Just Dance, a Ubisoft title, is the best-selling music game series in history, surpassing 90 million copies sold and featuring over 30 titles by its 15th anniversary in November 2024. The basic gameplay mechanic involves replicating the steps of dancers displayed on screen, whose movements are guided by coaches, and scoring is determined by tracking accuracy.
The franchise's journey began on November 17, 2009, on the Wii, originating from a minigame in Raving Rabbids TV Party (2008), where players imitated the Rabbids' steps. Since then, the series has evolved across platforms such as Xbox 360 and PS3, reaching PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. Over the years, features like Just Dance Now (2014), which allowed using a mobile phone as a controller; Just Dance Unlimited (2016), which introduced a streaming catalog; Just Dance+ (2023), which became a subscription service with a growing catalog; and Just Dance VR: Welcome to Dancity (2024), which brought the franchise to virtual reality, have been added. Modes like Challenge and Workout have also been part of the series for a long time.
About the predecessor
The previous game, Just Dance 2026 Edition, released on October 14, 2025, introduced two new modes: Co-op Party Mode and Camera Controller Mode. For this reason, this review distinguishes what is genuinely new in Decades of Hits from what was already an established standard in the franchise.
Decades of Hits will be released on October 13, 2026, for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. A specific version for Nintendo Switch 2 will arrive on November 10, 2026, offered as a free upgrade for those who already own the Switch version. The reviewer played the Switch version running on the Switch 2 console, and their observations apply to this configuration.
The game's central proposal is clear and well-structured: 35 music tracks spanning six decades, from the 70s to the 2020s, plus a never-before-seen Adventure Mode. In this mode, Lyra, daughter of Dr. Gigavolt, embarks on a time-travel journey to rescue her father. According to Ubisoft, this is the first edition of the franchise built entirely around a unified theme. Players who own Just Dance 2023, 2024, 2025, or 2026 will also have access to the songs from these editions in the same library, including purchased music packs and active Just Dance+ subscriptions.
The game also incorporates the multiple Dancer Cards system, allowing each household member to maintain their individual profile, supporting up to six players in local mode.
Two highlights are the song 'Wannabe' by the Spice Girls, which marks the first routine with five coaches in Just Dance history, and the songs 'Crocodile Rock' and 'Celebration,' which received their own worlds created with external studios (the 3D grandmother developed with Neels Studio and Lizzy in stop-motion with Inspira Studio).
Adventure Mode
Adventure Mode is the only gameplay alteration that truly defines Decades of Hits, and it is exclusive to those who purchase the game, not available through the Just Dance+ subscription. The narrative premise requires Lyra to save her father, Dr. Gigavolt, by traveling through time to correct different eras sequentially. Initially, only the 70s are accessible, and subsequent decades are unlocked as the player progresses.
The player selects a companion for each decade and travels through time collecting temporal fragments. These fragments are obtained by completing the songs with the minimum required percentage, which are scattered throughout the scenarios. Leveling up unlocks new songs and activities. It is not necessary to complete all tracks to advance an era; each decade has a boss song, and finishing it unlocks the next. For example, in the 80s, the boss song is 'Uptown Girl' by Billy Joel. After completing the last decade, the mode is considered finished, but the player can continue exploring the worlds and completing activities.
Quizzes provide additional fragments and present two formats: cards that must be matched to the correct decade and quick-response multiple-choice questions. When two players participate, both must achieve a minimum score for the victory to be valid.
70s
The journey began with 'Mamma Mia' by ABBA, although the reviewer found the steps poorly aligned with the dances of that decade. 'Crocodile Rock' by Elton John proved more consistent with the era. The companion chosen for this phase was Mrs. Rudolfson.
80s
In this decade, the selected companion was Ricky Rizzo, presenting a classic and vibrant pop style. The decade starts with 'Into the Groove' by Madonna, and songs are gradually unlocked as the level increases. Although the steps represented the era well, the reviewer did not test all tracks due to the musical richness of the 80s.
90s
The assigned coach was Lively Star, and depending on the level reached, the decade begins with 'Just A Girl' by No Doubt. Among the tracks are 'Wannabe' by the Spice Girls and 'Around the World' by Draft Punk, among others. In this phase, the songs already reach a medium difficulty level.
Issues Found
During solo testing, the reviewer accidentally added a second user. Upon starting the song, the second player did not join, causing the game to freeze. After restarting, the second player could not be removed, which negatively impacted the score. In the 90s, due to this issue, it was impossible to proceed, requiring a restart of the campaign. Subsequently, a connection error occurred in phase 3 of the 90s, characterized by slow loading times, which prompted a switch to another game mode. It is important to note that the test was conducted with a pre-release evaluation version, and it is unknown if the update on the 13th will fix these flaws.
Although Adventure Mode conveys the time-travel atmosphere promised by the title and gives the game a complete beginning, middle, and end structure, the progression was interrupted during the test due to these bugs.
Existing Features
It must be stated accurately that Party Mode, mobile control, camera mode, and Workout Mode were already present in Just Dance 2026 Edition. These features persist in Decades of Hits and function adequately, but they do not represent novelties in this edition.
