GameTimeline

Release & story order

Rhythm Heaven timeline

Rhythm Heaven from the 2009 DS western debut through Megamix on 3DS (2016)—US release dates, a three-game rhythm anthology saga, and FAQ for Japan-only Rhythm Tengoku and PAL naming.

Updated July 2026

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Release order Story order

Release order

When Nintendo brought Rhythm Heaven west—Rhythm Heaven (2009 DS), Rhythm Heaven Fever (2012 Wii), then Rhythm Heaven Megamix (2016 3DS). Japan-only Rhythm Tengoku (2006 GBA) is FAQ-only.

  • Full western trio → all three Release rows
  • Newcomers → Fever or Megamix—FAQ
  • Megamix remixes past games—FAQ
  • Rhythm Tengoku never released in US—FAQ
Story order tips

Light anthology continuity in release order—each game is mostly standalone rhythm skits with recurring gag characters. Story rows mirror Release; no heavy serial plot.

  • Core order: Rhythm Heaven → Fever → Megamix
  • Each entry works standalone—order is optional for gameplay
  • Recurring characters echo across games—Release order helps
  • On Story order, Megamix may be hidden—reveal when ready

Timeline

When each game was released. Click a game for platforms, dates, and where it fits in your playthrough.

Release order

  1. Rhythm Heaven

    Rhythm Heaven

    DSRhythmMainline

    Western debut—tap-along rhythm skits on DS.

    Overview
    Nintendo SPD rhythm anthology—minimalist art and perfect timing.
    In-game setting
    First western Rhythm Heaven—Story row one.
    Should you play it?
    Essential franchise start in the west.
    Release date
    US launch April 5, 2009.
  2. Rhythm Heaven Fever

    Rhythm Heaven Fever

    WiiRhythmMainline

    Wii HD rhythm party—two-player remixes.

    Overview
    Tsunku-produced Wii sequel—larger casts and duet minigames.
    In-game setting
    Known as Rhythm Paradise Fever in PAL—Story row two.
    Should you play it?
    Play after DS on Story order.
    Release date
    US launch July 10, 2012.
  3. Rhythm Heaven Megamix

    Rhythm Heaven Megamix

    3DSRhythmMainline

    3DS compilation-plus—new and remixed stages.

    Overview
    Megamix mode stitches past games with new story framing.
    In-game setting
    Latest western mainline as of June 2026.
    Should you play it?
    Story row three.
    Release date
    US launch June 6, 2016.

FAQ

Release vs story order, Rhythm Tengoku origins, and where to start.

Release order

Release order and Story order share the same three western rows: Rhythm Heaven (2009, DS) → Fever (2012, Wii) → Megamix (2016, 3DS). The series is a rhythm anthology with light recurring gags, not a heavy serial plot—Rhythm Tengoku (2006, GBA, Japan) is FAQ-only.

Newcomers can start with Rhythm Heaven Megamix (3DS)—it includes remixed past stages plus new content. Fever (Wii) is the best console party entry. For the full western history, play DS → Wii → 3DS in Release order. All three need legacy hardware or emulation as of June 2026.

Ports & rereleases

Rhythm Tengoku (2006, GBA) is the Japan-only origin of the franchise—never released in the US. It is FAQ-only on this timeline. Megamix on 3DS revisits many Tengoku stages for players who missed the GBA original.

Fever (2012, Wii) is a standalone sequel with new Wii-exclusive minigames. Megamix (2016, 3DS) is the latest mainline—new stages plus a Megamix mode that remixes Fever, DS, and Tengoku content. Both are Release and Story rows—Megamix comes after Fever.

Optional & related

More timelines

Other release-order and story-order guides on this site.