What Do You Need to Play Just Dance on Wii? Just a Wii and Wiimote!

The Just Dance franchise has been a beloved Nintendo exclusive for over a decade, with its newest installments still supporting the aging but iconic Wii console. But what exactly does one require to start dancing along with the game‘s enjoyable choreographed routines?

In short – all you need is a working Wii console and matching Wii remote controller. Read on as we dive deeper into precisely what hardware enables you to boogie down with Just Dance‘s ever-expanding tracklist!

Must-Have Equipment: Wii Console and Wiimote

First and foremost, a Wii console is an absolute necessity to play Just Dance. The game is specifically designed for the Wii‘s unique motion control-based inputs. Fortunately, all iterations of the Wii hardware fully support the series:

• Original Wii Model (RVL-001) – The 2006 launch version with backwards compatibility for GameCube games & controllers.
• Wii Family Edition (RVK-101) – The 2011 revised model focused purely on Wii games.
• Wii Mini (RVL-201) – The ultra-compact 2012 model with no internet connectivity.

With over 100 million units sold, Wiis are still widely available. Prices range from as low as $50 for second-hand systems to $300 for factory sealed retros.

Next is the iconic Wii Remote controller, affectionately known as "Wiimote". It utilizes accelerometers and infrared tracking to translate player motions into in-game actions. Over 95% of Wii owners have at least one Wiimote – making it the second highest attachment rate ever!

When combined, this pairing enables the signature lively Just Dance experience():

Install Base Statistics sourced from Nintendo financial reports

Lastly, you will need a physical or digital copy of any Just Dance release. The series gets annual updates, but even older entries retain active online communities. Here are some of the top selling Just Dance games:

* still actively selling

Sales figure sourced from Ubisoft financial filings

Now let‘s get grooving! With this trio of items – Wii, Wiimote, and Just Dance disc/download – you have everything essential ready for dance parties galore.

Step By Step: How To Play Just Dance on Wii

Got your Wii hooked up and raring to go? Here is a quick guide to start shaking your limbs across the various funky tunes in Just Dance:

1. Insert Just Dance Disc (or launch if downloaded)

2. Pair Wiimote Controllers (hold 1+2 buttons, connect up to 4)

3. Start Game, Select Play Mode (solo, co-op, face off)

4. Pick Song & Difficulty (browse genres and playlists to your taste)

5. Dance Along with Coach! (follow on-screen character, match moves)

6. See Scores (ratings on Accuracy, Effort, Pose Precision)

Tip: Ensure adequate clearing space around play area and secure controller straps for injury-free fun!

Veteran pro dancers can further enhance the experience through console settings adjusting song speed, turning off guide cues, tweaking scoring rigor, and more. Customizable avatars, unlockable rewards, and global leaderboards provide motivation to continually improve dancing skills.

Can‘t get enough? Just Dance also revolutionized rhythm games with its vast on-demand streaming service Just Dance Unlimited, granting unlimited access to 600+ songs with new exclusives added every month!

Just Dance‘s signature colorful and energetic gameplay (Gif sourced from Ubisoft)

No Controllers? Use Your Phone!

Somewhat shockingly, it‘s even possible to play Just Dance on your Wii without any controllers! Modern versions of the game support smartphone apps that utilize mobile device cameras and sensors to simulate Wiimote inputs.

While the experience feels slightly less tailor-made than with dedicated motion controls, in a pinch your trusty phone plus a little creativity enables dancing the night away controller-free! Convenient for residents of nursing homes perhaps rediscovering old Wiis?

Here are the top 3rd party Wii Just Dance controller apps:

Sure third-party workarounds may feel hacky, but they enable virtually anyone to partake in Just Dance‘s jiving beats!

Enhancing With Accessories (Optional)

While no accessories are strictly mandatory, the following controllers and peripherals further augment Just Dance‘s functionality:

Wii MotionPlus add-on significantly improves motion tracking precision for those desiring maximum scoring performance. However, scores remain comparable without it.

Wii Balance Board tilts and sways in rhythm with weight shifts allowing for greater immersion, but not required by any means for vibrant workouts.

And dedicated dance mats by companies like RedOctane provide an authentic high-stepping experience akin to arcade dance machines. Just ensure buying reputable third-party brands that offer precision step detection.

Investing in accessories pushes Just Dance to increasingly interactive levels of physical fun. But the game joyfully jives along even without these non-essential extras!

Why Does Just Dance Still Thrive on the Wii?

While the Wii discontinued production nearly a decade ago, Just Dance continues releasing new annual editions for the system – now being the final game launching physically on oldest Nintendo console!

What explains such longevity? As one of the top-selling third-party series on the platform, Just Dance‘s accessible appeal shows no signs of slowing:

Family Oriented: With its cartoonish visuals and easy pick-up-and-play workflow, Just Dance offers wholesome entertainment for all ages.

Novelty of Motion Controls: Its active movement fueled gameplay remains compelling and differentiates itself from traditional controllers.

Fitness Motivation: Players can burn serious calories while simultaneously relishing vibrant tunes and personal high scores goal-setting.

Nostalgia Factor: Loyal fans plus younger newcomers via backward compatibility keep migrating onwards.

Simply said – the signature Wii experience and installed base offers the perfect platform for social, kinetic fun that Just Dance wonderfully exudes.

So as long as Wiis operate and spin discs, Just Dance continues delivering a highlight reel of pop hits, throwbacks, and absurd hijinks memorable for family game nights, parties, or even solo trainers!

Just Dance‘s essence boils down to dynamic physical entertainment accessible to all. At its core, all you need is a functioning Nintendo Wii console coupled with at least one matching Wii Remote controller.

Beyond the obligatory Wii and Wiimote, complementing your setup with items like additional controllers, the Balance Board, MotionPlus, or compatible dance mats can enhance engagement too. But importantly, these items merely offer supplemental value, not fundamental necessities.

With its hosts of modes, massively extensive music library through Just Dance Unlimited, and constant content updates, Just Dance continues wowing crowds big and small as a scintillating rhythm experience. Immerse yourself in thrilling choreography today – your body and soul will thank you through the workouts of a lifetime!