Most levels allow the player to practice before attempting to clear the game, the exceptions being the Remix stages and some sequel games (namely those that include previously unseen patterns). Several Rhythm Games have sequel levels in later sets which use the same mechanics as their predecessors but have increased difficulty and, in a few cases, introduce new patterns. In each Rhythm Game, the player must attempt to keep with the rhythm throughout the level.

The game's fifty Rhythm Games are split into ten sets, each consisting of four Rhythm Games and a themed Remix level that incorporates the previous games (or more) into one song. A guitar-based minigame late in the game known as Rockers 2, along with the unlockable guitar lessons, also include the use of the DS's shoulder buttons to bend guitar notes. Controls used include tapping the touch screen, holding the stylus down on the touch screen, dragging it across the screen and flicking it off the screen. Throughout the game, players use the stylus to play through several rhythm-based levels known as Rhythm Games, each with their own specific rules. Unlike its predecessor which is played using the GBA's buttons, Rhythm Heaven is played using the touch screen with the DS held vertically, similarly to a book. The game was released in Japan on July 31, 2008, in North America on April 5, 2009, in Europe on May 1, 2009, and in Australia on June 4, 2009. It is the second game in Nintendo's Rhythm Heaven series and the first one released worldwide, following the Japan-only Game Boy Advance title Rhythm Tengoku, and was succeeded by Rhythm Heaven Fever for the Wii and Rhythm Heaven Megamix for the Nintendo 3DS. Space Gramps looks embarrassed.Rhythm Heaven, known as Rhythm Paradise in Europe and Rhythm World in Korea, is a Japanese rhythm video game developed by Nintendo SPD for the Nintendo DS.

Miss.: The other dancers collide with the player as they make their move.

Early!/Late!: The player follows out of sync, making a 'tick' sound.

Perfect!/Ace!: The player follows along with the others.

Punch (パンチ ?, Panchi): A voice says 'Pu-Pu-Pu-Punch!', where the dancers motion with their open palms on the first three syllables, and punch on the last one.

Squat (スクワット ?, Sukuwatto): A voice says 'Let's Sit Down!', where the dancers stand up on 'Let's', then squat on 'Down!'.

Pose (かたむく ?, Katamuku): A voice says 'And Pose!' ('Turn Right!' ?), where the dancers raise their left hand on 'And', then tilt to the side on 'Pose!'.

They follow the directions of the other dancers and Space Gramps by pressing the corresponding button as the partners signal what to do.

A group of Space Dancers are dancing together, and the player must dance in time with the others.

Rhythm heaven cosmic girl