Korean Drum‑Beat Showdown Opens for Switch Players

The 2026 Korea Championship for the popular rhythm game has just started accepting entries from local Switch users. Players must record themselves hitting two specific tracks on the game “Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival” and post the footage to YouTube. The two songs, one rated ★8 and the other ★9, will be used to rank competitors. Those who score highest—four in total—will earn a spot in the final round held on May 23 at KINTEX. Only South Korean residents can join, and anyone under 18 needs a parent’s OK. The deadline for sending in videos is May 5 at midnight. When the finals begin, eight arcade players will also compete against the four Switch qualifiers in a single‑elimination bracket. The event is part of the larger PlayX4 2026 festival.Winners will get a special in‑game name for the arcade version and a signed plaque for Switch participants. Everyone at the finals, whether they play or just watch, will receive a limited‑edition name tag that shows how well they did. The company is also hosting an online sharing contest: participants who post their digital name tag on social media with the official hashtag and show it at the venue can win one of two exclusive merchandise items, first‑come first‑served. The tournament allows the use of drumsticks, dedicated Taiko controllers, and Joy‑Cons, but not touch controls. All videos must show both the gameplay screen and the controller in use so judges can verify authenticity.