BEAT Platform Differences

iOS, iPad

the icon used

Titled "Bit.Trip Beat HD" on the App Store it was publish by Bandai Namco on September 30th, 2010, as the first port of BEAT it features many excusive features, this is the only port to keep the multiplayer mode (as online multiplayer).

it was also the first time BIT.TRIP came onto a portable device.

iOS Features

• Tilt and TouchScreen support.
• Online multiplayer.
• Online leaderboards (via Game Center).
• in-game Achievements.
• a stage select (you can choose what stage to start on a level).
• 3 unique levels based on BIT.TRIP VOID as purchasable DLC.

PC, Android, PS4, VITA

The PC version is the second port releasing on November 2nd, 2010, on steam, this version can currently be bought on Steam, GOG, Humble Bundle, or obtaining The BIT.TRIP Collection.

The game saw a release on PlayStation 4 and Vita versions via THE BIT.TRIP released on December 5th, 2015, with the physical release by Limited Run on January 19th, 2018, it is mostly same without mouse support, no options, and contains a different set of Achievements.

The blue tint in cutscenes is missing and some of the lighting is different.

PC/PS4 Features

• Support to use either a Mouse, Keyboard, or Gamepad
• Online leaderboards.
• Achievements (Steam and PlayStation).
• Difficulty options (later added in COMPLETE).

Steam Only

The Steam release of the game featured a collection of superficial content, including Trading Cards and Badges.

Leading up to the release of Valve Software's Portal 2, the Steam version of BIT.TRIP BEAT received an update, adding a fourth level entitled <TEST>. Completing the stage originally rewarded players with two opportunities to obtain potatoes for the promotional event. <TEST> is still available in the Steam versions, provided they are purchased after already having Portal 2 in one's library, but it no longer unlocks anything.

screenshot of <TEST>

Additionally, a third potato could be earned by hitting the wall behind the boss of DESCENT in MEGA, while the event was live, the purposes of the event was to reward certain players with the ability to play Portal 2 early.

Nintendo 3DS

a cutscene with completely different lighting

BIT.TRIP BEAT along with the rest of the saga are featured in BIT.TRIP SAGA, a compilation that released on September 13th, 2011, BEAT matches the WiiWare version more, the only addition is a Title screen (RUNNER style) and stereoscopic 3D support.

Growth is missing some objects in the background, the lighting differs, and the game is controlled via the Touchscreen.

Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch port was developed by QubicGames and published on the eShop on December 25th, 2020, its mostly the same as the PC port but with the addition of the challenges from COMPLETE and gyro options. it can be purchased by itself or part of "BIT.TRIP COLLECTION"

TRIVA

• The 3DS Port is the only port that keeps the title screen from COMPLETE.
  • It's also the only port to keep the transparent rainbow on the logo.
• The PC version added a sound effect when you hit a beat in NETHER, this is used in every subsequent port