Honestly, I still think about 2017 a lot. That was the year pop music felt like it was peaking in this weird, neon-soaked way. We had Ed Sheeran basically living on the radio and Luis Fonsi making everyone pretend they knew Spanish. It was also the year Ubisoft decided to really go all-in on the Nintendo Switch.
If you’ve still got your copy of the game—or you’re looking to snag one from a used bin—you’ve probably noticed the Just Dance 2018 Nintendo Switch song list feels like a time capsule. It’s not just a collection of MP3s. It’s that specific era of culture. You’ve got the heavy hitters, the weird "what is this?" tracks, and those Nintendo exclusives that make the Switch version the definitive way to play this specific entry.
The core tracks: What’s actually on the cartridge?
When you fire up the game without an internet connection, you’re looking at about 40 base songs. These are the ones you own forever, regardless of whether Ubisoft decides to keep their servers running. It's a solid mix. You have the massive radio hits that define the late 2010s, but there’s also a surprising amount of variety that keeps it from being just a "Top 40" dump.
I mean, where else are you going to find Bebe Rexha and Hatsune Miku in the same menu?
The heavy hitters are exactly what you'd expect. "Shape of You" by Ed Sheeran is there (of course it is), along with "Despacito" by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee. These were inescapable. But then you get into the fun stuff like "24K Magic" by Bruno Mars and "Swish Swish" by Katy Perry featuring Nicki Minaj. If you’re a Lady Gaga fan, "John Wayne" is a standout choreo that’s actually surprisingly intense.
A quick look at the standout artists
- Pop Queens: Beyoncé ("Naughty Girl"), Selena Gomez ("Bad Liar"), Ariana Grande ("Side to Side"), and Dua Lipa ("Blow Your Mind (Mwah)").
- Throwback Vibes: Queen ("Another One Bites the Dust"), Jamiroquai ("Automaton"), and Groove Century ("Daddy Cool").
- The "Meme" Tier: LilDeuceDeuce ("Beep Beep I'm A Sheep")—this one will either make you laugh or drive you insane within thirty seconds.
One thing people often forget is how much K-pop representation was starting to creep in back then. We got "Bubble Pop!" by HyunA and "New Face" by PSY. For 2017, this was a pretty big deal for a Western rhythm game. It showed Ubisoft was paying attention to what was actually blowing up on YouTube.
Why the Switch version is the one to keep
Let's talk about why the Just Dance 2018 Nintendo Switch song list is slightly cooler than the PS4 or Xbox versions. It’s all about the "Just Mario" track. This isn't just a skin; it’s a full-on Nintendo-themed routine that you can only get on this platform. It uses music from the Mario franchise and has those classic sound effects integrated into the movements.
✨ Don't miss: How to Catch a Whopper in Monster Hunter Wilds Without Losing Your Mind
It's sorta cheesy, sure. But it’s the kind of charm that makes the Switch version feel special.
There’s also the Double Rumble mode. Most people just play Just Dance with one Joy-Con in their right hand. In 2018, Ubisoft experimented with routines that required a Joy-Con in both hands. It used the HD Rumble to give you vibration feedback that matched the rhythm of the song. It was a neat gimmick that actually made the "handyman" or "witch" choreographies feel more tactile.
Understanding the "Unlimited" problem in 2026
If you’re looking at the song list and thinking, "Wait, where is Lady Gaga’s 'Bad Romance'?" or "I thought 'Let It Go' was in this," you’re thinking of Just Dance Unlimited.
This is where things get a bit messy for collectors. Just Dance 2018 launched with a three-month trial of Unlimited, which gave you access to over 300 (at the time) legacy tracks from previous games. In 2026, though, your mileage may vary. Ubisoft has been shifting their focus to the new "Just Dance+" subscription and has even delisted some older versions or limited server support for the legacy games.
Basically, if you buy Just Dance 2018 today, buy it for the 40 base songs. Anything else you get via the subscription service should be treated as a bonus that could disappear at any time.
✨ Don't miss: SpongeBob Tower Defense Codes: Why Your Strategy Needs These Freebies
The "Mojo" and the Gift Machine
The way you unlock stuff in this game is through the Gift Machine. You earn Mojo (currency) by dancing, and then you spend 100 Mojo to pull a virtual lever. You get avatars, stickers, and—most importantly—alternate versions of the songs. Some of the "Extreme" versions of the tracks are actually quite difficult and change the vibe of the song list entirely.
Is it still worth playing?
Honestly, yeah.
The UI in the 2018 version is arguably better than the more "corporate" and streamlined menus in the modern 2023/2024 editions. It feels like a video game, not just a streaming app. Plus, it still supports up to six players. If you have a bunch of friends over and everyone has a smartphone, you can use the Just Dance Controller app as a remote. No need to buy six pairs of Joy-Cons.
It’s also one of the few entries that still feels "classic" while having modern hits. It hasn't quite hit the point where every song is a TikTok trend; these were actual radio anthems.
What to do next
If you're dusting off your Switch for a workout or a party, check your storage first. Just Dance 2018 isn't huge, but it does take up some space if you’ve got the digital version.
Pro-tip: Go into the settings and turn on Sweat Mode. It adds a calorie counter to the screen. While it's just an estimate based on your arm movement, it’s a great psychological trick to keep you dancing for three more songs than you originally planned. If you're looking for the best workout on the list, start with "John Wayne" or the alternate version of "24K Magic." They'll definitely get your heart rate up more than "Beep Beep I'm A Sheep" ever will.