Party Mode offers random songs based on the duration and difficulty chosen by the player. If a 10-minute period is set, the game maintains five phases but shortens the current song. Each phase requires a minimum accuracy percentage, and the player has 15 opportunities to change songs across the five phases. There are three difficulty levels and three possible durations (10, 20, and 30 minutes). During the game, visual elements appear on the screen, such as blurred images to increase difficulty, and the game requests specific movements, such as clapping, standing still, or shaking the controller at certain moments, which aids in scoring.
The app, available for Android and iOS, converts the phone into a controller, allowing arrow movement in menus and replacing the Joy-Con during dance, even in the game. This is an excellent solution for groups of up to six people who do not have enough Joy-Cons. However, in Party Mode, using the app is mandatory and is not compatible with capture mode. A point of caution is the absence of a safety strap for the phone. Usability can be complicated depending on the device size and the user's hand. The reviewer, with a small device, found the gameplay comfortable.
When placed horizontally, the phone performs body scanning, and the camera records the movement. The camera is not visible during the game because the player continues watching the game on the television. The capture was considered good, but focused more on the two arms; leg movements are only counted in very specific actions requested by the game. Comparing the same song in camera mode versus Joy-Con, the camera demonstrated greater ease in interpreting movements than the Joy-Con's sensitivity. Technical requirements include iOS 14.4 or higher, or Android 9 or higher, Wi-Fi connection on the same console network, ambient lighting, and a stand for the phone, such as a book or box. The ideal height of the phone should be between 0.5 and 0.75 m from the floor, and the distance from the player should be 1.4 to 2 m.
In tests with an iPhone 12, without power saving mode, 30 minutes of gameplay consumed 15% of the battery, ensuring a good playing margin. In camera mode, it is possible to play while leaving the device charging. Although there are no novelties compared to previous titles, it is worth noting that rating stars continue to appear, unlike systems used in past editions.
Several connection issues were recorded, and the reviewer does not know if this is due to the beta version or if a fix will be provided at launch. It is possible to download 40 songs to play offline, which is more than sufficient depending on the player's style, given that the reviewer usually dances about 15 to 16 songs in an hour.
Choreographies by Decade
Some choreographies are very faithful and fun, and this thematic adherence enriches the experience. Although previous editions also had this aspect, in Decades of Hits it gains special value due to the focus on decades.
Content from Other Editions
Without owning any previous edition, the game allows playing two tracks from Just Dance 2026, and if the player has other versions, these songs are unlocked. Ubisoft confirmed that access is guaranteed for those who own the 2023 to 2026 editions.
Achievements System
There is an achievements mode with various objectives, some of which require owning games not included in this version. In practice, achieving Platinum status requires owning previous editions, which may be an obstacle for collectors.
Regarding cosmetics, there is the 2000s Digital Cosmetic Pack, intended for customizing the Dancer Card, scoring effects, and other items inspired by the striking beginning of the 2000s.
Cost-Benefit Assessment
The game's value is subjective, but it makes more sense for those who are just starting to learn about the franchise. From the reviewer's perspective, the investment is justified by the numerous hours of gameplay, as it is a title designed to be repeated indefinitely.
In summary, Just Dance: Decades of Hits does not innovate in gameplay; except for Adventure Mode, other features like Party Mode, mobile control and camera, and Workout Mode are standards of the franchise. The big difference lies in the concept: six decades and 35 popular songs that appeal to everyone, along with choreographies that, when fitting the era, reinforce the theme.
Adventure Mode is the feature that gives the game its identity and works best when played at one's own pace, but in the reviewer's test, it was compromised by an inadvertently triggered second profile and connection failures. Since the test was done with a pre-release Switch version running on the Switch 2, it is recommended to re-evaluate these aspects after the official launch update.
The game is recommended for new fans of the franchise and for those who play in family or groups, due to the good cost-benefit in terms of playtime. Those who already own the latest editions, seek more challenging music, or wish to get Platinum without acquiring other titles, should analyze with more caution.
The release is scheduled for October 13, 2026, on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S platforms, with the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition arriving on November 10, 2026.
The content includes 35 songs from six decades, covering the 70s to the 2020s, featuring artists such as ABBA, Madonna, Spice Girls, Britney Spears, Chappell Roan, and Bad Bunny.
Adventure Mode is a unique feature where Lyra, daughter of Dr. Gigavolt, travels through time to rescue her father. The player explores thematic worlds of each decade, participates in quizzes, and unlocks new eras by completing the boss song of each period. This mode is exclusive to those who purchase the game.
Yes, the free Just Dance Controller app, available for Android and iOS, replaces the Joy-Con and enables camera mode, where the phone's camera captures body movements. Such functionalities already existed in Just Dance 2026 Edition.
To play, the app is necessary. Those who own the 2023 to 2026 editions can access the songs from these versions in the same library, but some achievements may require games not included in this edition.
Local mode supports up to six participants, using Joy-Cons or phones as controllers.
Overall, the game is positive, especially considering the hours of gameplay offered and the repertoire of known hits. Users with recent editions should consider what is truly new, which boils down mainly to Adventure Mode.