Honestly, looking back at the nintendo switch just dance 2018 song list feels like stepping into a time capsule. It was a weird, transitional year for music and gaming. Remember when "Despacito" was literally everywhere? You couldn't walk into a grocery store without hearing it. Ubisoft knew exactly what they were doing when they put that track right at the center of this game.
But it wasn't just about the radio hits. This specific version of Just Dance was a big deal for the Nintendo Switch. It was the first time the series really felt like it belonged on the console, taking advantage of those tiny Joy-Cons in ways the Wii never could.
What’s Actually on the Nintendo Switch Just Dance 2018 Song List?
If you're booting this up today, you're getting about 40 base songs. It’s a mix of "I forgot this existed" and "how is this still a banger?" You’ve got your heavy hitters like Bruno Mars and Ariana Grande, but then the game throws a curveball with a Hatsune Miku track or a random classical remix.
Basically, the variety is what keeps it from getting stale. You go from the high-energy pop of "24K Magic" to the absolute absurdity of "Beep Beep I'm a Sheep." It’s chaotic. It’s fun. It’s exactly what a party game should be.
The Pop Powerhouses
Most people bought the game for these. The 2017-2018 era was peak "Side to Side" and "Shape of You."
- Shape of You – Ed Sheeran
- 24K Magic – Bruno Mars
- Side to Side – Ariana Grande ft. Nicki Minaj
- Swish Swish – Katy Perry ft. Nicki Minaj
- Despacito – Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee
- Bad Liar – Selena Gomez
- Blow Your Mind (Mwah) – Dua Lipa
- Instruction – Jax Jones ft. Demi Lovato
It’s a solid lineup. You’ve probably heard these songs a thousand times, but dancing to them is a whole different vibe. The choreography for "Swish Swish" even includes the "floss" dance, which tells you everything you need to know about the year 2018.
The Nostalgia and The Weird Stuff
Ubisoft always puts in a few tracks for the parents (or the people who just like retro vibes).
Queen's "Another One Bites the Dust" is a classic for a reason. Then you have Boney M. with "Daddy Cool," which is surprisingly exhausting to dance to. But the real MVPs are the weird ones. "In the Hall of the Pixel King" is a 8-bit inspired trip, and "Love Ward" by Hatsune Miku is there for the Vocaloid fans who want to sweat.
Switch Exclusive Features You Might’ve Missed
The Switch version wasn't just a port. It had some "Double Rumble" magic. This used the HD Rumble in the Joy-Cons to make you feel the beat in your palms. Kinda gimmicky? Maybe. But it actually helped with the timing.
There was also a specific "Just Mario" track. It’s a Nintendo exclusive where you basically dance like Mario. It’s silly, but if you have kids (or you're just a big Nintendo nerd), it’s a highlight. You had to access it through Just Dance Unlimited usually, but it’s one of those things that made the Switch version feel special.
Kids Mode: A Life Saver for Parents
This was the year they introduced a dedicated Kids Mode. It wasn't just a playlist; it had its own interface. The songs were simpler, the choreo was easier, and the lyrics were scrubbed clean.
Tracks like "Amazing Girl" or the "How Far I'll Go" cover from Disney's Moana were perfect for keeping toddlers busy while you tried to find where you left the TV remote. It made the game feel like a tool for movement rather than just a "video game."
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The Full Tracklist Breakdown
Here is the meat of it. If you're looking for a specific song to see if it's worth digging your old Switch dock out of the closet, here's what was on the cartridge (or the digital download):
All You Gotta Do – The Just Dance Band
Another One Bites the Dust – Queen
Automaton – Jamiroquai
Blue (Da Ba Dee) – Hit The Electro Beat
Boom Boom – Iggy Azalea ft. Zedd
Bubble Pop! – HyunA
Carmen (Ouverture) – Just Dance Orchestra
Chantaje – Shakira ft. Maluma
Daddy Cool – Groove Century
Dharma – Headhunterz & KSHMR
Diggy – Spencer Ludwig
Fight Club – Lights
Footloose – Top Culture
Got That – Gigi Rowe
Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini – The Sunlight Shakers
John Wayne – Lady Gaga
Keep On Moving – Michelle Delamor
Kissing Strangers – DNCE ft. Nicki Minaj
Make It Jingle – Big Freedia
Naughty Girl – Beyoncé
New Face – PSY
Risky Business – Jorge Blanco
Rockabye – Clean Bandit ft. Sean Paul & Anne-Marie
Sayonara – Wanko Ni Mero Mero
Slumber Party – Britney Spears ft. Tinashe
The Way I Are (Dance with Somebody) – Bebe Rexha ft. Lil Wayne
Tumbum – Yemi Alade
Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) – Shakira
Why the 2018 Version Still Holds Up
Look, the Just Dance series is yearly. Usually, the old ones get forgotten. But Just Dance 2018 on the Switch has a certain charm. It was the last year before the interface got too corporate and menu-heavy. It felt tactile.
The "Dance Lab" mode was also a weird experiment that actually worked. You’d do these short "episodes" where you’d mimic different professions—like a plumber or a chef—set to music. It was less about hitting "Perfect" scores and more about just acting like a goofball.
The Elephant in the Room: Just Dance Unlimited
We have to talk about the subscription. Out of the box, you get the 40 songs. But back then, Ubisoft was pushing "Just Dance Unlimited" hard. It gave you access to 300+ more songs.
If you buy a used copy today, just be aware that many of those online features and the subscription tracks might not behave the same way they did in 2017. The servers for older games eventually get wonky. However, those core 40 tracks? They’re on the card. They aren't going anywhere.
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Tips for Getting the Best Score on Switch
If you're diving back into this list, remember that Joy-Cons are sensitive. You don't need to swing your arm like you're trying to throw a baseball. It’s all about the wrist rotation and the "stop" at the end of a move.
Also, use the straps. Seriously. I’ve seen enough cracked TV screens from "Despacito" related accidents to last a lifetime.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're ready to get back into the groove, here is how to make the most of the nintendo switch just dance 2018 song list:
- Check your storage. The game takes up a decent chunk of space if you're buying digital, so make sure your SD card isn't full of old screenshots.
- Calibrate those Joy-Cons. If the game isn't registering your "Gold Moves," go into your Switch settings and recalibrate the motion sensors.
- Try the "World Dance Floor." Even years later, there are often still people hanging out in the online rooms. It’s a great way to see how you stack up against the remaining die-hards.
- Look for the Gold Edition. If you're buying it now, sometimes you can find the Gold Edition for pennies more than the standard, which often includes a few months of the Unlimited service (if the code isn't expired).
Just Dance 2018 remains a high point for the series, especially for Switch owners who want a mix of K-pop, Latin hits, and classic Queen. It’s a workout, it’s a party, and it’s a genuinely solid piece of Nintendo history.
Expert Insight: When playing the "Double Rumble" tracks, focus on the vibration patterns. Ubisoft actually mapped the haptic feedback to the rhythm, so if you're struggling with a fast section, let the vibration in your hands guide your movement instead of just watching the screen. It’s a game-changer for high-intensity songs like "Dharma."