Just Dance 2023 is the Best Version for Most Players in 2024
After carefully comparing the newest and previous Just Dance releases across features, tracklists, pricing, and more, Just Dance 2023 stands out as the best overall version for most players in 2024.
The latest entry adds must-have upgrades like online multiplayer, refreshed graphics and interface, and an expanded song catalog through Just Dance+. For serious fans or first-time dancers alike, Just Dance 2023 is the ideal starting point this year.
However, I‘ll also explain situations where choosing an older version could be better suited and cheaper for some players‘ needs. This definitive guide covers every key difference to consider across recent Just Dance games so you can decide which is the best match.
Just Dance 2023: The New Gold Standard
As the newest release, Just Dance 2023 sets a new high bar for the franchise with several firsts and upgrades:
Online Multiplayer
For the first time in the series, Just Dance 2023 introduces online multiplayer for up to 6 players. Friends can dance together in real-time from anywhere, no longer constrained by needing to be in the same room. This is an enormous feature that cements Just Dance as a premier social/party game.
Just Dance+ Subscription
Just Dance Unlimited has been succeeded by the all-new Just Dance+ subscription, which grants access to over 700 songs from past games‘ libraries. The service has expanded to allow downloading songs for offline play too.
Fresh New Tracklist
Just Dance 2023 brings over 40 new and diverse tracks like "Physical" by Dua Lipa, "More" by K/DA, and "Locked Out of Heaven" by Bruno Mars. The varied song list hits numerous genres to satisfy players.
Visual Upgrades
From the menus to dance floors, Just Dance 2023 boasts visually refreshed graphics and environments. Little graphical touches like animated avatars and motion trails make gameplay more dynamic.
More Personalized Progression
A new user profile system allows tracking your song high scores and earning in-game rewards. You can express individuality through greater avatar and nickname customization as well.
Play Anytime with Quick Play
The new Quick Play mode provides instant access to songs without navigating menus. It‘s perfect for spontaneous dance sessions or parties when you just want to jump straight into gameplay.
Smoother Motion Tracking
According to Ubisoft, motion tracking accuracy has been fine-tuned even further to detect more complex dance moves. This allows for higher-scoring routines.
With these upgrades, Just Dance 2023 firmly establishes itself as the most feature-rich entry yet that improves nearly every aspect of the core experience.
Just Dance 2022: A Value Pick with Just Dance Unlimited
Released in 2021, Just Dance 2022 delivers a very similar experience to 2023, just minus the new online multiplayer and Just Dance+ subscription. However, it‘s now available at discounted prices around $25, half the cost of the 2023 edition.
Same Solid Tracklist
While it lacks the very newest songs, Just Dance 2022 shares over 40 popular hits with 2023 like "Believer" by Imagine Dragons, "Level Up" by Ciara, and "Run the World" by Beyonce. There‘s strong overlap.
Identical Core Gameplay
Aside from the visual refresh, core dance gameplay remains nearly identical between 2022 and 2023 – you follow on-screen coaches performing choreographed routines. Motion tracking and scoring are on par.
Just Dance Unlimited Included
Just Dance Unlimited gives 2022 owners access to 500+ older songs, similar to Just Dance+‘s catalog. It‘s a major value-add for building huge playlists.
Best Budget Pick
At just $25, Just Dance 2022 delivers a highly similar experience to the newer versions. For budget-focused buyers, it‘s arguably the best mix of value and content.
Just Dance 2022 misses out on 2023‘s big new features, but still provides a satisfying Just Dance fix at half the price. It‘s ideal for more casual players looking to save money.
Just Dance 2021: The Super Affordable Choice
As an entry from 2020, Just Dance 2021 is now widely available for $10 or under – an absolute steal! While it lacks many recent upgrades, it‘s a wonderful ultra-budget option.
Cheapest Entry Point
80% cheaper than Just Dance 2023, the 2021 edition hits an extremely affordable price point around $10 for basic access to the franchise.
Just Dance Unlimited Support
Despite its age, Just Dance 2021 still supports the Just Dance Unlimited subscription to unlock 500+ older songs for expanding your tracklist on the cheap.
Proven Tracklist
Popular hits like "Don‘t Start Now" by Dua Lipa, "Rain On Me" by Lady Gaga, and "Señorita" by Shawn Mendes remain fun dances in 2021. The 40 song library has aged well.
Accessible Basics
While light on new modes or features, Just Dance 2021 delivers the pure core experience – simply mimic on-screen dancer routines to popular songs for fun exercise.
For parents buying a first Just Dance for kids or casual players on a tight budget, Just Dance 2021 is perfectly serviceable. Just temper expectations around features and new music.
Just Dance Subscription Comparison
Access to hundreds of additional songs through a subscription service adds tremendous value. Here‘s how Just Dance Unlimited (for JD 2021 and 2022) and the new Just Dance+ (for JD 2023) subscriptions stack up:
Feature | Just Dance Unlimited | Just Dance+ |
---|---|---|
Price | $25/year | $25/year |
Song Catalog | 500+ | 700+ |
Offline Play | ❌ | ✅ |
Games Supported | Just Dance 2021, 2022 | Just Dance 2023 |
The catalogs are similarly robust, but Just Dance+ allows downloading songs for offline play – a key advantage. However, Just Dance+ only works with 2023, while Unlimited works with both 2021 and 2022.
Just Dance Song Count Breakdown
To summarize the size of each game‘s base song library plus extras via subscriptions:
Game | Base Song Count | With Subscription |
---|---|---|
Just Dance 2023 | 40 | 700+ |
Just Dance 2022 | 40 | 500+ |
Just Dance 2021 | 40 | 500+ |
While all offer 40 great base songs focused on recent hits, the subscriptions let you massively expand your library at little cost – a huge bonus.
Key Differences at a Glance
Here is a quick overview of the major differences across recent Just Dance editions:
Feature | Just Dance 2023 | Just Dance 2022 | Just Dance 2021 |
---|---|---|---|
Release Year | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 |
Base Price | $50 | $25 | <$10 |
Online Multiplayer | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
Song Count | 40 | 40 | 40 |
Subscription | Just Dance+ | Just Dance Unlimited | Just Dance Unlimited |
Graphics/UI | Refreshed | Good | Dated |
Motion Tracking | Upgraded | Great | Great |
Which Is the Best Pick Overall?
Weighing all factors – new features, track lists, pricing, and subscriptions – Just Dance 2023 stands out as the best overall option for most players in 2024.
The online multiplayer alone is an absolute game-changer that cements Just Dance as a premier party/group game. Combined with the other upgrades and Just Dance+‘s extensive song catalog, it provides the most complete experience.
However, Just Dance 2022 remains a smart budget pick if you don‘t need online play and want to save money. And Just Dance 2021 is perfect for small kids or very casual danced for ultra-affordable access.
Ultimately, choose the Just Dance edition that best fits your budget, desired features, and level of play. With the detailed breakdown above, you can make an informed decision to get dancing with confidence. Time to start your Just Dance party!