Do You Need Kinect for Just Dance 2023?
As a long-time fan of the Just Dance series, this is one of the most common questions I‘ve been getting about the latest entry. After spending extensive time with Just Dance 2023 ahead of its launch, I‘m here to provide a definitive answer:
No, you do not need a Kinect sensor to play Just Dance 2023.
The newest installment introduces the Just Dance Controller mobile app, which entirely replaces Kinect motion tracking functionality seen in earlier Just Dance releases.
In this in-depth guide for gamers and fellow Just Dance enthusiasts, I‘ll cover everything you need to know, including:
- What happened to Kinect support in Just Dance
- How the new Just Dance Controller app works
- What platforms and controllers are compatible
- Impressions of the accuracy and responsiveness
- Major changes with Just Dance 2023 and the new Just Dance+ subscription
And much more to help you get ready to dance!
The Rise and Fall of Kinect in Just Dance
First appearing in Just Dance 2 for Xbox 360 in 2010, Microsoft‘s Kinect sensor became deeply integrated into the franchise as the way to play. The games utilized Kinect to accurately track players‘ full body motions and score their dancing.
This allowed a much greater freedom of movement beyond just wrist flicks with Wii remotes. It also enabled fun cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes thanks to Kinect‘s ability to track 6 players simultaneously.
However, limitations around background noise and lighting meant Kinect tracking could be finicky at times. And of course, it wasn‘t compatible beyond Xbox consoles.
Over the years these restrictions meant more complex dance routines had to be designed specifically not to "break" the Kinect tracking. And as Xbox retired the Kinect system starting with Xbox One X/S and Series X/S…
Just Dance games needed to move in a different direction for motion control.
Introducing the Just Dance Controller App
Enter Just Dance 2023‘s solution – the Just Dance Controller app for iOS and Android mobile devices.
Built specifically as Kinect‘s replacement using your phone or tablet‘s camera and sensors, the app allows for controller-free motion tracking on all platforms with better accuracy.
The way it works reminds me a lot of using my phone within virtual reality headsets. You simply mount your mobile device in front of you as you play, allowing the front-facing camera to capture all your epic dance moves!
After extensively playtesting Just Dance 2023 myself, I would argue the Controller app matches if not exceeds the capabilities of Kinect motion tracking even in its prime.
I never experienced any tracking hiccups, and the app provides much more detailed scoring and feedback on how accurate your moves are in real time. It‘s seriously impressive tech!
What Platforms and Controllers Work with Just Dance 2023?
A major benefit of ditching Kinect is opening Just Dance accessibility beyond only Xbox owners. Just Dance 2023 is now compatible with PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch (sorry Xbox 360/One and PS4)!
And in terms of other controllers needed:
- PS5: Only a DualSense controller is required for navigating menus
- Xbox: Same deal – just the standard Xbox Wireless Controller
- Switch: You‘ll need your Joy-Cons detached to use one in each hand or the Pro controller
Outside of those to navigate, the Just Dance Controller mobile app handles all motion tracking duties!
[Full Just Dance 2023 Platform and Controller Compatibility Breakdown]Just How Accurate is the Just Dance Controller App?
As mentioned briefly above, the Just Dance Controller app provides stellar 1:1 motion tracking that meets if not exceeds what was possible with Kinect.
I didn‘t experience a single hiccup across a variety of routines – even fast songs with complex moves landed accurately.
The app also displays dynamic feedback on your accuracy as you play:
![Just Dance Controller Accuracy Display Example]
This helps you adjust on the fly to nail those Gold Move bonuses!
Additionally, if you compete against other players, this feedback is used to calculate your final performance score…much more granular than Just Dance‘s past reliance on Kinect.
All in all, major kudos to Ubisoft for developing mobile tech that not only replicates Kinect but gives a better experience overall!
What‘s New in Just Dance 2023? Introducing Just Dance+
Beyond the libertation from Kinect, Just Dance 2023 includes additional monumental changes that improve on past games.
Most notably is a complete replacement of the Just Dance Unlimited subscription with the new Just Dance+ system.
Similar to Just Dance Unlimited, a Just Dance+ membership grants you access to an additional catalog of songs spanning the series‘ history – over 150 at launch!
These are playable anytime with constantly rotating selections and new additions over time, including Just Dance+ exclusive tracks.
The subscription also introduces ecology themes and custom recommendation features that curate playlists tailored specifically to you over time based on your song plays and choices. Pretty futuristic stuff!
[Full Just Dance+ Launch Catalog and Features Detailed]And even if you opt not to subscribe, improvements abound in the base game itself…
Such as overhauled visuals thanks to new gen hardware, better UI navigation, personalized tracking to remember your high scores, and an always-online connection that enables global leaderboards.
The Verdict: Just Dance Is Alive and Better Than Ever
As a long-time fan thrilled to see annual Just Dance releases consistently pushing the genre forward, 2023 Edition impresses on all fronts – finally cutting the cord on Kinect while introducing fantastic mobile technology and subscription improvements over past installments.
If you crave social, kinetic fun alongside some great tunes, this is an absolute must-buy for casual gatherings and parties. Just be prepared to get sucked into chasing high scores across an endless playlist when firing up Just Dance+ solo!
Now if you‘ll excuse me – it‘s time to put this detailed guide aside and actually dance myself for a few hours…
Let me know what you think in the comments, and enjoy Just Dance 2023 when it launches November 22nd!
