When it comes to rhythm games, the Project DIVA series are well-known. Part of it is thanks to being associated with the popular vocaloid Miku and friend, but they are also very well-made rhythm games. Mixing in PVs with rhythm gameplay and offering many options of customization help the series stand out amongst other rhythm games. Before, the Project DIVA game were mainly seen on PlayStation devices, with Project Mirai being the lone exception when it appeared on Nintendo 3DS. Now, Hatsune Miku is back on a Ninendo device with Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA Mega Mix.

Unlike Project Mirai on the Nintendo 3DS, Mega Mix offers gameplay that is similar to the other previous Project DIVA games. So there is no doubt this is a new entry for Project DIVA. Featuring various songs by different artists and different modules to make use of to customize characters. There are a couple new Switch features to help make this entry a bit unique to the device too. That being creating custom T-Shirts and a new gameplay mode called Mix Mode.

THE BAD: Before we go further though, I want to be clear about what this game is. Even though it is marked as a new Project DIVA game, it’s actually a Switch version of the already released Project DIVA Future Tone on PlayStation 4. Not the exact same game though, since there is quite an amount of songs that aren’t present. While everything else, like the game system and overall look is mostly similar. Now, I wouldn’t say this is a terribly bad thing and that this game doesn’t matter, but it is slightly disappointing that this isn’t an entirely new Project DIVA game and is instead based on an already existing game.

That’s probably the only really disappointing thing I have against this game. Especially since Future Tone is one of the best rhythm games on PlayStation 4. Much of that is due to its value with how many songs you get for what you pay for. While Mega Mix on Switch does feature a hundred songs, it is disappointing to see that it doesn’t match the amount found on Future Tone when being sold at a similar price.

So the main reason I wanted to bring this point up early is to just let people know that this game actually sort of already exists and getting the PS4 version is a much more valuable purchase than Mega Mix. If you already own Future Tone on PS4, then Mega Mix on Switch may be a harder sell. Even as I say that, there is a bit of me that feels like Mega Mix is still worth checking out.

THE GOOD: Reasons for checking out Mega Mix over Future Tone have to do with the game being made available on Nintendo Switch. It’s a unique platform and Mega Mix has features that take advantage of those unique traits of the Switch. That being the touchscreen of the Switch and the deatchable Joy Con controllers.

The new Mix Mode introduced in Mega Mix offers up a new way to play the familiar music of Hatsune Miku and company. You play with a Joy Con controller is each hand and will tilt them in order to line them up with notes falling from the top of the screen. Match the timing with the shoulder buttons of the controller and you got a neat rhythm mode that combines tilting with beat matching. It can feel unusual at first, but it actually works really well and I found it quite fun. There are only three difficulties for this mode compared to the six variations found in the traditional Arcade Mode, but don’t let that cause you to think this mode is easy. Even on Normal difficulty, some songs can offer up a challenge, while Hard takes things to a different level. It’s basically a new type of game that offers a good amount of challenge and enjoyment.

Then there is the ability to create your own custom designed T-Shirts that you can have characters wear. You can create a T-Shirt using a controller, but I wouldn’t recommend it. The best way to go about creating a design you can be proud of is by using the Switch’s touchscreen to better lay out your creativity. It’s not the best creative tool out there and the Switch touchscreen isn’t the smoothest thing to work with, but I give credit for providing the option. I have some things in mind that I would have liked to see that would’ve made creating a T-Shirt more smoother, but the simple design of it encourages players to give it a try. It’ll be a challenge to create very detailed designs, but if you got something simple you want to create or even mimic from another game, the tool works well enough for the job.

The touchscreen also gets some added use gameplay wise thanks to a new mode that was made available in a recent game update. That being Tap Mode. This version of Project DIVA is similar to Future Tone, but that too was based on an arcade version of Project DIVA. This new Tap Mode further replicates that feeling of playing Project DIVA in an arcade. Four big buttons will be pressable on the Switch’s touchscreen and also the ablitiy to slide your finger across the screen for slide notes. It’s simple, but adds yet another way to play the game thanks to the unique features of the Nintendo Switch.

Lastly, there are minor but really nice details that round out the overall package of Mega Mix. Things like a few songs that are actually new to the Project DIVA series. Plus the added value of being on the Nintendo Switch. Project DIVA started out on a handheld device, and it’s now available on another one. It works well on the go too. Then you got online leadersboards and extra songs being made available through DLC. While it may not match the value of Future Tone, Mega Mix still offers a good amount of stuff for what you pay for.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: It was disappointing to see that Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA Mega Mix isn’t an entirely new Project DIVA game. However, the disappointment pretty much stops there. Yes, it’s missing quite a bit of songs from Future Tone, but I feel the game makes up for it with some newly added features that take advantage of the platform it’s on. It’s still a hard sell for those who already have Future Tone, but it may be worth the double dip if you’re an avid Switch user. Plus the new game modes help provide a fresh take on how you play Project DIVA.

So one of the best rhythm games that was found on PlayStation 4 is now one of the best rhythm games you can get on Nintendo Switch. If you’ve had any curiosity on what this game series is and you enjoy rhythm games, Project DIVA Mega Mix is a no-brainier to buy. It packs a lot of content for its asking price and makes great use of the Switch’s features.

Editor’s Note: An advanced review copy of Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA Mega Mix was provided by SEGA in support of this review.