Gaming

I tried playing Just Dance 2022 using a smartphone

And some thoughts on this year’s version as a whole

Published

January 5, 2022

Gab Orlina

Just Dance 2022 is a simulation game wherein the goal of every single level is to score 5 stars by perfectly copying the moves done on screen. I know, it’s that easy with either enough practice or with enough swing in your hips. However, with each new iteration of Ubisoft’s dancing simulator, the choreography turns up to another level.

When I say “another level,” I literally mean it on both how the game plays and how you play the game. For the past two iterations, Just Dance doesn’t require you to play with a camera module attached to your console to play the game. Although, in my opinion, playing with a dedicated console camera optimizes the experience a whole lot! So, why don’t we test that out, especially on a next-gen console?

Before we begin, I’d just like to point out that the version of the game used is the one for the Xbox Series X|S. This game is also available for the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and the Nintendo Switch. So sit back, relax, and enjoy a ridiculous trip down Just Dance 2022!

As legacy as it could possibly get

Like previous iterations of the game, Just Dance 2022 is rather easy to get around. In essence, you score points by copying the choreography as accurately as possible. Of course, early on, this game required the use of a camera module to track your movements properly. From the PlayStation Camera to the Xbox Kinect, these were essential for the optimal experience.

Also, if you’re not really up for competition with your family and friends, there’s always Sweat Mode. With Sweat Mode, you’re not keeping track of points and stars to earn for each level; instead, you’re more focused on the calories you burn. While this is great for those who want to use the game like zumba, I still don’t know how they actually measure that.

Basically, mechanics-wise, it’s still the same game as before with all the bells and whistles. There’s nothing particularly different, but in the later parts, I felt the experience changed a little bit.

A music library that just keeps expanding and evolving

With each new game, Ubisoft adds a new set list of tracks that comprise of both old and new hits (by old, I mean literally early 2000s). Apart from these, the game’s dedicated subscription service, Just Dance Unlimited, kept adding popular tracks from previous iterations. Honestly, this is a trend I appreciated a lot from the franchise as it caters to all ages and genres.

Another thing I also appreciated about this version and Just Dance 2021 was how committed the developers were to bring official choreographies onboard. Specifically, I wanted to see if they would do this for all the K-Pop tracks they added into the game. They set a precedent for this with BLACKPINK’s Kill This Love in 2020 and TWICE’s Feel Special in 2021.

This year, they included pieces of original choreo for SuperM’s Jopping and near full choreography for BLACKPINK’s BOOMBAYAH, K/DA’s POP/STARS and æspa’s Black Mamba. Yes, freaking Black Mamba with the signature knee drop in the chorus! Also, these tracks already have them available as Extreme versions right off the bat, instead of having to unlock it by completing the Alternate versions. That alone already deserves a round of applause!

How to play on a smartphone, senpai?

Remember when I mentioned that I have the next-gen version of this game, and it’s the Xbox Series X|S version no less? The thing is, if I had a PlayStation 5, this wouldn’t be an issue to bring up since you can buy the HD Camera module for it. With the Series X|S, it’s a different story since it currently does not support the Kinect camera at all.

In cases where your console doesn’t support a camera like the Nintendo Switch and the aforementioned next-gen Xbox, the game tracks your movement through your Joy-Con or smartphone. Believe it or not, the developers found a way to do this since Just Dance 2020 just by tracking your hand. Of course, for me, this isn’t the most optimal way of playing the game but it’s a compromise they had to make.

For the most part, it just seems weird when you want to go all out and copy the choreography to earn points. In these cases, it’s almost 50-50 when it comes to scoring Perfect moves when the game relies on one hand. Also, it’s quite difficult to dance properly when you’re holding something in your hand. Although, I still got 5 stars on Black Mamba so maybe it isn’t that terrible.

Is this worth playing for any console?

Do I think that Just Dance 2022 is a great game to play for any occasion? Of course, it is given the amount of tracks to choose from and it’s multiplayer! It sticks to what works for the longest time, and tries to improve on the intricacies every year. While this year’s version doesn’t seem like it’s anything new, I would argue the experience just feels different.

Whether or not you should play it on any console is where I would draw the line just a tiny bit. I still believe that the optimal experience is to track your dance moves from head to toe. In doing so, you learn the movements and appreciate said intricacies in game design. Again, this only works when your console has a camera module to aid the game.

If you want to play this game, keep in mind that currently, the optimal experience is on the PlayStation and the Xbox One versions. It is playable on the Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch, but you might miss out on truly immersive Just Dance gameplay. Still, it’s something worth your time keeping in your game library, especially when you can have guests over.

Gaming

Resident Evil Requiem is out now

30 years later

Published

February 28, 2026

GadgetMatch

Resident Evil Requiem is now available worldwide, marking the ninth mainline entry in Capcom’s long-running survival horror franchise.

The game launches today on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, Epic Games Store, and GeForce NOW. Set 30 years after the Raccoon City Incident, the story returns players to the ruins of a city that defined the series’ legacy.

