Guitar Hero, without a guitar? Madness! Not so, says Signal Hill Capital Group analyst Todd Greenwald. Instead, he says this thing:

"We think this title, never having been released on any handheld platform, has the potential to sell several million units at launch, at a $49.99 price point. Furthermore, our retail channel checks show that big-box retailers are preparing to support the release very heavily. Wal-Mart, Target, and Best Buy should all be giving Guitar Hero: On Tour significant shelf space this summer."

Whoa, whoa, Guitar Hero: On Tour costs $49.99? Also, everything else.

Seriously though, Mr. Greenwald certainly takes a few factors into account that the majority hardcore, jaded Guitar Hero junkies may not. With the game's promotional materials serving as Wal-Mart's uncharacteristically colorful wallpaper, people's eyes will have to gaze on it at some point.

However, there's another side to the story. As I noted earlier, the DS is not a guitar. With the GH:OT attachment, it's more of an accordion. Sure, rockin' out to your favorite riffs is one of Guitar Hero's selling points, but it's only half of the equation. The other half? Big plastic guitar. And, as much fun as I'm sure it'll be to toss on a blonde wig, grab your DS, and jam in crowded public sector, it just won't match the sensation of gliding up and down the fret buttons, and tilting your axe to activate star power. Sadly, the DS does not support the rock 'n' roll dream.

But who knows? Do you plan to pick up GH:OT in spite of its lack of a large plastic peripheral? Regardless, we'll know whether or not Greenwald is right when the game releases this June.