The Secret to Solving a Nintendo Mystery Might Lie in Rhythm Heaven Groove

Fans of the Rhythm Heaven series have reason to celebrate as the franchise is gearing up for a spectacular return. During the most recent Nintendo Direct event, Nintendo announced that Rhythm Heaven Groove is set to debut on the Nintendo Switch in 2026. This marks the series’ comeback since the 2015 release of Rhythm Heaven Megamix. For many, this is a golden opportunity for an underappreciated series to finally get the spotlight it deserves on the popular Switch platform.

With Rhythm Heaven stepping back onto the stage after more than ten years, it opens the door for a new generation of players to dive into its quirky vibe and addictive rhythm-based gameplay. Plus, with the anticipated backward compatibility of the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, players can enjoy the game regardless of which console version they own. This exciting revival might also pave the way for another significant Nintendo series that’s been gradually inching towards this one.

As a result, fans are buzzing with speculation about the possibility of a Rhythm Heaven character finally making its way into the Super Smash Bros. universe. The Smash series has frequently been on the brink of adding a playable character from Rhythm Heaven, but hasn’t quite gotten there. With a new installment in the series on the horizon, creator Masahiro Sakurai and his talented team will have plenty of fresh material to draw from for the next Super Smash Bros. title.

Rhythm Heaven has made previous appearances in Super Smash Bros. titles, most notably in the 3DS version’s Smash Run mode, where players encountered Sneaky Spirits as adversaries. Although its impact has mostly been limited to trophies and spirits in past games, a playable character could be on the horizon.

Rumor has it that the Chorus Kids, beloved figures from the series, nearly made it into Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U. Data excavations from the game hint that a character from Rhythm Heaven was considered, and infamous leaks pointed to the Chorus Kids as the chosen candidates. While those specific leaks didn’t pan out, it’s clear Sakurai had entertained the idea of infusing these characters into the brawler series.

With the Rhythm Heaven series making a comeback, there’s renewed vigor for these characters to enter the Super Smash Bros. roster. Given the series’ history of incorporating characters from newly released games—often ahead of their worldwide launches—it wouldn’t be surprising if Rhythm Heaven Groove’s release next year aligns with fresh Smash Bros. content.

Fans speculate that the Chorus Kids could introduce a unique gameplay twist. Handling all three characters simultaneously, akin to the Ice Climbers, could introduce fresh mechanics. This complexity might have been a hurdle for the 3DS, which had constrained resources. However, with the more robust hardware of the Nintendo Switch 2, the Chorus Kids could finally be envisioned as standout contenders among the diverse Smash Bros. lineup.

All in all, the impending release of Rhythm Heaven Groove is not just thrilling news for long-time Nintendo fans eager for the series’ revival, but also for Super Smash Bros. enthusiasts hoping to see these iconic characters join their favorite gaming crossover. This convergence of new game releases and potential crossovers could mean Rhythm Heaven Groove is poised for an unprecedented surge into mainstream recognition.