfection! Pro mode is built for players seeking a challenge. Miss 11 notes, and you’re out! Stricter timing windows leave no room for messing around - hit them with accuracy, or hit the road. Earn Bronze, Silver, or Gold ratings for each note depending on your level of perfection. 
• Difficulties: There are four difficulties to choose from: Easy, Medium, Hard, and Legendary. Players new to rhythm games can start out with Easy, requiring only a few notes to be played on three frets throughout each song. For the ultimate challenge, Legendary utilizes all five frets, requires you to play 15+ different notes, and introduces techniques like hammer-ons/pull-offs, tapping, up/down strumming, and more. 

Sound System is coming to PC (Steam Early Access) on October 16, 2026 for $24.99.