Summary
Nintendo just announcedRhythm Heaven Groove,a brand-new game that is on its way to the Nintendo Switch next year, bringing its signature rhythm-based minigame action to the console for the first time. As of right now, there is no set release date for the next entry in theRhythm Heavenseries, with Nintendo simply confirming a broad launch window of 2026 for theSwitch.
First debuting as the Japan-exclusive Game Boy Advance titleRhythm Tengokuin 2006,Rhythm Heavencombines rhythm game elements with fast-paced micro-gameslike those in theWarioWarefranchise, giving it a distinct musical twist. Players must engage in a variety of minigames meant to be played in tandem with the game’s music, accompanied with unique animated sequences depicting a variety of characters and art styles.
Now, the series is set to make a return in 2026 with the upcomingRhythm Heaven Groovefor the Nintendo Switch, bringing the familiar musical minigames of previous entries to current audiences. Nintendo revealed the new game with a short trailer duringthe Nintendo Direct live stream on March 27, showing off an array of new minigame types and unique animation styles alongside the series' usual upbeat musical stylings.
Rhythm Heaven Groove Brings the Musical Nintendo Franchise to a New Era
While the series has remained popular since its debut,Rhythm Heaven Groovewill be the first entry in over a decade, with the last being the Nintendo 3DS titleRhythm Heaven Megamixall the way back in 2015. The franchise has largely remained a staple of Nintendo’s handheld systems since its debut after making its way to North America in 2008 withRhythm Heavenon the Nintendo DS.
However, the series has made its way to consoles before, with the Wii titleRhythm Heaven Feverbringing motion controls into the mix for the first time alongside the usual mechanics. Considering the Nintendo Switch’s similar utilization of motion controls in other games, it seems possible that the new minigames inRhythm Heaven Groovewill feature them as well.
Unfortunately for fans, the release date forRhythm Heaven Grooveis likely still a ways away, as it is currently set for a broad release window of 2026, with no word on a more specific date yet. In the meantime, though, there are plenty of other rhythm-based games for Nintendo fans to check out, such as theTaiko no Tatsujinfranchise orthe Square Enix musical anthology seriesTheatrhythm,which includes music from a variety of the company’s most iconic games, namely theFinal Fantasytitles.
Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch is a hybrid console launched in 2017, capable of being played in handheld mode or docked to a television. The Switch Lite, a handheld-only model, followed in 2019, with an OLED refresh coming in 2021.