This time, players follow two protagonists: newcomer Grace Ashcroft, an FBI intelligence analyst investigating a string of mysterious deaths tied to her mother’s murder, and returning fan favorite Leon S. Kennedy. As their paths converge at the center of a new outbreak, both must confront the lingering trauma of Raccoon City and uncover the truth behind the incident that changed the world.

First-person or third-person

For the first time in the series, players can freely switch between first-person and third-person perspectives, blending immersive horror with more dynamic action. Multiple difficulty settings are available, including a Casual mode with aim assist and a Standard (Classic) mode that reintroduces the Ink Ribbon save system while playing as Grace.

Editions available

Resident Evil Requiem is available in Standard and Deluxe editions. The Deluxe edition includes five costumes, four weapon skins, two screen filters, two charms, and additional bonus content. A Premium Steelbook Edition bundles the Deluxe content with a limited-edition lenticular card, available while supplies last.

Capcom is also celebrating the launch with a slate of collaborations and collectibles. These include a themed Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, the franchise’s first-ever amiibo figures of Grace and Leon arriving July 30, 2026, limited-edition watches designed with Hamilton, a one-of-a-kind Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT created as Leon’s in-game vehicle, and 1/6 scale collectible figures launching this fall.

Resident Evil Symphony of Legacy

To mark the series’ 30th anniversary, the Resident Evil Symphony of Legacy orchestral concert series will tour Japan, North America, and Europe later this year. Meanwhile, Resident Evil 7 biohazard Gold Edition and Resident Evil Village Gold Edition also arrive on Nintendo Switch 2 today, alongside a Generation Pack bundle exclusive to the platform.

With a return to Raccoon City and a new chapter in survival horror underway, Resident Evil Requiem ushers in what Capcom calls a new era for the iconic franchise.

Gaming

Tales of Berseria Remastered is out now on consoles and PC

A tale of emotion returns

Published

February 28, 2026

GadgetMatch

Bandai Namco Entertainment has announced that Tales of Berseria Remastered is out now. It’s available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.

The remaster brings back the 2016 action RPG with visual and quality-of-life upgrades tailored for current-generation platforms. A new launch trailer accompanies the release. It offers a fresh look at Velvet’s journey, her party members, and her fateful clash with Altorius.

In celebration of the launch, fans in Southeast Asia can join an exclusive giveaway for a chance to win signed memorabilia from their favorite cast member. Details are available via Bandai Namco Entertainment Asia’s official Facebook and Instagram pages. A special video featuring the voice cast has also been released as part of the festivities.

A revenge story returns

Originally released in 2016, Tales of Berseria stood out as the first entry in the long-running franchise to feature a solo female protagonist. Players step into the role of Velvet. Her once gentle nature gives way to a burning desire for revenge after the death of her younger brother.

The remastered edition preserves the emotional weight of that story while refining the experience for modern hardware. Players can now toggle enemy encounters in fields and dungeons and view clearer destination icons for smoother navigation. The familiar Grade Shop is also unlocked from the start, allowing for a more flexible playthrough.

More than 70 pieces of DLC from the original release are included, ranging from character outfits inspired by previous Tales titles to helpful equipment for early adventures.

Game editions and bonuses

Tales of Berseria Remastered is available in both physical and digital formats. The Digital Deluxe Edition includes the base game, a Battle BGM pack, a digital artbook and soundtrack, and a Super Growth Support Herb Set.

Early purchasers and pre-order customers receive the Super Adventuring Assistance Set, which includes Apple Gel x10, Grape Gel x10, Life Bottle x10, and Panacea Bottle x10.

Physical copies also feature a reversible inlay with two different cover designs.

Gaming

Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves will launch in 2027

The region is based on Southeast Asia.

Published

February 27, 2026

Luigi Leonardo

The tenth generation of Pokémon is here! Kicking off the franchise’s celebration for thirty successful years, The Pokémon Company announced the next mainline games: Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves.

The announcement trailer started with a nostalgic reminiscing of a Pikachu across all the different generations over the years. A sudden knock on the door breaks the protagonist’s reminiscing. At the door are two Pikachu dressed in vacation clothes, standing outside a beach house on stilts.

Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves isn’t just another trip to another roaring urban-to-rural region. Rather, the generation’s yet-unnamed region wants you to take a vacation in a place inspired by Southeast Asia.

Because of its tropical locale, a lot of the Pokémon featured are more nature- and animal-based. You won’t see a lot of the newer creatures inspired by objects here.

The region will also have a variety of biomes including a forest, a beach, and even an underground volcanic section. And, making a comeback for the first time in years, there will seemingly be an underwater biome filled with aquatic Pokémon.

Highlighting the new generation are three new starter Pokémon: Browt, the Grass-type bird Pokémon; Pombon, the Fire-type dog Pokémon; and Gecqua, the Water-type gecko Pokémon.