If you still have a Nintendo 3DS kicking around in 2026, there’s a good chance you’ve realized something: the eShop is dead, but the physical gems are more valuable than ever. Among the sea of Mario and Pokémon titles, there’s one weird, bubbly, and surprisingly deep rhythm game that refuses to be forgotten. Hatsune Miku Project Mirai DX 3DS isn't just a "chibi version" of the Project Diva series. It’s a completely different beast.
Honestly, it’s probably the most cozy rhythm game ever made.
Why Hatsune Miku Project Mirai DX 3DS is different
Most people who see the big-headed Nendoroid art style think this is a "baby" version of the harder PlayStation games. They’re kinda wrong. While it's true the "Extreme" difficulty from Diva is gone, the grading system in Hatsune Miku Project Mirai DX 3DS is actually way more punishing if you’re chasing a perfect score. You can’t just hit the notes; you have to be frame-perfect to get a "Cool" rating, and even one "Good" can ruin your 100% completion.
The game also ditched the "flying symbols" from Diva. Instead, you follow a line. It’s like a rollercoaster track where the notes sit, and the line twists into shapes—sometimes spelling out "LOL" or forming a heart. It makes the screen feel less cluttered and more like you’re part of the music video.
Buttons or Touch? Pick your poison
You get two ways to play every single song. You’ve got Button Mode, which feels like the classic arcade experience. Then you’ve got Tap Mode, which uses the 3DS stylus.
- Tap Mode is basically a mini version of MaiMai (the "washing machine" arcade game). You tap, swipe, and hold on the bottom screen.
- Button Mode uses the D-pad and the face buttons.
The coolest part? They have separate high scores. It’s basically two rhythm games in one cartridge.
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A Tracklist that ruins the "Radio Edit" for you
If you've played other Miku games, you know the songs are usually cut down to 2 or 3 minutes. That’s not the case here. Hatsune Miku Project Mirai DX 3DS uses full-length tracks.
Take "Matryoshka" or "The World is Mine." In other games, they’re quick hits. Here, you’re playing the full four-minute journey. It changes the stamina required for a perfect run. Plus, the song list is legendary. You get "Senbonzakura," "Deep Sea Girl," and "Happy Synthesizer." There are 48 songs total, but since many have "Vocal Change" options (where you can swap Miku for Rin, Len, Luka, Meiko, or Kaito), the variety feels massive.
It’s a Life Sim, too
Between the rhythm segments, you’re basically playing Nintendogs but with Vocaloids. You live in a room with your chosen partner. You give them pocket money. You buy them furniture. You even play a fully-functional version of Puyo Puyo 39! against them.
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I once spent three hours just trying to beat Gumi at Puyo Puyo. I forgot I was even playing a rhythm game.
The "My Room" feature is weirdly addictive. You can set an alarm clock so Miku wakes you up in the morning (if you still use your 3DS as a clock, anyway). You can also compose your own little "My Tune" melodies or choreograph dance moves in the "Dance Studio." It’s these small, tactile 3DS-specific features that make the game feel alive.
The Gumi Factor
One of the biggest selling points for hardcore fans is Gumi. Because Megpoid (Gumi) isn't owned by Crypton Future Media, she rarely shows up in the main Project Diva games. But in Hatsune Miku Project Mirai DX 3DS, she’s a star. She’s in "Matryoshka," "Happy Synthesizer," and "1 2 Fanclub." For Gumi fans, this is the definitive handheld game.
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What most people get wrong about the difficulty
"It's too easy." I hear this a lot. Look, if you just want to pass a song, yeah, it’s easier than Diva Future Tone. But if you want to unlock the "Super Hard" modes, you have to earn them. There are six songs—like "Invisible" and "Skeleton Orchestra and Lilia"—that will absolutely wreck your fingers.
The 3D effect on the "New" 3DS systems also adds a layer of depth that actually helps with timing. Seeing the notes pop off the screen makes it easier to judge when the line is about to hit them.
Real Talk: The Hardware Limitation
Let’s be real for a second. The 3DS is old. The resolution is low. Sometimes the frames dip when the background video gets too intense. But the Nendoroid style hides the low-res textures perfectly. It looks intentional. It looks like a toy box come to life.
How to get the most out of it today
If you’re picking this up in 2026, don't just rush the songs.
- Check the Mirai Mall often. Outfits aren't just cosmetic; they change the vibe of the PVs.
- Use the "Vocal Change." Some songs, like "1925," sound completely different depending on who’s singing.
- Don't ignore the AR cards. If you have the physical copy, those cards let you host a "live concert" on your desk. It’s a neat gimmick that still holds up.
Next Steps for Players:
Check your 3DS battery health before a long session, as the 3D and high-volume music will drain it in about 3 hours. If you're looking for the best experience, play with headphones—the 3DS speakers don't do the bass in "on the rocks" any justice. Start with "Easy" on Tap Mode to get the flow, then jump straight to "Hard" on Button Mode to see the real note charts.