Rhythm Heaven Sequel for Switch Gets Official Release Date After Long Wait

Get ready for a vibrant summer! Nintendo has revealed that the latest installment in the Rhythm Heaven series, Rhythm Heaven Groove, is set to launch on the original Nintendo Switch on July 2. This announcement comes over a year after the game was first teased, during a time when the company was gearing up for the Switch 2 while assuring fans that original Switch titles were still in development.

Nintendo is firmly presenting Rhythm Heaven Groove as a title for the Switch, rather than a dual release. However, players who own the Switch 2 will still be able to enjoy the game thanks to backward compatibility.

Rhythm Heaven Groove is set to deliver a diverse array of rhythm games, featuring music crafted by the acclaimed Japanese artist Tsunku♂. If you’re familiar with the Rhythm Heaven series, you know to expect quirky scenarios paired with engaging beat-matching gameplay that ramps up in complexity. For those who haven’t yet experienced a Rhythm Heaven game—understandable, given that the last one launched a decade ago on the Nintendo 3DS—these titles offer a charming blend of straightforward button-pressing challenges that test your timing and reflexes.

The Rhythm Heaven franchise, also known as Rhythm Paradise and Rhythm Tengoku, will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2026. The original game, Rhythm Tengoku, debuted on the Game Boy Advance in Japan in 2006 and was later adapted for arcades. The series made its global debut in 2008 with a Nintendo DS sequel that emphasized touchscreen interaction.

Rhythm Heaven Groove stands out as the sole original Switch title in Nintendo’s upcoming lineup, following the release of Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream next week.