As many common Pocket Techniques readers will know, I really like rhythm video games, and numerous that love comes from my revel in with a specific DS sport again in 2009. Now, it is Rhythm Heaven’s seventeenth anniversary, and I wish to have a good time simply what makes this sequence so unbelievable, and its lasting have an effect on at the rhythm sport panorama.
Regardless of now not being the preliminary sport within the sequence, 2009’s Rhythm Heaven was once the primary identify to release outdoor of Japan, bringing its distinctive mash-up of WarioWare-style micro video games and rhythm sport components to the West, and into my arms for the primary time. It wasn’t my creation to the style in any way – I would been enjoying Dance Dance Revolution nearly since I may just stroll, and Guitar Hero was once a staple in my family. It was once, alternatively, the primary time I would observed a rhythm sport with this sort of distinctive visible and gameplay genre.
Since Rhythm Heaven’s US liberate in 2009, we now have had two different video games within the sequence – Rhythm Heaven Fever for the Wii, and Rhythm Heaven Megamix for the 3DS. However now, in 2026, it is been over a decade since we were given a brand new Rhythm Heaven sport, and there are many indicators on the web that individuals need extra. Fake rhythm minigames flood my Instagram Reels feed, new songs get customized minigame remixes on YouTube, or even the contributors of Eastern idol staff Phantom Siita parodied the Fan Membership minigame on their social media.
Essentially the most noticeable cry for extra content material that I have observed is from different sport builders. Fresh Healthy Direct allum Bits & Bops is obviously impressed by way of Nintendo’s quirky sequence, and in case you’ve learn my 9/10 Melatonin Transfer overview, you can know that Part Asleep Video games nailed the formulation and added its personal pastel-toned, dreamy spin. Fortunately, we discovered again in 2025 {that a} new access, Rhythm Heaven Groove, is headed to the Nintendo Transfer in 2026, however main points are awfully scarce.
As this anniversary comes and is going, I am begging Nintendo and sequence manufacturer Tsunku to offer us additional info on the subsequent Nintendo Direct. We want extra rhythm minigames, and we want them now! For those who’ve ever performed Rhythm Heaven or one among its sequels, tell us your favourite minigames within the Pocket Techniques Discord server.
