How Many Controllers Do You Need for Just Dance? A Comprehensive Guide
The simple answer is: at least one controller per player! But the world of Just Dance and its controller options is far more nuanced than that. Depending on the platform you’re playing on and the number of players participating in your dance-off, you have several options. Let’s dive into the controller landscape for Just Dance.
Understanding the Controller Options
Just Dance embraces accessibility, offering various ways to track your groovy moves. This allows players to join in regardless of whether they have traditional gaming controllers. The main options break down as follows:
- Joy-Cons (Nintendo Switch): The classic choice for Nintendo Switch users. Each Joy-Con can track the movements of one player.
- Just Dance Controller App (Smartphones): This ingenious app turns your smartphone into a motion tracker. It’s available for both iOS and Android devices, making it accessible to almost everyone.
- PlayStation Move Controllers (PlayStation 4): These motion-sensing wands were designed for PlayStation’s motion-controlled games and work well with Just Dance.
- PlayStation Camera (PlayStation 4): The PS Camera can track player movements without requiring hand-held controllers.
- Xbox Kinect (Xbox One): Similar to the PlayStation Camera, the Kinect sensor tracks full-body movements without needing controllers.
- Standard Game Controllers (Menu Navigation): On PlayStation and Xbox, the standard DualSense/DualShock controllers and Xbox Wireless Controllers are used primarily for navigating menus, but some games leverage them in gameplay as well.
Controller Requirements Per Platform
Each platform has its own unique controller requirements and limitations:
Nintendo Switch
- Minimum: One Joy-Con or a smartphone with the Just Dance Controller App per player.
- Maximum: Up to six Joy-Cons or six smart devices with the Just Dance Controller App can be used simultaneously.
PlayStation 4
- Minimum: A DualShock 4 controller for menu navigation, plus one of the following options per player: a PlayStation Move controller, the PlayStation Camera, or the Just Dance Controller App.
- Maximum: Up to four PlayStation Move Controllers, six players with the PS Camera, or six smart devices with the Just Dance Controller App.
PlayStation 5
- Minimum: A DualSense controller for menu navigation, plus the Just Dance Controller App.
- Maximum: Up to six smart devices with the Just Dance Controller App can be used simultaneously.
Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S
- Minimum: An Xbox One/Series X/S Wireless Controller for menu navigation, plus either the Xbox Kinect (for Xbox One only) or the Just Dance Controller App.
- Maximum: The number of players is generally limited by the number of accounts that can be logged in and tracked, practically allowing up to six players using the Just Dance Controller App. Note that Xbox One supports Kinect but Xbox Series X/S doesn’t.
Important Considerations
- Mixing Controller Types: Generally, you cannot mix different controller types within the same game session (e.g., Joy-Cons and smartphones simultaneously).
- Accuracy: While the Just Dance Controller App offers convenience, many players find that dedicated motion controllers (Joy-Cons, PS Move) provide more accurate tracking.
- Availability: The Xbox Kinect is only supported on the Xbox One. Microsoft has discontinued the Kinect, making it more difficult to acquire.
Troubleshooting Controller Issues
Experiencing problems with your controllers? Here are a few things to try:
- Ensure Controllers are Paired: Make sure your controllers are properly paired and connected to your console.
- Check Battery Levels: Low battery levels can cause tracking issues.
- Calibrate Motion Controllers: Calibrate your motion controllers according to the game’s instructions.
- Update the Just Dance Controller App: Make sure you have the latest version of the Just Dance Controller App installed on your smartphone.
- Restart Your Console: A simple restart can often resolve connectivity issues.
Choosing the Right Controller Setup
The best controller setup for Just Dance depends on your platform, budget, and player preferences. If you’re on the Nintendo Switch, Joy-Cons are a convenient and readily available option. If you’re on PlayStation, consider the PS Move controllers or the PlayStation Camera for more accurate tracking. If you want the most accessible option, the Just Dance Controller App is a great choice.
Just Dance and the Future of Gaming
Just Dance’s innovative approach to controller options exemplifies how games can be made more inclusive and accessible. By utilizing smartphone technology, Just Dance breaks down barriers to entry, allowing anyone with a smartphone to join the fun. This commitment to accessibility aligns with the goals of organizations like the Games Learning Society, which explores how games can be used for education and social impact. You can learn more at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions regarding Just Dance and its controller requirements:
1. Do you need 2 controllers for Just Dance?
No, you only need one controller (Joy-Con or smartphone with the Just Dance Controller App) per player.
2. How many controllers can you have on Just Dance 2023?
You can have up to six controllers, whether they are Joy-Cons or smartphones running the Just Dance Controller App on Nintendo Switch and other consoles.
3. Can 4 people play Just Dance?
Yes! Just Dance supports up to six players simultaneously.
4. What controllers do you need for Just Dance?
It depends on the platform. Refer to the platform-specific breakdown above for detailed information. Generally, Joy-Cons (Switch), PlayStation Move Controllers/Camera or Just Dance Controller App (PlayStation), Kinect (Xbox One) or Just Dance Controller App (Xbox), or Just Dance Controller App (all platforms) are viable.
5. Do you need Joycons for Just Dance 2023?
No, Joy-Cons are not strictly required. You can use the Just Dance Controller App on your smartphone instead.
6. How many players can play Just Dance on Switch?
Up to six players can play Just Dance on Switch simultaneously.
7. Can 2 people play Just Dance at the same time?
Yes! Just Dance supports local multiplayer, allowing two or more people to play together.
8. Can 2 people play Just Dance 2023?
Yes, Just Dance 2023 supports both online and local multiplayer, so two people can definitely play together.
9. Can 2 people play Just Dance Now?
Yes, two or more people can play Just Dance Now using the Just Dance Now app on their smartphones.
10. How do I add more controllers to Just Dance?
On the controller selection screen, choose the controllers or camera you want to use. Remember that you generally cannot mix different controller types.
11. What controller to use for Just Dance 2023?
Refer to the platform-specific breakdown above. Joy-Cons, the Just Dance Controller App, PlayStation Move controllers, the PlayStation Camera, and the Xbox Kinect are all viable options.
12. Do I need move controllers for Just Dance?
No, move controllers are not strictly required on PlayStation. You can use the PlayStation Camera or the Just Dance Controller App instead.
13. Can you use Nintendo switch controllers for Just Dance?
Yes! Joy-Cons are fully supported on the Nintendo Switch.
14. Can you use phones for Just Dance?
Absolutely! The Just Dance Controller App allows you to use your smartphone as a motion tracker.
15. How many people can play Just Dance 2023 locally?
Up to six players can play Just Dance 2023 locally.
Conclusion
Navigating the world of Just Dance controllers doesn’t have to be confusing. By understanding the different options available for each platform, you can choose the setup that best suits your needs and get ready to dance the night away! Embrace the fun, get moving, and let Just Dance bring the party to your living room. For more information on the intersection of gaming and learning, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.