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What you’ll need to buy
Sony PlayStation 2 (PS2)* This is the game system/hardware necessary to run the DDR game. It’s kind of like a DVD player.
2 Dance Pads DDR supports the use of two live dance pads. There are many different brands and durability levels available. Low to mid priced pads work fine — look for non skid backing. Super-durable, pro-grade metal pads cost upwards of $200, and are nice but not necessary. $20-$40 dance pads will wear out with use, and replacement of these should be budgeted every year or two, depending on use and care.
8 MB Memory Card This is a small rectangular plastic card which loads into the front of the PS2. It will record game data and “unlock” new song selections after a period of successful game play. This is not absolutely necessary for playing the game, but it is recommended.
DDR Game This is the software. Currently, there are a number of different DDR games available, each with different song selections and game features. This guide covers information for the DDR Max 2 version. Whichever version of the game you buy, make sure it is for the PS2 game system.
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Est. Cost
about $130
$40+ for 2
about $25
$30—$60
Total Cost starts at $225 |
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Equipment List and Estimated Costs |
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Where you can buy DDR equipment
The game system, DDR game, and memory card may be easily found and purchased at your local Best Buy, Target, Wal-Mart, Game Stop, or anywhere else video game systems and accessories are sold. They may also be purchased online at any number of websites, including Amazon and Best Buy online. Dance pads have become more of an online order item because of the incredible number of options and quality levels now available (it has actually become somewhat overwhelming). However, you can still find inexpensive entry level dance pads at local retail stores, though these may prove disappointing.
There are some DDR equipment outfits which are now packaged specifically for schools, and include the PS2 game system, a DDR game, plus dance pads. We have identified one particular online retailer who does a great job with the education market, and have worked with them to put together reasonably priced DDR bundles for schools. Information about these school equipment bundles can be found under Recommended Resources.
*A note about the PS2 game system: As of this writing, there are many more DDR and Karaoke Revolution game versions available for Sony’s PlayStation 2 game system, which is why this platform is our top recommendation. Microsoft’s X-Box 360 game platform may also be used to play available X-Box 360 versions of DDR and Karaoke Revolution. The Nintendo Wii game console now supports a four player version of DDR, but this game system remains difficult to purchase because of shortages in production. More information about video game system benefits and drawbacks as related to the school environment is available here.
What else you need to play DDR, but probably already have at your school
TV or Media Projector You’ll need either a TV or media projector (most schools have a media projector in their computer labs or administrative offices) with A/V (audio/visual) input ports. This is what you’ll plug the A/V cord from the PS2 into for viewing the game. Full details are provided on the next page about how to set up your PS2. Note that for larger classes (20+ students), a media projector is preferable for showing the game because it will allow you to project a very large image of DDR onto a wall or screen so everyone can easily see dance instructions.
Sound System While your projector or TV may provide adequate sound for a small group setting, we recommend plugging the audio output from the PS2 into a sound system if you are going to play DDR in a large class setting. This will allow everyone to better hear the music and more easily catch the beat.
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Finding good quality, reasonably priced DDR equipment for schools can be a challenge for PE teachers. We have worked with one particular online retailer to put together DDR equipment bundles for schools which include everything necessary to play DDR in PE class. You can read about these equipment bundles and link with the supplier in our Recommended Resources section. |