A New Rhythm Heaven Is Coming To Switch, But Not Until 2026

During today's Nintendo Direct, Rhythm Heaven Groove, a brand-new installment in the Rhythm Heaven series, was announced. The rhythm-game series hasn't seen a new title since 2015's Rhythm Heaven Megamix, but fans of the musical franchise will be waiting a little while longer, since Rhythm Heaven Groove isn't being released until 2026.

In Rhythm Heaven games, players complete minigames with rhythm mechanics where the gameplay focuses on audio rather than visual cues. Following the rhythm through the level, you're given a score based on your accuracy. Usually, the games are grouped into four or six minigames comprising of predominantly main stages and concluding with a remix. The remix is a compilation or twist on the last few games in the set, all compiled into one level with a different song. In later games, the remixes would feature levels from former Rhythm Games titles.

Depending on your rhythm and accuracy, the game will rank you one of three titles. Being told to "Try Again" is a failure and demands a repeat of the level. Getting a "Try Again" rank three times in a row usually triggers the option to skip the stage. The "OK" rank is a pass, but only just. The "Superb" rank is reserved for players who have excelled at the stage, and will earn a medal. The medals can be used to unlock additional game modes, including endless games, and makes players eligible to participate in randomly selected Perfect Campaigns, where missing even one beat will cause the level to fail and restart. With only three chances to complete a Perfect Campaign, it's the highest-pressure version of Rhythm Heaven on offer.

The Rhythm Heaven series began on the Game Boy Advance in 2006 and has been predominantly released on Nintendo consoles since, including the Nintendo DS, 3DS, and Wii. Rhythm Heaven Groove, as the fifth entry in the series, will be the first Rhythm Heaven game to be released on a Switch console. With a 2026 release date, it could also be coming to the Switch 2, though that wasn't announced.

You can find more of the biggest announcements from the March 2025 Nintendo Direct in our dedicated article.