Nintendo Announces Rhythm Heaven Groove for Switch July 2026

Nintendo has announced that Rhythm Heaven Groove, the latest entry in its long-running rhythm game series, will launch on the Nintendo Switch on July 2, 2026. The company revealed the date through its official social media channels and the Nintendo Today! app, marking the first new installment since 2015's Rhythm Heaven Megamix on the 3DS.

The announcement included a short gameplay clip featuring a minigame called Slice N Dice. In it, a woman in an apron stands in a kitchen alongside a white cat, catching vegetables tossed from both sides as humming and beeping sounds guide the rhythm. Players press buttons to match the beat, with the pace quickening during faster sequences. This style aligns with the series' core formula, where participants tackle short, beat-matching challenges using simple controls, often limited to one or two buttons or touchscreen inputs.

Rhythm Heaven Groove represents the fifth mainline title in the franchise, which debuted in Japan as Rhythm Tengoku on the Game Boy Advance in 2006. That game gained popularity among importers despite its regional exclusivity, thanks to minimal text and region-free hardware. The series expanded globally with Rhythm Heaven...