Nintendo has officially confirmed that Rhythm Heaven Groove will arrive on Nintendo Switch on July 2, marking the first new entry in the beloved rhythm game series since 2015. The announcement came through Nintendo's official channels, ending months of speculation about the release date for this highly anticipated title.
Rhythm Heaven Groove Launches This July
The game will launch on the original Switch hardware and is expected to be fully compatible with Switch 2, though the system's official store page currently lists the newer console compatibility as "Untested." With Nintendo preparing to transition its focus toward the Switch 2, Rhythm Heaven Groove represents one of the final major releases for the current-generation console.
Series Returns After Nine-Year Gap
For those unfamiliar with the franchise, Rhythm Heaven offers a unique blend of music-based minigames where players match beats and rhythms to an ever-changing soundtrack of original pop and electronic compositions. Unlike other rhythm games that demand complex button sequences, the series keeps controls refreshingly simple, allowing players to focus on the infectious melodies and charming visuals.
Simple Gameplay, Complex Legacy
The Rhythm Heaven franchise has maintained a selective release schedule over its two-decade history. Since debuting as Rhythm Tengoku on Game Boy Advance in 2006, the series has seen only four previous entries: the original Rhythm Heaven on DS, Rhythm Heaven Fever on Wii, and Rhythm Heaven Megamix on 3DS, which served as a greatest-hits compilation. The upcoming Groove marks a significant milestone as the first full-fledged new entry for Nintendo's current console generation.
Final Major Switch Release Announced
Nintendo's 2026 pipeline includes several other notable releases alongside Rhythm Heaven Groove. The whimsical Yoshi and the Mysterious Book launches exclusively on Switch 2 on May 21, while Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream arrives on both platforms starting April 16. Rhythm Heaven Groove is now available for pre-order at $40.