maimaiでらっくす

maimai でらっくす, known by the kanji 熊 ("bear"), released on July 11, 2019, marks a complete overhaul of the series as the first version to run on the second-generation DX cabinet — 15% larger than its predecessor, with a brighter design, built-in 2.1-channel audio, a headphone jack, an expanded touch sensor array, and a still-photo memorial camera. It introduces a trio of new note types that fundamentally change chart design: Touch Notes (shutter-like markers requiring direct screen taps), Touch Hold Notes (held screen touches), and EX Notes (glowing notes that award Critical Perfect on all non-Miss judgments). Hold notes were also reworked to no longer require a deliberate release at the end. The scoring system was rebuilt from the ground up — achievement rates now have a theoretical maximum of 101.0000%, a new Critical Perfect judgment sits above Perfect, and the separate DX Score concept was introduced. Charts are now split into Standard Charts (pre-DX, no Touch or EX notes) and DX Charts (added from this version onward), switchable during play on a per-song basis.

System-level additions include Freedom Mode (a Japan-exclusive 10-minute free-play session for 2 credits), an online Friendly Match system for asynchronous data battles that raise a player's grade, and the physical Deluxe Pass card printed via Sega's Card Maker that grants perks like unconditional MASTER difficulty selection and extended Freedom Mode time. The progression model shifted to a map-based Area system where players advance through regions by equipping Tour Members, unlocking songs and characters along the way. The mascot でらっくま (Derakkuma) became the face of this generation. The menu UI switched to horizontal scrolling, and extensive visual customization options were added including selectable judgment line designs, note skins, star colors, slide display timing, and reaction effects. This version also established the nation-wide uniform pricing model and removed the EASY difficulty tier.