Sega’s colourful rhythm game Maimai DX has returned to the United States for an official location test at Round1USA’s Puente Hills Mall venue in California. The trial gives North American players an opportunity to experience the Japanese arcade favourite in its current form.
This is only a single location test, so it does not guarantee a broader North American release or permanent installation. Any future rollout will depend on the results of the evaluation.
What is Maimai?
Maimai is Sega’s long-running rhythm-action series, recognised for its circular cabinet and large touch-sensitive play area. Its distinctive design has earned it the informal nickname “the washing machine game”.
First released in Japan more than a decade ago, the series became one of Sega’s most enduring arcade rhythm successes. It competed strongly with Konami’s Bemani games and helped establish the development team behind later series including Chunithm and Ongeki.
The game expanded into China and several other Asian markets, but its western presence remained limited. Earlier tests took place at selected Round1USA and Dave & Buster’s venues during 2016 and 2017, although those trials did not lead to a wider US deployment.
Sega relaunched the series with the Maimai DX cabinet and software in 2019. An English-language international version followed for most other Asian territories, leaving open the possibility that the game could eventually be tested in additional markets.
Maimai DX at Round1USA
The current test began at Round1USA’s Puente Hills Mall branch. The venue has been Round1’s first US location and flagship store since 2010, and has previously hosted tests for Japanese arcade releases such as DanceDanceRevolution 2014 and Tekken 7.
The machines use the US build of Maimai’s international version. More specifically, the test features the Maimai DX Buddies revision, which launched in Japan in September 2023 and reached other Asian markets in January 2024. China is excluded from that release path, with Wahlap announcing its represented version for that territory at AAA 2024.
The cabinets are connected online during the test, an important detail for a game that relies on network services and ongoing content infrastructure.
The test has been confirmed as an official Sega-organised evaluation, rather than an unauthorised import arranged solely by Round1USA. Information from Round1 also indicates that the machines are being used to assess whether the game should progress further.
Could Maimai DX expand beyond Round1?
A broad release remains difficult to predict. Sega Amusements has historically been cautious about distributing Japanese arcade titles that involve additional network requirements, regional licences and other operating costs. Earlier examples include Initial D and the original Maimai deployments.
There is, however, a precedent for Sega’s Japanese operation independently testing and distributing a network-connected title to Round1USA. Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA Arcade received that treatment during 2013 and 2014, ultimately appearing through the chain on an exclusive basis.
That history raises the possibility that Maimai DX could follow a similar chain-exclusive model. Music licensing, online expenses and regional support requirements remain significant obstacles for Japanese rhythm games seeking a western release, despite strong interest from players.
The lengthy wait for Taiko no Tatsujin after its successful Round1 test illustrates how slowly these decisions can move. For now, the best outcome for Maimai fans is to support the Puente Hills trial and wait for Sega and Round1USA to determine what happens next.
For Australian arcade enthusiasts following international developments, the RETROCADE arcade blog covers news from across the industry. Readers comparing dedicated machines can also browse arcade machines, explore upright arcade cabinets, or learn more through the arcade machine buying guide.
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