Amusement Expo International is approaching, and one of Sega’s most distinctive rhythm games has been confirmed for the 2025 event. Maimai DX will be presented with support from Sega Amusements International and Velocity eSports.
Maimai DX reaches the United States
Maimai is Sega’s highly recognisable rhythm arcade game, known for its circular cabinet and touch-based play surface. Its unusual design has helped it develop a strong following across Japan, Asia and other regions, despite never receiving an official Western release for arcades, consoles or mobile devices.
That limited availability has meant that Western players have generally encountered Maimai through imported machines or while visiting arcades overseas. In the United States, however, the game began appearing in location tests during 2024 at Round1USA Puente Hills, Dave & Busters Dallas and, from December, Velocity eSports Schaumburg.
The earlier tests included internet-connected features at some locations. The online component was notably disabled during the Schaumburg test.
Maimai DX was absent from IAAPA 2024, unlike Taiko No Tatsujin. That absence led to uncertainty about whether Sega would pursue a broader release, or whether the game might remain limited to a potential Round1USA arrangement. Its appearance at Amusement Expo now suggests that wider operator interest is possible.
Maimai DX confirmed for Amusement Expo
Velocity eSports recently asked for six good Maimai players to contact them as part of its preparation for the trade-show appearance. Selected players will have their expenses covered and are expected to demonstrate the game for prospective operators.
The company also stated that it has been working with Sega Amusements International on the test. That clarification is significant because Sega’s direct involvement in the American location tests had previously been uncertain.
A Sega Amusements spokesperson has since confirmed that Maimai DX will be at Amusement Expo 2025. They also advised avid players and fans to ask their arcade managers or owners to join the purchasing list promptly, as only limited numbers of machines are planned for release into the market.
The game was not listed on Sega Amusements’ website at the time of the announcement, and no pricing or distributor information had been published. Operators considering new arcade machines will need to wait for those details.
What remains unknown?
The announcement did not confirm whether online services will be active in the commercial release, whether those services will carry a fee, or which software build will be supplied. Sega has also not announced the final song list, the number of available tracks, possible licensed American music, or whether the Western version will differ from other overseas releases.
Pricing and final distribution arrangements are also unresolved. More information may be provided at Amusement Expo, although some details could emerge from distributors beforehand.
Why skilled players matter at trade shows
Recruiting experienced players to demonstrate a rhythm game is a practical trade-show strategy. Arcade operators may understand the business side of a machine without having the specialist timing and coordination needed to show its appeal immediately.
Strong players can demonstrate the cabinet’s presentation and challenge level while buyers assess whether it could attract customers in their venues. That approach is common for rhythm titles, where a confident demonstration can communicate more than a static display.
For operators assessing a new specialised cabinet, RETROCADE’s arcade machine buying guide provides broader purchasing considerations. Readers can also follow the latest developments through the RETROCADE arcade news blog.
Maimai DX’s trade-show debut is an encouraging development for fans who have been waiting to see Sega’s rhythm series receive a more formal Western presence. The major questions now concern connectivity, music, pricing, software and how many units operators will actually be able to secure.
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