Which 2006 game was the first Rhythm Heaven series entry?

Rhythm Tengoku was the first game in the Rhythm Heaven series, released in 2006.

Nintendo launched the Game Boy Advance title in Japan on August 3, 2006. It was developed by Nintendo SPD, with musician Tsunku serving as composer and supervisor. The game presents a collection of distinct rhythm challenges, each built around a simple rule that players must follow through audio cues and precise timing.

The title was originally Japan-exclusive, so many international players encountered the franchise later through Rhythm Heaven on Nintendo DS, Rhythm Heaven Fever on Wii, or Rhythm Heaven Megamix on Nintendo 3DS. That release history can make the DS game feel like the beginning, but it was actually the second series entry.

Rhythm Tengoku later received a Japanese arcade adaptation developed with Sega for the Sega Naomi system. Its legacy continued through recurring minigames such as Karate Man and through the series' characteristic emphasis on listening to the beat. Rhythm Heaven Groove is the next major entry after Megamix.