Just Dance on Nintendo Switch is absolutely worth it for party players
As an avid fan who has played every Just Dance release, I can definitively say Just Dance 2023 on Nintendo Switch is totally worth picking up if you want the ultimate living room party experience. While it doesn‘t boast as many headline features as other platforms, the Switch version‘s focus on accessible local multiplayer and portability make it the perfect option for bringing Just Dance‘s kinetic fun to any social gathering.
Here‘s an overview of what Just Dance on Switch includes:
Just Dance has always been about letting loose and dancing to fun hit songs without judgment. The 2023 Switch edition carries on that spirit with:
- 40 new chart-topping songs like "Last Friday Night" and "Sweet but Psycho"
- Colorful revamped visuals and menus for a fresh look
- Up to 6 players can join in on one console
- Customizable playlists so you can tailor the tracklist
- Kids Mode with family-friendly songs and dances
- Just Sweat fitness tracking to estimate calories burned
- Just Dance Unlimited subscription with hundreds more songs
As a party experience designed for human connection, it has everything needed for a good time.
Why Just Dance on Switch excels as a local multiplayer party game:
Portability – As a hybrid console, Switch can easily move the party from the living room to anywhere there‘s space to dance!
Joy-Cons – These clever wireless controllers make impromptu motion control dance-offs easy.
6 Player Local Multiplayer – No splitting up onto different systems; all join in on the same screen.
Accessibility – Easy to pick up and play regardless of skill, age, or mobility level.
All-Ages Appeal – With songs spanning decades, everyone from kids to grandparents can find favorites.
Fitness Benefits – Hitting high scores means breaking a sweat!
Limitations to be aware of:
No version is perfect, so there are a few compromises in the Switch release:
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Typically 40-50 songs vs 70-80+ on PS/Xbox
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Graphics and visuals are scaled down given the hybrid handheld/console capabilities
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The dedicated Kids Mode with extra kid-friendly content was removed
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Just Dance Unlimited requires a paid subscription for 700+ back catalog songs
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Online multiplayer is limited to 8 players max, not unlimited potential like other consoles
But the core experience stays intact – it‘s all about dancing together!
Just Dance 2023 vs other platforms: key differences
| Console | Base Songs | Max Online Players | Graphics/Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch | 40-50 | 8 | 720p handheld/1080p docked |
| PlayStation 5 | 75+ | Unlimited | Native 4K/60fps |
| Xbox Series X | S | 75+ | Unlimited |
Given its technical restraints, the Switch version smartly opts for local multiplayer focus over complex visuals or features best left to powerful home consoles.
Is Just Dance Unlimited worth the subscription cost?
Just Dance Unlimited grants access to a back catalog of 700+ songs from past games in the series. It costs $30 for 3 months or $60 per year for a family plan on Nintendo Switch.
The positives:
- Tons of content beyond the base 40 tracks
- Great for Just Dance veterans who want nostalgia
- Offline playlists for on-the-go play
- New throwback songs added monthly
The negatives:
- Additional ongoing subscription cost
- Doesn‘t have every single song from all past games
- Performance quality depends on internet connection
Casual players may not find enough value to justify the cost. But as a diehard fan, I think Unlimited is a must-have for extended replay value if you‘ll play regularly. It becomes the perfect party soundtrack filled with familiar hits and forgotten favorites.
Who is Just Dance on Switch ideal for?
One of Just Dance‘s key strengths is its incredibly wide appeal across demographics including:
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Kids – Simple gameplay is perfect for young gamers.
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Teens & Young Adults – An energetic option to play together with friends that‘s also nostalgic.
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Parents – Family-friendly activity that gets kids up and moving.
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Seniors – Low impact way to relive hits from their generation while staying active.
The common thread is that anyone can step up and participate regardless of dance ability thanks to Just Dance‘s accessibility. It brings generations together to create joyful moments through movement.
The fitness benefits add up over time:
Don‘t underestimate the workout from mimicking Just Dance‘s routines! Based on my experience, players can expect to burn:
- 200-400 calories per hour on average
- 500-600+ calories per hour during intensive songs on higher difficulties
Other perks include:
- Aerobic activity from constant movement
- Engages core and stability muscles
- Upbeat hits motivate you to go full out!
- "Just Sweat" mode tracks fitness metrics like time active and estimated caloric burn
While it won‘t replace intense exercise, Just Dance promotes staying active through fun. The long-term benefits come from making physical movement a habit.
Reviews praise Just Dance 2023‘s local multiplayer focus:
The Switch release currently scores a 76 critic average on Metacritic and 8.2 user score, indicating generally positive reviews.
Many critics praise how the Switch version zeroes in on the local social experience:
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"Caters to what Just Dance does best – bringing people together" – IGN
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"A party in a box ready for quick fun with family & friends" – GameSpot
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"Framerate dips are present but barely matter when you’re lost in carefree dances" – Nintendo Life
Early player reviews also highlight Just Dance 2023‘s focus on multiplayer enjoyment over tech specs:
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"It‘s perfect for parties and fun to play with my kids. We have a blast!"
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"Brings back great memories playing this with friends back in college. Still amazingly fun."
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"The Switch version has just the right mix of portability and local multiplayer to make an ideal party title."
The verdict: Best for social and party gaming
While it doesn‘t have all the bells and whistles, Just Dance 2023 on Nintendo Switch is the perfect choice if you want to bring interactive fun to parties and gatherings. Its seamless local multiplayer for up to 6 players and portability for on-the-go sessions make it the definitive party-focused Just Dance experience.
Is it worth it? Absolutely, if you‘ll take advantage of playing together in person. The shared joy of dancing side-by-side makes this the ideal platform for birthday parties, family events, dorm get-togethers, or anytime you want to kick things up a notch. It delivers carefree social entertainment through movement and music.
For solo players who just want the latest tracks and best graphics, other consoles may be preferable. But anyone looking to play together in the same room should grab their Switch, Joy-Cons, and Just Dance 2023 to liven up any occasion!