What's the cheapest I can get a DDR (Dance Dance) setup for

[djheater]

I haven't owned a console system since Sega Genesis.

What's the cheapest I could get a DDR setup for? I'm handy and could put together a platform no problem.

Is DDR too complicated for a 9 and 5 year old? Is there a junior version?

I'm looking to get it for my girls for Xmas, I think it would be fun to mess around on it with them.

 

[JohnAn2112]

There is a "junior" version available for the Gamecube. It's the Mario dance mix version. You can get the Gamecube console new for $100 and the game costs about $50 with one pad and you can find an additional pad for around $20.

The best versions of the game are on PS2 though. There is a beginner's mode in all the DDR Extreme games. The PS2 costs about $130 I believe and you can find bundle deals for the games plus 2 pads on redoctane.com.

 

[spacejamz]

not sure if there is Fry's near you, but they always have specials on DDR packages that come with 2 mats and the game for the PS2...

you choose from 3 quality levels of pads: good, best and better...

the cheap ones are around $50 IIRC...

 

[Ika]

Originally posted by: spacejamz
not sure if there is Fry's near you, but they always have specials on DDR packages that come with 2 mats and the game for the PS2...

you choose from 3 quality levels of pads: good, best and better...

the cheap ones are around $50 IIRC...

There are basically three levels of pads:

1. flat pads. these are the worst, have little padding, and die in about two weeks of heavy DDR usage (8-9 foot usage). They cost around $20.
2. Foam pads. These usually have 1 inch of thick foam as a cushion. They have better and bigger sensors than flat pads, and last longer. They can be anywhere from $30 to $100.
3. Metal pads. These are the real babies. Sheet metal covering, usually made of wood. These things are heavy, but can usually take a beating. The arrow panels are generally made of plexiglass and are excellent for DDR use. However, they are expensive - retail, they cost anywhere from $100 to $300 or more. You can also build your own, like I did for around $100-$150.

Back on topic... a PS2 will cost you around $130, and the older versions of DDR will be $20 or $30.

DDR is great for young kids, and they're small and light enough that the cheap flatpads should be fine.

 

[eakers]

get a playstation to usb connector and install stepmania (google it) on a spare pc you can hook up to your TV. you can get free dance packs that people have created themselves.

you can check out http://ddrfreak.com for ideas on how to make your own metal/wood dance pads and for more information on stepmania, in the groove, DDR and other dance games.


If you are going to go with a console I recommend a PS2 and DDR Max 2. Its the funnest and the playstation has quite a few other versions of DDR for it as well as In the Groove . Addtionally the PS2 has Eyetoy and Guitar Hero which are also really really fun.