Pump It Up Phoenix is set for its official United States release on 14 August 2023, following an earlier launch in South Korea and some confusion around the American release date.
When does Pump It Up Phoenix launch in the USA?
An official announcement initially indicated that the game would arrive in the United States on 1 August. However, Andamiro USA later confirmed that date was incorrect. The US release is scheduled for 14 August 2023.
Phoenix has been available in South Korea since 4 July. Some players in the United States also appeared to have access before the official launch, with community posts showing US software. These cabinets were obtained through personal connections rather than the usual official distribution channels.
Arcade operators can already place orders through their preferred Andamiro distributor. For broader arcade-industry updates, visit the RETROCADE Arcade Blog.
More than 500 songs and three play modes
Phoenix appears to continue the foundation established by Pump It Up XX 20th Anniversary. The game supports a song catalogue of more than 500 tracks, including recent K-pop selections. Details about the music lineup are also available from this Andamiro announcement.
Players can choose between three modes:
- Basic Mode: designed for beginners.
- Full Mode: aimed at experienced Pump It Up players.
- Premium Mode: unlocked with an AM.PASS card.
Existing step charts have been revised, and Phoenix introduces a new scoring system that applies across all three modes.
AM.PASS, online matching and cross-arcade play
Like Pump It Up XX, Phoenix uses the AM.PASS account and card network. The system supports player profiles, online code updates and an Online Matching System for connecting players across different venues.
When players are matched with someone at another arcade, the built-in camera lets them see their opponent. Cross-site competition of this kind remains an uncommon feature among dance games.
The LX dedicated cabinet
Operators purchasing Phoenix as a new dedicated machine will receive the LX cabinet, which is the latest dedicated cabinet in the Pump It Up range. Pump It Up XX also shipped in the LX format, while older cabinets remain supported through kit upgrades.
Andamiro has released several cabinet designs over the years, as shown in this cabinet history post. Current pricing was not provided, so operators should contact a distributor for a quote. The previous dedicated Pump It Up XX machine was recalled as costing roughly $15,000–$16,000, although that figure was uncertain and market prices have risen since the earlier release.
For Australian operators planning a dance-game installation, RETROCADE’s arcade machine buying guide offers general advice on choosing and planning a cabinet. Owners working on existing equipment can also browse arcade repair services and arcade parts.
A new chapter for arcade rhythm games
With its large music library, revised charts, new scoring and cross-venue matching, Pump It Up Phoenix gives North American rhythm-game arcades a substantial new release to prepare for. Its official US launch date is 14 August 2023.
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