JoyDance

Demo

https://youtu.be/f_1IkUHFdH8

Features

• Play Just Dance 2016 and later on all platforms with Joy-Cons.
• Playing with a Joy-Con (+ its strap) is safer and more comfortable than holding a phone.
• No latency.
• Better score than using a phone (hopefully).
• No random disconnection.
• Support up to 6 players.
• Support all platforms (in theory):

	Xbox Series	Xbox One	PS4/5	NSW	Stadia	PC	Wii U
2020-2022	✅	❓	❓	✅	#2
2016-2019 ⚠️		❓	❓	✅		✅	✅

✅ = confirmed working
❓ = not tested, but expected to work
⚠️ Important: Can't use buttons on Joy-Con to navigate the UI in JD 2016-2019 (you'll have to use controllers/keyboard).

How does it work?

It pretends to be the Just Dance Controller app, sends movements of the Joy-Con to your game console.

Tested on

• MacOS Catalina 10.15 with TP-Link Bluetooth 4.0 Nano USB Adapter UB400.
• Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W (Bulleye, kernel 5.15) with MPOW BH519A Bluetooth 5.1 USB Adapter. Tested with 2 Joy-Cons and it worked just fine.

Requirements

• PC/Mac/Linux with bluetooth support.
• Python 3.7+ and pip installed.
• 1 to 6 Joy-Cons.
• It's RECOMMENDED to:
  • Use a Bluetooth dongle, because built-in Bluetooth sucks (or you will get disconnected constantly while playing). Make sure you buy a dongle with game controllers support, not just for audio devices. Not all dongles support Mac/Linux, so remember to check compatibility before buying.
  • Use a Nintendo Switch to update Joy-Con to the latest firmware & calibate its motion sensors. Ask your friends or bring it to the game shop if you don't have one.

Installation

1. Download the latest version and extract it into a folder.
2. Open that folder in Terminal/Command Prompt, then run this command:

pip3 install -r requirements.txt

Extra step for Windows users

Please make this change. It's only a temporary fix, and will be patched in future versions.

Extra steps for Linux users

1. Linux users may need to use hid instead of hidapi (not sure why hidapi couldn't find Joy-Cons on Linux).

pip3 uninstall hidapi

sudo apt install libhidapi-dev
pip3 install hid

2. Create a new udev rule file at /etc/udev/rules.d/50-nintendo-switch.rules (Source)

# Switch Joy-con (L) (Bluetooth only)
KERNEL=="hidraw*", SUBSYSTEM=="hidraw", KERNELS=="0005:057E:2006.*", MODE="0666"

# Switch Joy-con (R) (Bluetooth only)
KERNEL=="hidraw*", SUBSYSTEM=="hidraw", KERNELS=="0005:057E:2007.*", MODE="0666"

# Switch Pro controller (USB and Bluetooth)
KERNEL=="hidraw*", SUBSYSTEM=="hidraw", ATTRS{idVendor}=="057e", ATTRS{idProduct}=="2009", MODE="0666"
KERNEL=="hidraw*", SUBSYSTEM=="hidraw", KERNELS=="0005:057E:2009.*", MODE="0666"

# Switch Joy-con charging grip (USB only)
KERNEL=="hidraw*", SUBSYSTEM=="hidraw", ATTRS{idVendor}=="057e", ATTRS{idProduct}=="200e", MODE="0666"

Reload udev rules:

sudo udevadm control --reload-rules
sudo udevadm trigger

3. Install dkms-hid-nintendo (Joy-Con driver) if you're running Linux kernel older than 5.16.

Usage

1. Open the phone pairing screen on Just Dance.

2. Connect your PC/Mac/Linux to the same Wi-Fi or LAN network as your game console.

3. Run this command:

python3 dance.py

4. Open http://localhost:32623 (not https://...) in a web browser (32623 = DANCE).

5. Turn on Bluetooth and pair with Joy-Con by holding down the SYNC button until the light move up and down. Press the "Refresh" button until your Joy-Con shows up.

6. Fill the form.

   • Pairing Method:

     • Fast:
       • Only for Xbox One, PlayStation 4/5 and Nintendo Switch.
       • Connect instantly.
       • Doesn't require pairing code.
       • Requires console's private IP address.
     • Default:
       • Slower, but supports all platforms (including Xbox Series and Stadia).
       • Requires pairing code.
       • Requires host's private IP address.
     • Old:
       • For JD 2016-2019 only (including Wii U, PC).
       • Connect instantly.
       • Doesn't require pairing code.
       • Requires PC/console's private IP address.
       • ⚠️ Important: Can't use buttons on Joy-Con to navigate the UI (you'll have to use controllers/keyboard).

   • Host's Private IP Address:

     • The private IP address of your PC/Mac/Linux. Find this in the Wi-Fi settings.
     • Starts with 192.168.

   • Console's Private IP Address:

     • The private IP address of your console. Find this in the Wi-Fi settings on console.
     • Starts with 192.168.

   • Pairing Code: get this from the game.

7. Press the "Connect" button next to Joy-Con to start the pairing process.

8. 💃🕺

FAQ

1. What is the correct way to hold a Joy-Con?
   Hold the Joy-Con (L)/(R) in your right hand, with your palm touching the back of Joy-Con.

2. How to control with Joy-Con (L)?

   • Up = X
   • Right = A
   • Down = B
   • Left = Y
   • L = R
   • ZL = ZR
   • Minus = Plus

3. How to exit JoyDance?
   Press Ctrl + C two times or close the Terminal window.

4. Is it possible to port JoyDance to wearable devices like smart watches (Wear OS, watchOS...)?
   Yes. I tested on a tiny M5StickC Plus and it worked! But remember, some movements require you to move only the palm of your hand won't be recognized correctly.