JoyDance

Demo

https://youtu.be/f_1IkUHFdH8

Features

• Play Just Dance 2017 and later on Xbox/Stadia/PS/NSW 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 X/S
  • Nintendo Switch
  • Xbox One (not tested)
  • Stadia (not tested)
  • PlayStation 4/5 (not tested)

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

• JD 2022 on Xbox Series X and JD 2020 on Nintendo Switch.
• MacOS Catalina 10.15 with TP-Link Bluetooth 4.0 Nano USB Adapter UB400.
• Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W with MPOW BH519A Bluetooth 5.1 USB Adapter.

Tested on Zero 2 W 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 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 network as your game console.

3. Run this command:

python3 dance.py

4. Open http://localhost:32623 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.

   • 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.