Your First Time at Round1 — The Arcade Card Starter Guide

Q: What is an e-amusement card and do I need one for Round1?

An e-amusement card is Konami's arcade loyalty card. It saves your scores, unlocks songs, and tracks rankings in games like DDR, IIDX, and SDVX. You don't need one to play, but you'll lose all your progress without it. You can buy one at Round1's front desk or online.

Q: What's the difference between e-amusement, Aime, and NESiCA cards?

e-amusement is for Konami games (DDR, IIDX, SDVX, Gitadora, Pop'n). Aime is for SEGA games (Chunithm, Maimai, Ongeki). NESiCA is for Taito/Square Enix games (Groove Coaster). You'll need separate cards for each network, though some newer cabinets accept Amusement IC cards that work across networks.

Q: How much does it cost to play rhythm games at Round1?

Most rhythm games at Round1 cost $1.00-$1.50 per credit (1-3 songs depending on the game). DDR gives 3 songs per credit, IIDX gives 3 stages, SDVX gives 3 tracks. The best deal is Round1's unlimited play pass if your location offers it.

Q: What should I bring to Round1 as a rhythm game player?

Essentials: your arcade cards (e-amusement, Aime, NESiCA), a small towel for sweat, water, and comfortable shoes if you play DDR or PIU. Nice to have: card stickers to customize your cards, a lanyard to keep cards accessible, and a drawstring bag for prizes.

🎮 Beginner's Guide

Your First Time at Round1: The Arcade Card Starter Guide

I've been playing rhythm games for years and I still remember being completely lost my first time at Round1. Here's everything I wish someone had told me.

So you walked into a Round1 for the first time. The lights are blinding, the sounds are overwhelming, and there's someone absolutely destroying a DDR machine on the hardest difficulty while you're standing there like 👁️👄👁️

I've been there. Honestly, the arcade rhythm game world has a learning curve before you even touch a button — and most of it is just figuring out the card system. Nobody explains it well, so let me break it down the way I wish someone had for me.

💳 The Three Cards You Need to Know

Here's the thing that confuses literally everyone: there's not just one arcade card. There are three different networks, and they don't talk to each other.

Konami

e-amusement

DDR, IIDX, SDVX, Gitadora, Pop'n Music, Jubeat, DanceRush, Nostalgia

SEGA

Aime

Chunithm, Maimai, Ongeki

Taito

NESiCA

Groove Coaster, Music Diver

Good news: Japan introduced the "Amusement IC" standard a few years back. If you see the Amusement IC logo on a cabinet, any of these cards will work on it for basic functionality. But for full features (online profiles, song unlocks, rivals), you still want the right card for the right network.

Where to get them: Most Round1 locations sell e-amusement and Aime cards at the front desk for about $5 each. NESiCA is harder to find — check if your location has a Groove Coaster cabinet, and ask staff.

⚡ Setting Up Your Card (Don't Skip This)

Getting the physical card is step one. Step two is making an online account — and if you skip this, you'll regret it later.

e-amusement setup:

Go to p.eagate.573.jp and create a Konami ID
Register your card number (printed on the back)
Set up your player name for each game
This is where you'll check scores, rivals, and event progress

Aime setup:

Go to my-aime.net
Create a SEGA ID and register your card
For Chunithm/Maimai, you can also use the in-game QR code to link to the app

Pro tip: take a photo of your card numbers. If you lose a card, you can transfer your data to a new one — but only if you know the old card number and have it linked to your account.

🎵 Which Game Should You Try First?

I get asked this a lot. Honestly, it depends on what kind of chaos you want:

🦶 DDR / PIU

Full body workout, very spectator-friendly

If you want cardio and don't mind people watching you. DDR has a huge lineup in our store for a reason — it's still the most iconic. PIU if you want 5 panels and K-pop songs.

🎹 IIDX

Piano-style keys + turntable, steep learning curve

The "I've been playing music for years and I still can't play this" game. Seriously, IIDX humbles everyone. Tons of IIDX merch in the collection.

🎛️ SDVX

Buttons + knobs, heavy electronic music

If you like Vocaloid, doujin music, or just really aggressive EDM. The knob gimmick is unique and addictive. Plenty of SDVX items and counting.

✋ Chunithm / Maimai

Touch-based, lower barrier to entry

Chunithm is a touch slider — very intuitive for first-timers. Maimai is the washing machine game where you slap buttons in a circle. Both are great starting points.

✨ Make Your Card Yours

Okay, this is the part where I become a shameless shill for my own store — but hear me out. Once you have your arcade cards, they're just plain white rectangles. Boring.

That's why I design card stickers. They're precision-cut vinyl skins that fit perfectly on e-amusement, Aime, and transit-size cards. I have dozens of designs — everything from DDR song jacket art to SDVX character designs.

Why card stickers are lowkey the best merch:

$7 each — cheapest way to rep your game
Everyone at Round1 sees your card when you tap in
Conversation starter with other players
Way cooler than a plain white card

I also carry lanyards so you don't lose your cards in your pocket, and charms to clip onto your bag or lanyard.

💰 Saving Money at Round1

Real talk — arcade gaming adds up fast. Here's how to not go broke:

🎟️ Check for unlimited play passes. Some Round1 locations offer monthly passes or special event pricing. Always ask.
📱 Download the Round1 app. They run credit bonuses and sometimes free play events.
⏰ Go during off-peak hours. Less waiting, more playing. Weekday mornings are dead (if you can swing it).
👫 Bring friends who play different games. You won't have to wait for the same cabinet.
🎮 Don't try every game on your first visit. Pick 2-3, learn the basics, come back for more. Your wallet will thank you.