- Rhythm Heaven Groove Countdown: The game officially launches globally on July 2, 2026, for the Nintendo Switch.
- Platform Availability: Native support for Nintendo Switch with full backwards compatibility on Nintendo Switch 2.
- Pricing & Formats: Available digitally and physically for $39.99.
- Free Starter Demo: Download the demo now to play 5 solo rhythm games and 1 local multiplayer game.
- New RPG Mode: Unlock Beatspell, a story-driven fantasy mode that turns rhythmic inputs into magical spellcasting.
Rhythm Heaven Groove Countdown: Launch Schedule and Regional Titles
The long-awaited return of Nintendo's premier rhythm series is finally over. Developed by Nintendo EPD and TNX, Rhythm Heaven Groove officially launches worldwide on July 2, 2026. This marks the first entry in the franchise in over a decade, bringing its signature brand of musical comedy, offbeat animations, and tight percussive timing to the Nintendo Switch family of systems.
Depending on your region, the game is listed under different localized names. To make sure you find the correct store page, refer to the regional naming guide below.
Video Highlights:
- 80+ Solo Rhythm Games: A massive collection of single-player stages featuring diverse art styles and J-pop tracks.
- 30+ Multiplayer Challenges: Up to four players can tap along on a single system.
- Beatspell Mode: The series' first rhythm-RPG mode where timing translates to magic spells.
- Accessibility Settings: Full text-to-speech support narrated by the assistant Li'l Miss Reeds.
Regional Title Guide
| Region | Localized Game Title | Platform |
|---|---|---|
| North America | Rhythm Heaven Groove | Nintendo Switch |
| Europe & PAL | Rhythm Paradise Groove | Nintendo Switch |
| Japan & Asia | リズム天国 ミラクルスターズ (Rhythm Tengoku: Miracle Stars) | Nintendo Switch |
| Korea | 리듬 천국 미라클 스타즈 | Nintendo Switch |
Nintendo has confirmed that Rhythm Heaven Groove is fully compatible with the next-generation Nintendo Switch 2. Performance and input latency are identical across both consoles, ensuring your rhythmic timing remains perfectly preserved.
Pricing, Formats, and Technical Specifications
Rhythm Heaven Groove is priced as a mid-tier release, making it highly accessible for both veteran fans and newcomers. The game is distributed in both physical cartridge format at major retailers and as a digital download via the Nintendo eShop.
Because rhythm games require absolute precision, understanding the file size and performance metrics is crucial before starting your download.
Technical Specs & Pricing Table
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Regular Price | $39.99 / £33.99 / €39.99 |
| File Size | 3.5 GB (Estimated digital download size) |
| Play Modes | TV Mode, Tabletop Mode, Handheld Mode |
| Local Multiplayer | 1 to 4 Players (Single-system local play) |
| Online Play | Not supported (Local multiplayer only) |
| ESRB Rating | Mild Fantasy Violence (Suitable for all ages) |
While single-player supports any standard controller configuration, local multiplayer requires one compatible controller per participant. Ensure you have enough Joy-Cons or Pro Controllers synchronized before starting a local group session.
How to Download and Play the Free Starter Demo
If you want to test your rhythmic instincts before purchasing the full game, Nintendo has released a free Starter Demo on the Nintendo eShop. The demo serves as an excellent warm-up, allowing you to practice core mechanics and even try out local multiplayer with a friend.
Access the eShop
Turn on your Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2 and open the Nintendo eShop using your primary user profile.
Search for the Game
Use the search bar and type Rhythm Heaven Groove (or Rhythm Paradise Groove if you are in Europe or Australia).
Select Download Demo
Navigate to the official game page and select the Download Demo button located directly beneath the purchase option.
Play the Solo Stages
Launch the demo to play the first 5 single-player rhythm games from Stage 1, including the fan-favorite Hoop Trundling.
Try Local Co-Op
Grab a friend and play the demo's included multiplayer game, Rhythm Tweezers, where you must cooperatively pluck a hairy onion.
Transfer Saved Data
Once you complete the demo, your progress can be seamlessly transferred to the retail version, keeping your high scores and unlocked content intact.
