Could Rhythm Heaven Groove Be the Key to Unveiling a Nintendo Mystery?

The Rhythm Heaven series is about to make a much-anticipated return. During the latest Nintendo Direct presentation, fans were thrilled to learn about the upcoming release of Rhythm Heaven Groove on the Nintendo Switch, slated for 2026. This announcement marks the first new entry since Rhythm Heaven Megamix in 2015 and could potentially introduce this beloved but underrated franchise to a broader audience on the Switch.

After more than a decade, Rhythm Heaven is back, offering a new generation of players the chance to experience its quirky aesthetics and engaging rhythm-based gameplay. The good news doesn’t stop there—with the Nintendo Switch 2 expected to feature backward compatibility, fans can enjoy Rhythm Heaven Groove whether they stick with the current console or upgrade. This return could also signal exciting developments for another major Nintendo series that has been gradually inching towards acknowledging this musical gem.

There’s speculation that the renewed spotlight on Rhythm Heaven might finally bring a playable character from the series to the Super Smash Bros. roster. Although Super Smash Bros. has brushed close to featuring major elements from Rhythm Heaven, it has never quite crossed the line to include a playable character. With a new game in hand, Masahiro Sakurai and his team might have new inspiration as they envision the future of Smash Bros.

While Rhythm Heaven has made cameo appearances in previous Smash Bros. games—like the Sneaky Spirits in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS’s Smash Run mode—its presence has mostly been limited to Trophies and Spirits. This could be about to change.

Rumors have long suggested that the Chorus Kids, a trio of key figures in Rhythm Heaven, were nearly added to Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U. Data mined from the game seemed to hint at this possibility, and infamous leaks once pegged the Chorus Kids as potential contenders. Though the latter fell through, it does appear that Sakurai considered incorporating these characters into the fighting game. Now, with Rhythm Heaven set to return, the opportunity to include these characters might be too tempting to ignore.

Inclusion of the Chorus Kids could introduce unique mechanics to Smash Bros., possibly allowing players to control all three characters simultaneously, similar to the Ice Climbers. It’s speculated that technical limitations on the 3DS might have been the reason the Chorus Kids missed out previously. However, with the technical prowess of the Switch 2, these beloved characters could truly stand out.

The announcement of Rhythm Heaven Groove is great news for long-time fans eagerly awaiting the series’ revival. It’s potentially even more exciting for Super Smash Bros. enthusiasts hoping to see the Chorus Kids join Nintendo’s iconic crossover. The combination of a new game and a possible Smash Bros. appearance suggests that Rhythm Heaven might finally have its moment in the spotlight.