Sega is joining a long line of developers who have released games exclusively on the Switch with the announcement that Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA Mega Mix will be arriving on the console in the West starting in 2020.
Since her introduction in 2007, Sega and Hatsune Miku creator Crypton Future Media have created a laundry list of games starting with Hatsune Miku: Project Diva on July 2, 2009. Upon its release in Japan on the PSP and PlayStation 3, Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA managed to ship 187,558 units on the PSP alone by the end of 2009, despite never having an international release. While Hatsune Miku: Project Diva 2nd, Hatsune Miku: Project Diva Extend, and Hatsune Miku Project Diva f would all fare better than their predecessor, the series would begin a bit of a downward trend with the release of Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai 2 for the 3DS.
The lack of sales didn't seem to discourage Sega, however, and when the developer released Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA Future Tone DX in both North America and Europe in January of 2017, critics and consumers alike praised it heavily, helping it to eventually win Game Informer's best Rhythm/music award in 2017. Now, perhaps invigorated by recent success, Sega has announced that it will be releasing Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA Mega Mix exclusively for the Switch in 2020.
With the franchise's recent struggles within the video game space, it's a bit surprising that Sega would continue to invest - but based on recent results it's hard to argue against it. If Sega is able to create a truly unique rhythm game that finally captures the attention of the West it, could change the focus for the franchise going forward.
Details related to Sega's recent announcement can be found on Gematsu who reveals that Japanese consumers will be able to get their hands on a special limited edition of the game for $93.98 or opt for the regular edition at just $56.35. The limited edition of the game will contain a uniquely illustrated box designed by KEI-illustrated, an art book, a collection of five CDs, and a "Catch the Wave" SONOCA card. Additionally, Sega confirmed that the game will contain ten newly recorded songs, half of which will have 3D rendered models and half that will have video only associated with them. According to Nintendo Life, the game will be different from other Rhythm games in the series in that it will allow users to play using a standard controller or motion controls for the first time. While Sega didn't give an exact date, consumers should expect the game to release sometime in 2020 on the Nintendo Switch.
The fact that Sega is so willing to change around game mechanics is a very good sign for the future of the franchise. Additionally, the game's lower than average Switch price will help to garner the attention of consumers everywhere.
Though Rhythm games can be a tough sell, the addition of motion control capabilities may finally help the series break out in the West. If the game is ported into arcades, it stands a real chance of eclipsing the sales of any previous title in the franchise.