These games are sure to get your feet tapping.
Wondering what the best music rhythm games on Nintendo Switch are? Let us help you: we’re here to share our favourites.
Music is everywhere. It’s in the sounds that we hear all around us. It comes out of our television, our phones; it even plays inside our heads. And that’s probably why we’re all so taken with music rhythm games. Not only do they test our ability to keep along with a beat – which is fun in its own right – but music is so universal that anyone and everyone can enjoy it.
In our opinion, the Switch is the perfect platform for music rhythm games as it’s so versatile. Some games, like Taiko no Tatsujin, allow you to use your Joy-Cons like a set of drumsticks. Others let you use the touchscreen to press notes. However they’re controlled, though, there’s a huge range of tuneful games on the handheld console. Here’s our picks of the best music rhythm games on Switch.
Want to support GameSpew? If you decide to purchase any of the games featured in this list, please consider doing so by clicking our included Amazon affiliate links. It won’t cost you anything extra, but we’ll get a small slice of the purchase.
Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum ‘n Fun
If you’ve ever played Donkey Konga or like the idea of beating the heck out of a drum, then Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum ‘n Fun is undoubtedly the game for you.
Featuring over 70 songs, including some from shows such as Dragon Ball Super and films like Frozen, Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum ‘n Fun provides one of the beset music rhythm games on Nintendo Switch. A drum peripheral is available if you don’t mind splashing the cash and want a more arcade-like experience, but you can play the game perfectly well with your Joy-Cons.
Co-op and adversarial play is catered for, and you can even see how your skills compare to others online. Unlocking everything Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum ‘n Fun! has to offer will take considerable time, too. And finally, the availability of a wealth of DLC means you can expand the range of songs available even further if you find yourself hooked.
Read our review of Taiko no Tatsujin
FUSER
Ever wanted to be a DJ? Well, that’s what FUSER is all about. It features over 100 real-world songs from a range of genres and tasks you with mixing them together.
Like a real DJ, you’ll need to switch tracks on the perfect beat, layer songs over the top of each other, mix up beats and more – all while keeping the crowd happy. It’s not just about what you think sounds good; you’ll have a series of challenges to meet and audience requests to fulfil. It’s a lot of fun, though, and mixing the perfect tune feels incredible. Very few other games will get your foot tapping in the same way FUSER does. For that reason, it’s one of the best music rhythm games on Switch.
Voez
Of all the games on this list, Voez is most like a traditional music rhythm game; players have to tap, hold or slide to hit notes as they come down from the top of the screen. The more in time you tap, the better your score is at the end of the song. To set it apart from the crowd, there’s a narrative running through, which is revealed as you complete songs. It’s not the main focus, of course, but it’s a nice touch.
What’s most impressive about Voez is its music and the gameplay. As the notes and colours dash across the screen, players are sure to be mesmerised by it. Without a doubt, it’s one of the best music rhythm games on Switch.
Sayonara Wild Hearts
Sayonara Wild Hearts is more of an interactive music album than it is a video game.
With an hour’s worth of music, your adventure through Sayonara Wild Hearts is essentially a series of playable music videos. Moving your character around the screen, you primarily need to avoid obstacles, though sometimes you’re required to press the correct sequence of buttons under pressure. The repercussions aren’t too harsh if you fail though; you just won’t get the best grade when you reach the end of the track.
You’re likely to return to Sayonara Wild Hearts again and again if you’re a score chaser, but it’s undoubtedly best enjoyed with no pressure. Thanks to its brilliant music, it’s one of the best music rhythm games on Switch.
Read our review of Sayonara Wild Hearts
Cadence of Hyrule
Here’s a rhythm game with a difference. If you’ve played Crypt of the Necrodancer, you’ll know what to expect: Cadence of Hyrule features the same gameplay and is from the same developer – but it’s set in the world of the Legend of Zelda series. If that’s not enough to sell you, we don’t know what to tell you.
Essentially, this is a roguelike game, but not like any other you’ve played. You’ll move on the beat, taking out enemies in time with the music. It’s not always so easy, but get it right and you’ll feel like a musical master. And even if you do fail, it’s so enjoyable that you’ll likely jump straight back in. Fun and exciting, Cadence of Hyrule is wholly unique, and that’s what makes it one of the best music rhythm games on Switch.
Read more about Cadence of Hyrule
Deemo
While Deemo can be a little frustrating before you get used to it, there’s no doubt that hardcore music rhythm game fans are sure to enjoy it. With a beautiful soundtrack and mesmerising visuals, its a treat to the eyes and ears – even if it is a challenge to the fingertips.
Not only will players be trying to get high scores on a variety of songs, but they’ll be able to follow the story of the mysterious characters, including the silent Deemo, as they progress. The game is beautiful and the music is fantastic; what more can you ask for? It’s one of the best music rhythm games on Switch, without a doubt.
Thumper
There aren’t many music rhythm games that can be described as harrowing, but Thumper sure is.
As you take control of a metallic beetle-like object, you speed down a track. Only by navigating around corners and avoiding obstacles can you continue your endeavours, but to proceed you also need to deal with grotesque creatures blocking your path. Press the required buttons at the right time and you’ll fire at them, eventually banishing them to the abyss. But can you overcome them all?
There’s something otherworldly about Thumper. It’s haunting and somewhat horrific, yet also mesmerising. Definitely give it a try; it’s one of the best music rhythm games on Switch.
