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

Dune: Awakening gets new PS5 gameplay, movie DLC

PS5 gameplay and cross-play confirmed

Published

August 28, 2026

GadgetMatch

Dune: Awakening is getting ready for its September 22 launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox. At Gamescom, Funcom showed seven minutes of new PS5 gameplay and announced new DLC inspired by the Dune films.

The studio also confirmed that PC and console cross-play is coming after launch. It has not announced a release date for the feature yet.

PS5 gameplay revealed

Funcom premiered seven minutes of Dune: Awakening gameplay captured on a PlayStation 5 Pro.

The footage gives players a look at how the open-world survival game runs on Sony’s consoles. Gamescom attendees can also get hands-on with the PS5 version at the show.

On the base PS5, Performance Mode targets 60fps with dynamic resolution. The PS5 Pro also runs Performance Mode at 60fps.

Quality Mode runs at 30fps on both consoles. Both PS5 models use upscaled 4K resolution in Performance and Quality Mode.

The PS5 and Xbox versions will launch on September 22. The console release will also bring several major additions to the game.

These include a full single-player mode, the conclusion to its story, more customization options, and adjustable difficulty levels.

Funcom says console players will also get a year’s worth of PC additions and enhancements on day one.

Watch the trailer.

Dune movie-inspired DLC arrives

Funcom also announced Filmic Archive, a new DLC featuring outfits and building pieces inspired by Denis Villeneuve’s Dune films.

The DLC launches September 22 on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. It will cost ₱615.92 ($9.99).

Among its additions are the Aegis of the Unwalked Path armor. It is inspired by Paul Atreides’ visions of Fremen holy warriors in Dune: Part One.

The DLC also includes the Caladan Stormcoat worn by Paul and Duke Leto in the film.

Other movie-inspired outfits are included as well. Players can also build with a 73-piece set styled after the Sardaukar.

Funcom will reveal more of Filmic Archive during the Xbox Broadcast on August 28.

Cross-play is coming after launch

PC and console cross-play was one of the community’s most requested features after Funcom announced the console versions.

The studio has now confirmed that the feature is in development.

However, Funcom has not committed to a release date. It will share more details once they are available.

Dune: Awakening originally launched on PC in June 2025. The PS5 and Xbox versions arrive on September 22, bringing the game’s latest additions and improvements to consoles.

The game will also launch on Xbox Game Pass on the same day.

Players who purchase the Deluxe or Ultimate Edition can start playing five days early. Early access begins September 17.

Funcom will also release a physical PS5 edition through its distribution partners. Pre-orders are already available at select retailers.

Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe will distribute the physical edition across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Solutions 2 GO will handle North and South America.

In Japan, Spike Chunsoft will publish the game digitally and at retail. Its Japanese release is scheduled for October 29.

Gaming

CAPTAIN TSUBASA 2: WORLD FIGHTERS is out now

Super Action Soccer returns

Published

August 28, 2026

GadgetMatch

CAPTAIN TSUBASA 2: WORLD FIGHTERS is out now on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X|S. The game is also available on PC via Steam.

Bandai Namco Entertainment Asia brings back the popular series with its signature Super Action Soccer gameplay. Players can take control of more than 110 characters and compete across 22 national teams.

Tsubasa Ozora once again represents Japan as they take on national teams from around the world. The goal is to overcome their rivals and win the highly contested World Youth Championship.

The game is available in Standard, Deluxe, and Ultimate Editions on consoles and PC.

Super Action Soccer returns

CAPTAIN TSUBASA 2: WORLD FIGHTERS brings back the series’ over-the-top soccer action with enhanced visuals and new supercharged moves.

Players can pass, dribble, tackle, and unleash powerful strikes. Each character also brings signature techniques inspired by their abilities from the anime and manga.

The sequel adds a new system that pits goalkeepers directly against shooters. Players can attack and counter signature shots and blocks in dramatic sequences.

The game also features more than 150 new cutscenes that highlight some of these special skills and moves.

Composer Tadayoshi Makino also returns for the sequel. He created more than 80 new tracks for the game.

A bigger World Youth Championship

CAPTAIN TSUBASA 2: WORLD FIGHTERS features more content than any previous game in the series.

Its Story Mode features a new original story written by series creator Yoichi Takahashi. The story draws from the World Youth Championships arc of the original manga.

Beyond the main story, players can compete in a variety of game modes. These include battles against rivals both online and offline.

With its mix of traditional soccer tactics and exaggerated special moves, the game aims to deliver the unpredictable “neo-soccer” action that defines Captain Tsubasa.

CAPTAIN TSUBASA 2: WORLD FIGHTERS is out now on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.

Gaming

Samsung Display’s QD-OLED panels help demos at gamescom 2026

Hundreds of gaming monitors feature company’s QD-OLED panels

Published

August 27, 2026

GadgetMatch

Samsung Display is showcasing the gaming performance advantages of QD-OLED at gamescom 2026 through hundreds of monitors helping with playable demos.

Samsung Display partnered with CAPCOM, KRAFTON, and CD PROJEKT RED, with their highly anticipated titles being showcased at gamescom 2026 (August 26 to 30, Cologne, Germany) on several gaming monitors featuring Samsung Display’s QD-OLED panels.

This demonstrates the outstanding picture quality of QD-OLED to gamers from around the world.

In addition, the company has announced that it will begin the mass production of 24.5-inch QD-OLED panels optimized for eSports and FPS games by the end of the year.

At CAPCOM’s booth, visitors can get a hands-on experience with the upcoming Onimusha: Way of the Sword and Dragon’s Dogma 2: Dark Arisen.

Other playable titles include PRAGMATA, Street Fighter 6, and Mega Man: Dual Override.

Samsung Display is supplying a total of 90 QD-OLED gaming monitors, including the EVNIA 32MN8900, GIGABYTE MO32U24 and MSI MAG 321UP QD-OLED X24, for the hands-on gameplay.

Meanwhile, KRAFTON will showcase three of its five upcoming titles on 85 Alienware QD-OLED gaming monitors.

Visitors will have the opportunity to preview the multi-team tactical arena game Project ZETA, two-player coop AG Twisters, and the action RPG TARAE: The Unbound.

Lastly, at the CD PROJEKT RED booth, a trailer for Songs of the Past, the third expansion pack for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt will be shown on eight QD-OLED TVs.

Visitors can also watch gameplay demonstrations on monitors equipped with similar displays. This gives Samsung Display the chance to highlight the QD-OLED Penta Tandem technology.