The long-anticipated return of the Rhythm Heaven series is finally happening. During Nintendo’s latest Direct showcase, the news buzzed with excitement as it was announced that Rhythm Heaven will make its comeback on the Nintendo Switch with a new title, Rhythm Heaven Groove. Scheduled for a 2026 release, this game marks the first addition to the franchise since 2015’s Rhythm Heaven Megamix. Fans are optimistic that this will be the opportunity to elevate this often-underrated series on the Switch platform.
Having been on hiatus for more than a decade, Rhythm Heaven is back to introduce its unique style and rhythm-based gameplay to a new generation of players. With the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 offering backward compatibility, gamers can look forward to enjoying this experience on both current and future hardware. The return also sparks hope for another major Nintendo series that seems poised for a fresh leap into the limelight.
There’s also talk of Super Smash Bros. possibly welcoming a new character from the Rhythm Heaven universe. For those who have felt that Super Smash Bros. has been on the verge of significant representation from this quirky series, the arrival of Rhythm Heaven Groove might just provide a perfect chance for new character inclusions. With a new game in development, creator Masahiro Sakurai has plenty of material to consider for the next Smash Bros. installment.
Rhythm Heaven has left its mark on previous Super Smash Bros. games, most notably the fourth entry. In Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS’s Smash Run mode, the Sneaky Spirits from Rhythm Heaven made their presence felt as common adversaries. Aside from these cameos, the franchise has primarily enjoyed representation through various Trophies and Spirits in the latest games.
There was even speculation that the Chorus Kids, key characters from Rhythm Heaven, were almost included in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U. Data unearthed from the game suggests that a Rhythm Heaven representative was considered, with leaks hinting at the Chorus Kids being potential candidates. Although these specific leaks turned out false, the prospects of their inclusion linger.
With Rhythm Heaven’s revival on the horizon, the motivation to introduce these characters into the forthcoming Super Smash Bros. game might be stronger than ever. Historically, Smash Bros. has embraced new characters following significant game releases, such as incorporating Fire Emblem fighters before their games hit the American market. Depending on the development stage of the next game, a crossover could benefit both Smash Bros. and the anticipated release of Rhythm Heaven Groove.
If the Chorus Kids do join the smash roster, they’d bring a unique gameplay dynamic, hypothesized to involve players controlling all three characters similarly to the Ice Climbers. Technical limitations might have hindered their previous inclusion, but with the more powerful Switch 2, the Chorus Kids could finally stand alongside other playable icons.
Rhythm Heaven Groove’s announcement is thrilling news for Nintendo enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the franchise’s return. Likewise, it is an exciting prospect for Super Smash Bros. players hopeful for new, diverse additions to the roster. Together, a new game release and potential Smash Bros. integration could signal a significant breakthrough moment for Rhythm Heaven.
