The cult classic Rhythm Heaven series seems like a perfect fit for the Nintendo Switch. Given that Nintendo developed and published the handheld versions of the series, it seems odd that we haven’t gotten a Rhythm Heaven Switch game. The console would make the perfect partner for the quick, easy-to-pick-up gameplay the franchise is known for. So, will it ever come to the Switch?
Will Rhythm Heaven release on Switch?
The Rhythm Heaven series got its start on the Game Boy Advance. In fact, Rhythm Tengoku, the first title in the franchise, was the final Nintendo-developed game to be released on the GBA. However, that game was only released in Japan. It wasn’t until Rhythm Heaven released worldwide on the Nintendo DS in 2008-9 that it attained its cult status.
Rhythm Heaven was followed by Rhythm Heaven Fever on the Wii three years later, which also wowed fans. Finally, in 2015, Rhythm Heaven Megamix, which combines select minigames from the previous three titles, was released on Nintendo 3DS. Since then, besides a Wii U re-release of Rhythm Heaven Fever in 2016, the series has been dormant.
Unfortunately, the development team behind Rhythm Heaven, Nintendo SPD Group 1, was merged into Nintendo EPD in 2015. Since then, the number of titles Nintendo develops has drastically decreased, which means we see less eclectic titles like Rhythm Heaven.
It’s likely that Nintendo will someday release a port of Rhythm Heaven Fever or Rhythm Heaven Megamix for the Switch, but it’s doubtful we’ll see a new title in the series. The Wii U’s failure, the death of Satoru Iwata, and the departure of Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime led to Nintendo being more pragmatic these days. That means experimental, niche titles like Rhythm Heaven are likely something we’ll have to look back fondly on as Nintendo continues to concentrate on its proven blockbuster franchises.
