Just Dance 2026 Review: The Ultimate Party Game Returns
▼ Summary
– Just Dance 2026 Edition introduces a new camera scoring system that eliminates the need to hold a phone, improving control accuracy and ease of play.
– The game features a varied track list of around 40 songs, including recent hits, viral sensations, and original tracks with visually stunning music videos.
– A new co-op Party Mode themed around a mad scientist’s lab adds unique visual effects and challenges, drawing from the player’s entire song library.
– Players can expand their song selection by purchasing previous editions or subscribing to Just Dance Plus, which offers hundreds of additional tracks.
– The camera scoring mode is only available for solo play due to technical limitations, and keeping the phone stable may require a stand for optimal use.
Just Dance 2026 Edition confidently reclaims its position as the premier dance party experience, delivering stunning visuals, inventive choreography, and a game-changing camera control system that finally addresses the series’ long-standing input issues. This installment feels like a true evolution, blending a diverse soundtrack with polished presentation to create what may be the franchise’s most complete package yet.
For years, players on modern consoles faced significant hurdles with motion controls. While Nintendo Switch users could comfortably wield a Joy-Con, those on PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S had to awkwardly wave their smartphones running the Just Dance Controller app. The results often felt imprecise and frustrating, undermining the pursuit of high scores.
The revolutionary camera scoring system transforms the entire experience. By simply propping your phone on a stable surface a few meters away, the game tracks your movements without requiring you to hold any device. Testing this feature in a compact space around my desk proved surprisingly effective, my phone detected me instantly and maintained tracking throughout each song. The freedom of dancing unencumbered makes following complex routines significantly more intuitive and enjoyable.
This brilliant addition works with both new tracks and your existing Just Dance 2025 library, providing excellent value for returning players. The only limitation worth noting is that camera scoring currently supports solo play only, which might disappoint those primarily interested in cooperative modes. For optimal stability, consider using a simple phone stand rather than balancing your device on books or furniture.
The song selection showcases remarkable variety, featuring approximately forty tracks that span multiple genres and eras. Recent chart-toppers like Chappell Roan’s “Good Luck, Babe!” and Sabrina Carpenter’s “Feather” join nostalgic party anthems such as Smash Mouth’s “All Star.” K-pop enthusiasts will appreciate Babymonster’s “Drip,” while viral TikTok hits like Doechii’s “Anxiety” cater to contemporary tastes.
Original compositions have historically been weak points, but this year’s “Sokusu” breaks the pattern with its infectious melody and deceptively simple choreography that becomes increasingly challenging to perfect. The accompanying music videos represent some of the series’ most visually ambitious work yet, employing vibrant color palettes and innovative animation styles. Particular standouts include a Bluey-inspired medley that perfectly mimics the beloved cartoon’s aesthetic and the creative claymation approach in “Born to Be Alive (Reborn Version).”
Several tracks offer alternate versions, from relaxed drag performances to intense athletic routines that effectively double as workouts. For those craving even more content, purchasing previous editions or subscribing to Just Dance Plus unlocks hundreds of additional songs from throughout the franchise’s history. The subscription represents outstanding value at just $24.99 annually, with all versions of the 2026 Edition including complimentary membership periods.
The new Laboratory Party Mode introduces delightful chaos to group sessions. This cooperative experience overlays bizarre visual effects and challenges onto any song in your collection. You might find yourself clapping for points or navigating around animated dinosaurs that obscure the dancers. While the modifications don’t fundamentally alter gameplay, they provide fresh ways to engage with familiar tracks and help groups discover hidden gems in the massive catalog.
This feature proves especially valuable for resolving the inevitable indecision when multiple players struggle to select songs, keeping the focus on dancing rather than menu navigation. The mode works seamlessly with Just Dance Plus, often surfacing tracks you haven’t previously encountered and forcing improvisation with both unfamiliar routines and special challenges.
Local cooperative play remains exceptionally well-implemented, supporting up to four dancers simultaneously. Solo players can still utilize the calorie counter to transform their sessions into legitimate workouts. These elements aren’t new to the series’ live service model, but their execution feels more refined than ever.
Regarding accessibility, the game lacks dedicated options beyond basic interface adjustments like disabling visual score feedback or song lyrics. Both control methods demand full-body movement, which may present barriers for some players.
After extensive testing on PlayStation 5 using the Just Dance Controller app with an Android device, the improvements over previous entries are substantial. The camera controls alone make this version worth the upgrade for anyone frustrated by the limitations of motion-based scoring. While the tracklist ultimately determines personal enjoyment, the selection demonstrates thoughtful curation that should satisfy most musical preferences.
Just Dance 2026 Edition succeeds as both an exceptional party centerpiece and a satisfying solo experience, finally delivering the precision and polish that modern players deserve.
(Source: TechRadar)
