Do I Need to Buy Just Dance Every Year If I Have Unlimited?

The short answer is: no, you don’t need to buy Just Dance every year if you have a Just Dance Unlimited or Just Dance+ subscription, depending on the game version you are playing. However, whether you want to buy the new game each year depends on several factors, including the new features, song list, and whether you prefer a subscription model or owning the base game content. Let’s delve into the specifics.

The Just Dance franchise has evolved over the years, with a key change being the introduction of subscription services. For Just Dance 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022, Just Dance Unlimited is the subscription service providing access to a vast library of songs. For Just Dance 2023 and later, Just Dance+ is the successor to Unlimited, offering a similar streaming service.

If you’re happy dancing to the songs available through your subscription on an older title like Just Dance 2022, there’s no pressing need to purchase the newest version. However, each new Just Dance release often brings updated interfaces, new features, and, of course, a fresh set of base game songs not available on the subscription service. Ultimately, the decision hinges on your personal preferences and how deeply invested you are in the Just Dance ecosystem.

Understanding Just Dance Unlimited and Just Dance+

Before we dive deeper, let’s clarify the difference between Just Dance Unlimited and Just Dance+:

• Just Dance Unlimited: This subscription service is for Just Dance versions 2019 through 2022. It gives you access to a large library of songs (over 400 in Just Dance 2019, growing to over 700 in Just Dance 2022) that you can stream and dance to as long as your subscription is active.
• Just Dance+: This is the new subscription service for Just Dance 2023 and beyond. It replaces Just Dance Unlimited and offers a similar service: a streaming library of songs that expands over time. Crucially, Just Dance Unlimited is NOT compatible with Just Dance 2023 and later.

Why You Might Want to Buy a New Just Dance Game Even with a Subscription

Even with a subscription, there are reasons to consider purchasing the latest Just Dance release:

• Base Game Song List: Each new Just Dance game comes with a selection of songs that are not part of the subscription service. If you like some of these songs, buying the game is the only way to access them permanently.
• New Features and Interface: Ubisoft often introduces new game modes, features, and interface improvements with each iteration. If you’re interested in experiencing the latest advancements, a new game purchase is necessary.
• Keeping Up with the Community: If you enjoy playing online with friends, they are more likely to be playing the newest version of the game. This fosters community engagement.
• Collectibility: Some players simply enjoy collecting each year’s Just Dance release, regardless of the subscription service.

Subscription vs. Ownership: Which is Right for You?

The choice between relying solely on a subscription or buying a new game each year comes down to how you prefer to consume content.

• Subscription Advantage: If you enjoy variety and love discovering new songs, a subscription is likely the best value. You get access to a vast library for a relatively low monthly or annual fee.
• Ownership Advantage: If you prefer to own your content outright, have a strong preference for the base game’s song list, or dislike subscription models in general, buying the new game each year is the better option.

Just Dance FAQs

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the Just Dance ecosystem:

1. Is Just Dance Unlimited a one-time purchase? No, Just Dance Unlimited is a subscription service. You can purchase passes for 1 month, 3 months, or 12 months.

2. Does Just Dance Unlimited expire? Yes, Just Dance Unlimited passes expire at the end of their purchased duration (1, 3, or 12 months).

3. Does Just Dance Unlimited automatically renew? No, Just Dance Unlimited subscriptions do not automatically renew. You must manually renew your subscription to continue accessing the content.

4. Do you get Just Dance 2023 with Just Dance Unlimited? No, Just Dance Unlimited does not include Just Dance 2023. Just Dance 2023 uses the new Just Dance+ subscription service.

5. How does Just Dance Unlimited subscription work? Just Dance Unlimited provides access to a catalog of songs playable within Just Dance 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 for the duration of your subscription.

6. How to get Just Dance Unlimited for free? New players often receive a free trial of Just Dance Unlimited with their first purchase of a Just Dance game (e.g., Just Dance 2022). Link your Ubisoft account to your console account and launch the game while online to claim your free trial.

7. How much is a Just Dance+ subscription? The pricing for Just Dance+ varies. Check the Ubisoft store or your platform’s store (e.g., Nintendo eShop, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store) for current pricing. The Deluxe Edition of Just Dance 2023, which includes the game and 4 months of Just Dance+, costs around $31.

8. What songs are not on Just Dance Unlimited or Just Dance+? Songs included with the base game for each Just Dance release are not included in Unlimited or Plus. Other songs may have licensing restrictions that prevent them from being included in the subscription services.

9. What’s the difference between Just Dance 2023 Standard, Deluxe, and Ultimate editions? The Standard edition comes with the base game and a 1-month trial of Just Dance+. The Deluxe edition comes with the game and 4 months of Just Dance+. The Ultimate edition comes with the game and 13 months of Just Dance+.

10. What is Just Dance 2023 Ultimate Edition? The Ultimate Edition of Just Dance 2023 includes the base game, the 40 included songs, a 1-month trial of Just Dance+, and an additional year of Just Dance+.

11. How does Just Dance 2023 work on Switch? Just Dance 2023 on Switch is typically distributed as a download code. You need to redeem the code in the Nintendo eShop to download and play the game. No physical cartridge is included in the box.

12. Is Just Dance Unlimited different from Just Dance+? Yes, Just Dance Unlimited and Just Dance+ are different services. Unlimited is for Just Dance 2019-2022, while Plus is for Just Dance 2023 and later. They are not interchangeable.

13. Does Just Dance 2023 come as a card? No, Just Dance 2023 on Switch usually comes as a download code, not a physical game card.

14. Is Just Dance 2023 or 2022 better? This depends on your priorities. Just Dance 2022 has a larger song library through Just Dance Unlimited. Just Dance 2023 introduces new features and a new song list but relies on Just Dance+, which is still growing its library.

15. Do you need Nintendo Online for Just Dance 2023? Yes, you need a Nintendo Online subscription to access multiplayer features and Just Dance+ content in Just Dance 2023.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy Just Dance every year, even with a subscription, is a personal one. Consider your preferences, budget, and how much you value the new features and base game song lists. The Games Learning Society researches the various effects of gameplay, including the educational and social aspects. You can learn more at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. By weighing the pros and cons, you can make the best choice for your Just Dance experience.