Games #52 4

Updated Mar 25, 2026

What Is Just Dance 2016-22 Controller?

The Just Dance 2016-22 Controller app is a vital utility for Ubisoft's dance franchise, turning smartphones into motion sensors to remove the need for extra hardware. While it supports a wide range of consoles and up to 6 players, it is currently facing a technical crisis. The app's value proposition of 'No controller? No problem!' is being undermined by severe connectivity issues and a declining category rank of #52 in the US.

What users think

Frustrated
Ease of Use
Connectivity Failures... Show more

Media Gallery

Key Features

Smartphone Motion TrackingDifferentiator

Uses the smartphone's internal sensors to track and score dance moves without requiring external cameras or accessories.

Camera Controller ModeDifferentiator

Utilizes the smartphone camera for full-body motion tracking, providing a more immersive and precise gameplay experience.

Game NavigationStandard

Allows users to browse menus and select songs directly from the smartphone interface.

Multiplayer SupportStandard

Enables up to 6 players to join a single game session simultaneously using their own devices.

Recent User Sentiment

Frustrated

Recent user voice shows a frustrated sentiment. Users appreciate ease of use, but report connectivity failures and update regressions.

What Users Love

Ease of Use

love it easy to use

Really convenient and haven't had problems with it

Pain Points

Connectivity Failures

It doesn't pair to my PC anymore even though I had it connected on the same wifi

no longer connects to the game on xbox so unplayable

Update Regressions

App is not functional since the update 3 days ago

Whatever you did, undo it. It doesn't connect anymore

High confidence · 99 reviews available

App Store Performance

ChartRankChange
Free#524
No ranking data for this selection.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Proprietary motion-tracking tech eliminates hardware barriers
  • Strong Ubisoft brand and franchise integration
  • Supports up to 6 players for social gaming
  • Cross-platform console compatibility

Cons

  • Critical connectivity and Wi-Fi pairing bugs
  • Poor iOS ratings (2.3 stars)
  • Removal of legacy support for 2016-2018 editions
  • Unstable update cycle breaking core features

Market Outlook

Growth Opportunities

  • Improve 2.4GHz/5GHz network detection logic
  • Restore legacy support to win back long-term fans
  • Enhance AR/Camera tracking precision
  • In-app network diagnostic tools for troubleshooting

Market Threats

  • More stable hardware alternatives like Joy-Cons
  • Negative brand spillover to console game sales
  • OS-level privacy changes affecting local network discovery

Key Takeaways

Just Dance 2016-22 Controller is a frustrating games app that is completely free. With a 3.5/5 rating from 119.8K reviews, it frustrates many users from users. Users particularly appreciate ease of use, though connectivity failures remains a common concern.

Best for: Casual gamers, families, and fitness enthusiasts who own Just Dance console games and prefer using their smartphones over dedicated hardware controllers.

App Details & Pricing

Model: free

Tiers:
Free Controller App downloadJust Dance+ Subscription (Streaming service for additional songs)1-month free trial of Just Dance+ included with game purchase

The app is a free loss-leader designed to drive sales of the console game and recurring Just Dance+ subscriptions. Revenue is captured through the ecosystem rather than the app itself.

iOS Version

8.1.0

Android Version

8.2.1

Release Date

Oct 24, 2014

iOS Price

Free

Android Price

Free

Developer

Ubisoft

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