Confirmed Minigames & Gameplay Modes
Rhythm Heaven Groove features a massive library of 80+ single-player minigames and 30+ local multiplayer challenges. The game departs from previous entries by utilizing multiple distinct art styles rather than a single unified aesthetic, keeping each stage visually fresh and surprising.
Featured Minigames List
| Minigame Name | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Hoop Trundling | Solo | Jump over rolling hoops to the beat. Listen for the verbal cue pa pi pu pe po to time your final jump. |
| Hop Stop N Roll | Solo | Control a roly-poly cat doll that jumps, hops, and rolls to a bouncy electronic beat. |
| Fruit Flex | Solo | Flex your muscles as a cartoon bodybuilder to bounce flying fruit into baskets on the upbeat. |
| Slice N Dice Kitchen | Solo | Chop flying vegetables in a fast-paced kitchen setting using rapid-fire button presses. |
| Rhythm Tweezers | Multiplayer | Cooperatively pluck hairs from a giant, rhythmic onion with a partner. |
| Tennis Quest | Multiplayer | A cooperative tennis-themed challenge where players rally a ball to defeat monsters. |
| Cake Wait | Multiplayer | A competitive reflex game where up to four players wait for the clock to strike 3 to grab a slice of cake. |
Solo Campaign
The main campaign features 8 distinct stages, each containing 4 unique minigames and a challenging Remix finale that blends all tracks together.
Rhythm Toybox
Earn Medals by scoring "Amazing" ratings in solo stages to unlock extra bonus games, toys, and endless rhythm challenges.
Multiplayer Party
Play over 30 local multiplayer games designed for 1-4 players, featuring a mix of collaborative co-op and chaotic PvP modes.
Completing multiplayer levels rewards you with Rings instead of Medals. Accumulate these Rings to unlock exclusive multiplayer-focused items and bonus games in the Multiplayer Toybox.
Beatspell Mode: The Rhythm-RPG Adventure
A major addition to the franchise is Beatspell, a story-driven single-player rhythm-RPG mode. In this mode, players step into the shoes of a young magician embarking on a fantasy quest. Instead of standard musical stages, you engage in turn-based monster battles where your attacks, defenses, and spells are executed by chaining rhythmic button presses.
Beatspell Battle Mechanics
- Unlocking Chapters: New story chapters are unlocked by earning Medals in the main solo campaign.
- Spell Variety: Learn different spells as you progress, ranging from offensive fireballs to critical healing spells.
- Rhythm Chaining: Inputting commands perfectly in sync with the combat music increases your spell damage and chips away at enemy health bars.
- Penalty for Mistakes: Missing a beat disrupts your spell combo, leaving you vulnerable to enemy counterattacks.
Beginner Timing Tips and Accessibility Settings
Rhythm Heaven Groove is easy to pick up but highly demanding if you aim for a perfect score. Because there is no scrolling "note highway" like in other rhythm games, you must rely entirely on auditory and visual cues.
Rhythmic Success Checklist:
- Listen carefully to the music and sound effects; auditory cues are always more reliable than visual animations.
- Close your eyes during highly distracting visual segments to focus purely on the percussive beat.
- Use the TV Calibration setting in the options menu to eliminate audio-visual lag on modern television displays.
- Enable Li'l Miss Reeds' text-to-speech option if you prefer spoken assistance during menu navigation and tutorial prompts.
- Practice the opening five levels in the free Starter Demo to build muscle memory before diving into the full campaign.
Playing on a modern TV can introduce subtle display lag, which can ruin your rhythm. Always toggle your television to 'Game Mode' and run the in-game calibration tool before attempting to earn Perfect ratings.
Rhythm Heaven Groove FAQ
Q: When does Rhythm Heaven Groove release?
The game officially launches worldwide on July 2, 2026, for the Nintendo Switch and is compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2.
Q: Is there a free demo available for Rhythm Heaven Groove?
Yes, a free Starter Demo is available on the Nintendo eShop. It includes 5 single-player stages and 1 local multiplayer minigame, and your progress transfers to the full game.
Q: Does the game support online multiplayer?
No, Rhythm Heaven Groove only supports local couch co-op and competitive multiplayer for up to 4 players on a single console.
Q: What is the price of Rhythm Heaven Groove?
The game is priced at $39.99 for both the physical cartridge and the digital eShop download.