Since its debut in 2009, Ubisoft’s Just Dance series has been a consistent presence in the gaming world. With annual installments spanning multiple console generations, the series has proven to be a hit. However, it was on the Nintendo Wii where Just Dance truly shone, as it was designed around the Wii’s motion controls. The transition to other consoles has never quite captured the magic of the original Wii experience. That’s why the arrival of Just Dance VR is such a long-awaited and surprising development.
While traditional consoles are receiving the standard 2025 edition of Just Dance, VR headsets like the new Meta Quest 3S are getting a specially designed version of the game. Just Dance is a natural fit for VR, offering a unique and engaging fitness experience for those looking to incorporate light cardio into their VR sessions. It may just be the best way to experience the series since the days of the Wiimote, but there’s a catch – you’ll need plenty of space to safely dance around in VR.
Dancing in VR
Transitioning Just Dance to VR seemed like a no-brainer, and my experience with the Quest 3S reaffirmed that belief. The game offers a selection of 25 songs, a smaller list compared to the 40 in the console version. The soundtrack feels like a throwback to the franchise’s history, featuring hits like Call Me Maybe and Born This Way, which may feel a bit outdated. It’s surprising that it doesn’t include more recent tracks like Sabrina Carpenter’s Espresso found in the 2025 edition.
The core dance mechanics translate well to VR, although it takes a bit of time to adjust to the gameplay. Dance prompts appear on the screen, guiding your movements, but the lack of a thorough tutorial can be a bit confusing initially. However, by focusing on the onscreen dancer’s movements, I was able to pick up the gameplay nuances over time.
Embracing the fun and silliness of the game, I found myself fully immersed in the experience. The physicality of the gameplay led me to work up a sweat, reminiscent of the Wii era but with modern VR controls. However, the confined space of my apartment posed a real challenge, as I inadvertently hit a bookshelf while dancing to Blinding Lights. This physical limitation is a common issue in VR games, and Just Dance VR magnifies it with its energetic movements.
One potential solution lies in the improved passthrough technology of modern VR headsets like the Meta Quest 3S. By leveraging mixed reality to integrate dancing prompts into the real world, future iterations of Just Dance VR could provide a more immersive and safe experience. While Just Dance VR offers an enjoyable gameplay experience, there is room for improvement in leveraging the full potential of VR technology.
Just Dance VR launches on October 15 for Meta Quest headsets.
