Rhythm Heaven Groove Review: The Perfect Switch 1 Swansong

What You’re Getting

Rhythm Heaven Groove is the first new Rhythm Heaven game in over a decade — and it’s a perfect farewell to the original Switch. It launched on July 2, 2026 for both Switch and Switch 2, and it’s the last first-party Nintendo release for the original hardware.

The formula is unchanged and still magical: a series of quirky, minimalist rhythm minigames — from an umbrella performer to a Beatspell battle where you pose and deal damage to monsters — each with its own absurd premise and infectious soundtrack. Clear a game perfectly and you earn a certificate plus bonus material in the Rhythm Reference.

Price Comparison

Source	Price (USD)	Est. MYR	Notes
Play-Asia (Multi-Language cart)	$39.99	~RM 170	In warehouse, ships now
Play-Asia (JP cart)	$44.99	~RM 191	In warehouse
Local game stores (MY)	RM 189–209	RM 189–209	Limited stock
Nintendo eShop (MY, digital)	$39.99	~RM 170	Digital, no resale

Savings: RM 19–39 by importing the multi-language physical cart from Play-Asia.

Why This Game Matters

Rhythm Heaven has always been one of Nintendo’s most beloved cult franchises — a series with no real competition. There’s no rhythm game quite like it: the way it truly brings music and gameplay together is unmatched. Groove is a triumphant return for a series that has been gone for far too long.

Critics agree — it holds a Metascore of 82 with 91% positive reviews, including perfect scores from CGMagazine, Digitally Downloaded, and VGC. It’s been called “incredibly fun, backed by an amazing soundtrack, and so unbelievably accessible practically everyone can play it.”

Performance on Switch

The game runs flawlessly on both Switch and Switch 2 — it’s a rhythm game, so frame rate stability is everything, and Groove delivers a rock-solid 60fps. It’s equally at home in handheld and docked modes. The touchscreen controls work beautifully in handheld mode, and button controls are perfectly mapped for docked play.

Region & Language Support

Is it region-locked?

No. Like all Switch physical games, the cart runs on any Switch or Switch 2 regardless of region.

What languages are on the cart?

The Multi-Language version (code 70ifw3) includes English, Japanese, and other major languages — full English text. This is the version to buy for Malaysian players.

The standard JP cart (code 70ifqz) is Japanese-only text. The game’s core is rhythm-based, so it’s playable either way — but the multi-language version is the safer choice.

The Verdict

Worth It. At ~RM 170 imported vs RM 189+ locally, you’re saving money and getting a physical cart you can resell. This is one of the only rhythm games to truly bring music and gameplay together, and it’s a perfect way to bid farewell to the Switch.

Buy it if: You love rhythm games, you’ve played Rhythm Heaven before, or you want the perfect last physical Switch game. If you’re new to the series, this is the ideal way to get started in the genre.

Skip it if: You don’t enjoy rhythm games or you’re looking for a deep, story-driven experience — this is pure, distilled arcade rhythm fun.

Where to Buy

Check Price on Play-Asia →

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to play previous Rhythm Heaven games first?

No. Each Rhythm Heaven game is self-contained. Groove is a perfect entry point for newcomers.

How long is the game?

The main game takes 5–8 hours to clear, but perfecting every minigame and unlocking all bonus content pushes it to 15–20 hours. It’s a game you’ll keep coming back to.

Does it work on Switch 2?

Yes. Rhythm Heaven Groove runs on both the original Switch and Switch 2, with the same rock-solid performance on both.