pop'n music 8 is one of the many titles in Konami's long-running rhythm game franchise. Notes scroll toward the bottom of the screen along nine tracks, and the player must tap the correct buttons in time with the music to play along. Play well, and the "groove meter" increases, but play poorly and it will drop. If the groove meter is high enough at the end of the song, the player can move on to the next song.

This version includes over 100 tracks, primarily from the arcade version of the same title. The arcade, free, challenge, battle, and study modes from previous releases have returned. There is also a board game where unlockable songs and other items can be obtained by completing randomized challenges in arcade mode.