Just Dance 2018 Review: Family Fun and New Features Shine on Nintendo Switch
As one of Ubisoft's enduring franchises, Just Dance 2018 arrived on Nintendo Switch, continuing its appeal as a vibrant party and family-friendly rhythm game.
With its release across multiple platforms—including Nintendo Switch, Wii, Wii U, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One—on October 24, 2017, Just Dance 2018 stands out for offering music enthusiasts of all ages a chance to engage in approachable, movement-based gameplay. Family Appeal Remains Strong Just Dance 2018 maintains its core formula of inviting players to mimic on-screen dance routines for a variety of popular tracks.
The game’s focus on enjoyable, intuitive play makes it perfect for group gatherings, whether at family events or holiday parties.
Notably, last year's edition of Just Dance saw continued success on the Wii, with sales for the outgoing platform reportedly being 44 percent higher than other versions—an impressive feat given the aging hardware.
This trend highlights the franchise’s widespread appeal and affordability, especially on legacy Nintendo hardware. New Features: Kids Mode and Capsule Machine This year’s release brings the introduction of Kids Mode, designed to make dance routines more accessible for younger players.
The simplified controls and automatic randomization of tracks allow children to participate with less menu navigation, addressing a market segment often underserved in rhythm games.
Additionally, the new capsule machine rewards players with content like alternative choreographies and collectible stickers, which unlock further tracks and cosmetic upgrades.
To access many of these rewards, though, a subscription to the Just Dance Unlimited service, which offers a three-month trial and more than 300 tracks at launch, is recommended. Nintendo Switch Enhancements: HD Rumble and Exclusive Content One of Just Dance 2018’s highlights on Nintendo Switch is Double Rumble mode, which leverages the HD Rumble feature of the Joy-Con controllers.
This mode presents five themed choreographies—such as Handyman, Mariachi Band, and Chef—where players coordinate dance moves with nuanced rumble feedback for an immersive experience.
The Switch version also includes exclusive routines, like a reimagined Super Mario track originally from Just Dance 3, underscoring the fruitful collaboration between Ubisoft and Nintendo. Online and Multiplayer Dance Experiences For those looking to compete or cooperate globally, World Dance Floor connects players in timed events and boss challenges.
Despite some limitations in controller compatibility—such as not being able to mix phone-based and Joy-Con controllers simultaneously—the game enables up to six players for local multiplayer sessions, further bolstering its standing as a go-to party title. Replayability and Subscription Model While Just Dance 2018 ships with around 40 tracks, the Just Dance Unlimited subscription notably expands the available music library, ensuring the game’s longevity.
However, core content could feel limited without a subscription after the included trial expires, prompting some in the gaming community to note that a subscription-based model may better suit the franchise’s evolving content delivery strategy. Final Thoughts Ultimately, Just Dance 2018 accomplishes its goal as an accessible party game that brings families and friends together through music and dance.
Its Kids Mode, new capsule machine, and Switch-exclusive features provide added value, even as some players may find traditional motion tracking methods imperfect.
With features like the calorie counter and dance missions, as well as portable play on the Nintendo Switch, Just Dance 2018 remains a reliable option for those looking to energize their next gathering or enjoy lighthearted activity at home. Version reviewed: Nintendo Switch.
Review copy provided by Ubisoft.
With its release across multiple platforms—including Nintendo Switch, Wii, Wii U, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One—on October 24, 2017, Just Dance 2018 stands out for offering music enthusiasts of all ages a chance to engage in approachable, movement-based gameplay. Family Appeal Remains Strong Just Dance 2018 maintains its core formula of inviting players to mimic on-screen dance routines for a variety of popular tracks.
The game’s focus on enjoyable, intuitive play makes it perfect for group gatherings, whether at family events or holiday parties.
Notably, last year's edition of Just Dance saw continued success on the Wii, with sales for the outgoing platform reportedly being 44 percent higher than other versions—an impressive feat given the aging hardware.
This trend highlights the franchise’s widespread appeal and affordability, especially on legacy Nintendo hardware. New Features: Kids Mode and Capsule Machine This year’s release brings the introduction of Kids Mode, designed to make dance routines more accessible for younger players.
The simplified controls and automatic randomization of tracks allow children to participate with less menu navigation, addressing a market segment often underserved in rhythm games.
Additionally, the new capsule machine rewards players with content like alternative choreographies and collectible stickers, which unlock further tracks and cosmetic upgrades.
To access many of these rewards, though, a subscription to the Just Dance Unlimited service, which offers a three-month trial and more than 300 tracks at launch, is recommended. Nintendo Switch Enhancements: HD Rumble and Exclusive Content One of Just Dance 2018’s highlights on Nintendo Switch is Double Rumble mode, which leverages the HD Rumble feature of the Joy-Con controllers.
This mode presents five themed choreographies—such as Handyman, Mariachi Band, and Chef—where players coordinate dance moves with nuanced rumble feedback for an immersive experience.
The Switch version also includes exclusive routines, like a reimagined Super Mario track originally from Just Dance 3, underscoring the fruitful collaboration between Ubisoft and Nintendo. Online and Multiplayer Dance Experiences For those looking to compete or cooperate globally, World Dance Floor connects players in timed events and boss challenges.
Despite some limitations in controller compatibility—such as not being able to mix phone-based and Joy-Con controllers simultaneously—the game enables up to six players for local multiplayer sessions, further bolstering its standing as a go-to party title. Replayability and Subscription Model While Just Dance 2018 ships with around 40 tracks, the Just Dance Unlimited subscription notably expands the available music library, ensuring the game’s longevity.
However, core content could feel limited without a subscription after the included trial expires, prompting some in the gaming community to note that a subscription-based model may better suit the franchise’s evolving content delivery strategy. Final Thoughts Ultimately, Just Dance 2018 accomplishes its goal as an accessible party game that brings families and friends together through music and dance.
Its Kids Mode, new capsule machine, and Switch-exclusive features provide added value, even as some players may find traditional motion tracking methods imperfect.
With features like the calorie counter and dance missions, as well as portable play on the Nintendo Switch, Just Dance 2018 remains a reliable option for those looking to energize their next gathering or enjoy lighthearted activity at home. Version reviewed: Nintendo Switch.
Review copy provided by Ubisoft.
