Elite Beat Agents: Unreleased Nintendo 3DS Prototype Revealed by iNiS Developers

Elite Beat Agents: Unreleased Nintendo 3DS Prototype Revealed by iNiS Developers In the world of Nintendo rhythm games, few titles have gained a cult following quite like Elite Beat Agents.

Originally launched for the Nintendo DS in 2006, this energetic rhythm action game was developed by the Japanese studio iNiS, recognized for its creative reinterpretation of their own Japanese hit, Osu Tatakae Ouendan.

Despite receiving critical acclaim, Elite Beat Agents never reached mainstream commercial success, and its future on Nintendo platforms seemed uncertain—until recent revelations surfaced about a never-before-seen prototype for the Nintendo 3DS. Elite Beat Agents debuted during the golden age of the Nintendo DS, capturing fans with its unique tap-and-drag rhythm gameplay and memorable cast of secret agent cheerleaders.

The game, which served as a western adaptation of Osu Tatakae Ouendan, quickly found a passionate fanbase but struggled to reach sales milestones significant enough to secure a direct sequel on later Nintendo hardware.

New details have emerged thanks to an interview conducted by Retro Gamer with Atsushi Saito, who was responsible for the original planning, character design, and animation direction on Ouendan.

Saito shared previously unknown insights about an Elite Beat Agents prototype that was in development for the Nintendo 3DS.

According to Saito, the prototype featured the cheer squad rendered in 3D and included a fresh approach to rhythm-based gameplay.

However, Saito revealed that a variety of circumstances ultimately prevented the project from being completed and released to the public. This confirmation corroborates prior hints dropped by the content creators at DidYouKnowGaming, who included the buried story in a video about the history of Elite Beat Agents.

At the time, the information went largely unnoticed by the broader Nintendo community.

Now, with direct confirmation from one of the original developers, fans finally have closure on the long-rumored 3DS project. The legacy of Elite Beat Agents continues to resonate with those involved in its creation.

Norihide Okada, main programmer on the project, reflected on his time with the game in a conversation with Retro Gamer.

Okada noted that Elite Beat Agents was his first professional game project and that seeing the packaged game in stores upon release stands as his proudest moment in game development.

His reflections highlight the personal impact the series had not only on fans, but also on its creators. Despite its status as a critical darling, Elite Beat Agents remains a niche entry in Nintendo’s extensive lineup.

With the developer iNiS having since rebranded and many key staff moving on to new efforts within the industry, chances of a new installment seem slim for now.

However, the recent revelations about the 3DS prototype ensure that Elite Beat Agents remains a beloved piece of Nintendo DS history, cherished by those who experienced its unique blend of rhythm and storytelling. As the gaming community continues to uncover the untold stories behind classic Nintendo franchises, Elite Beat Agents serves as a reminder of the innovation and creative risks that define the Nintendo legacy.

For now, the series remains a standout on the Nintendo DS, its influence and charm living on in the memories of longtime fans and the history books of Nintendo’s greatest rhythm games.

Nintendo 3DS Nintendo 3DS Xbox Series X|S DS developers Beat Elite Xbox X|S Elite Beat Agents iNiS Nintendo DS Retro Gamer DidYouKnowGaming Osu Tatakae Ouendan Atsushi Saito Norihide Okada