Can You Play Just Dance with One Joy-Con? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is yes, you absolutely can play Just Dance with one Joy-Con! This accessibility makes the game incredibly versatile and easy to jump into, whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a complete beginner. All you need is one Joy-Con per player, held in the hand that corresponds to the coach’s on-screen hand color. But there’s more to it than just grabbing a controller. Let’s dive into the details of how to make the most of your Just Dance experience using a single Joy-Con, and explore some common questions that arise.
Understanding Joy-Con Functionality in Just Dance
The core gameplay of Just Dance relies on motion tracking. The Joy-Con uses its internal gyroscope and accelerometer to detect your movements as you mimic the on-screen dancer. This motion data is then translated into a score, rewarding you for accurate and energetic performances. The game primarily tracks the movement of your right hand (or left, depending on the coach’s indication).
This simplified tracking method allows for enjoyable gameplay even with a single Joy-Con. It isn’t about perfect replication of every limb’s movement, but rather capturing the essence of the dance. This approach makes the game approachable for players of all skill levels and ages.
Alternative Controller Options
While Joy-Cons are a popular choice, they aren’t the only way to play Just Dance. Ubisoft has cleverly integrated smartphone compatibility, making the game even more accessible. The Just Dance Controller app (available on iOS and Android) transforms your smartphone into a motion-tracking device, mimicking the functionality of a Joy-Con. This is a fantastic option if you’re short on controllers or playing with a larger group.
Setting Up Single Joy-Con Play
To switch to single Joy-Con mode, the process is fairly straightforward:
- Press the connect button (the small, circular button between the SL and SR buttons) on both Joy-Cons.
- Then, press the SL and SR buttons on the Joy-Con you intend to use.
Your Nintendo Switch should then recognize the Joy-Con as a single controller, ready for dancing!
Just Dance and Learning
The fun and engaging nature of Just Dance can also make it a great tool for learning and development. GamesLearningSociety.org understands the power of games in education. The Games Learning Society explores how interactive experiences, like dancing to a beat, can improve memory, coordination, and even social skills.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about playing Just Dance with Joy-Cons:
1. Can I use the left Joy-Con for Just Dance?
Yes, as long as you hold the Joy-Con in the hand that mirrors the coach’s colored hand on screen, you can use either the right or left Joy-Con. The game only tracks the movement of the hand holding the controller.
2. Do I need extra controllers for Just Dance on Switch?
No, you don’t necessarily need extra Joy-Cons. You can use the Just Dance Controller app on your smartphone as an alternative. Each player needs one controller, whether it’s a Joy-Con or a smartphone running the app.
3. Can I play Just Dance without a Switch?
Yes, you can play Just Dance Now on your smartphone, which essentially turns your phone into both the console and the controller. You’ll need a screen to display the game, such as a smart TV or computer monitor.
4. Is Just Dance a good workout?
Absolutely! Just Dance is a fantastic way to get your heart rate up, burn calories, and improve your cardiovascular health. It’s a fun and engaging alternative to traditional workouts. Studies have shown that dancing can lead to fat loss.
5. Is Just Dance 2023 free?
The base game of Just Dance 2023 includes 40 songs and does not require a subscription. However, there’s a Just Dance Plus subscription service that provides access to a larger library of songs, with new tracks added regularly.
6. What games can you play with 1 Joy-Con?
Besides Just Dance, many games on the Nintendo Switch support single Joy-Con play, including Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Lovers in a Dangerous Spacetime, and various indie titles.
7. Can you play Just Dance with two Joy-Cons?
While you can technically hold two Joy-Cons, Just Dance only tracks the movement of one. It’s more effective to have each player use a single Joy-Con or the Just Dance Controller app. Be aware that you cannot mix different controller types, e.g. smart devices and console controllers.
8. Do you need Joy-Cons for Just Dance 2023 on Switch Lite?
While the Nintendo Switch Lite doesn’t have detachable Joy-Cons, you can still play Just Dance 2023 by using either separate Joy-Cons or the Just Dance Controller app on your smartphone.
9. What controllers do you need for Just Dance on PlayStation?
On PlayStation, you can use the DualShock 4 or DualSense controller for menu navigation, but for motion tracking, you’ll need either the PlayStation Move Controller or the Just Dance Controller app.
10. What is needed to play Just Dance?
Essentially, you need a display (TV or monitor), a console or device to run the game (Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, or smartphone), and a motion-tracking controller ( Joy-Con, PlayStation Move, or smartphone with the Just Dance Controller app).
11. How do Joy-Cons work for Just Dance?
The Joy-Cons utilize their internal accelerometers and gyroscopes to detect movement. This data is sent to the Nintendo Switch, which interprets it as dance moves and scores you accordingly.
12. Do I need two sets of Joy-Cons for “It Takes Two”?
No, this is a common misconception. You need a full set of Joy-Cons or one Pro Controller per player. So for two players, you need two sets of Joy-Cons or two Pro Controllers. Playing with one Joy-Con each is not supported.
13. How many Joy-Cons can you have on Just Dance Switch?
The Nintendo Switch supports up to eight controllers simultaneously. However, Just Dance can accommodate a maximum of six players, each using either a Joy-Con or the Just Dance Controller app.
14. Can you use 1 Joy-Con for Mario Kart?
Yes, you can play Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with a single Joy-Con. It’s a perfectly viable way to enjoy the game, especially for casual multiplayer sessions.
15. Why does Just Dance 2023 not work?
Connectivity issues in Just Dance 2023 can often be attributed to your NAT type. Ensure your NAT status is “Open” or “Single NAT”. If it’s more restrictive, you may need to forward ports on your router.