This purpose of this Dance Dance Revolution guide is to a) Explain what DDR is, exactly, & give the 4-1-1 on DDR merchandise, and b) Answer many common frequently asked questions regarding games, systems, and compatibility.

Q: What is DDR?

A: Dance Dance Revolution (DDR) is an extremely interactive video game for people of all ages. It exercises your reaction time as well as physical ability and stamina. The game is played on a dance pad with four arrow panels: left, down, up, and right.. The dance pad is basically a very large controller that you place on the floor. Unlike traditional games where you use your hands to play, with Dance Dance Revolution you will be using your feet! The panels on the dance pad are pressed in response to arrows that appear on the screen in front of the player. The arrows are synchronized to the general rhythm/beat of the song, and your success is dependent on your ability to time and position your steps accordingly!

Since its conception in Japan in 1998, Dance Dance Revolution has taken the world by storm as one of the most popular interactive video games of all time. Its popularity is no doubt due to its unique ability to combine reaction time with physical fitness, all to the tune of catchy, upbeat tunes! Best of all, even people not very familar with video games can get started and learning how to play in no time!

Q: What do I need to play Dance Dance Revolution?

A: To begin playing DDR you must first have either a game projector, a supported game console ( Playstation, PS2, PS3, Xbox, Xbox 360, or GameCube) and a TV, or a PC

You may also wish to purchase extension cords or memory cards in order to save your game progress.

Next, you will need a DDR game that is compatible with the system you are choosing. Different games work with different systems.

The current available games are:

For Sony Playstation: DDR Konamix

For Sony Playstation 2: DDR Max, DDR Max 2, DDR Extreme, DDR Extreme 2, DDR Supernova, DDR Supernova 2, Into the Groove, Pump it Up!, and Flow: Urban Mix

For Nintendo GameCube: DDR Mario Mix

For Microsoft XBox: Ultramix, Ultramix 2, Ultramix 3, Ultramix 4

For Microsoft XBox 360: DDR Universe

For PC: Dance Dance Revolution PC

All of the above games will work on their respective systems only, so make sure you purchase a game compatible with your system!

Finally, you will need a dance pad. The dance pad is basically a very large controller that you place on the floor. There are three basic types of dance pads: Basic or Non-Slip Dance Pads, Deluxe Foam Insert Pads, and Metal and Arcade Pads

Basic Pads are fine for beginners. They feature a non-slip bottom surface which suits the nature of the game. If you are an intermediate or would like to upgrade, consider purchasing a Deluxe foam pad.

Deluxe Foam Pads are similar to basic pads but include a layer of foam that is sandwiched between the top and bottom portions of the pad, which is then zippered shut. This foam layer provides a more accurate response to the touch of your feet, and also cushions the feet by softening the impact.

Experts and serious DDR gamers use Metal or Arcade Pads. These pads are constructed of metal and acrylic, and are essentially identical to the ones found in arcades. Metal pads are the top of the line pads, featuring super sensitive touch buttons, a rigid frame that will never move around the floor while playing, and the arcade pads also feature handlebars on the front side.

Just like with DDR games, dance pads are designed to work with specific systems, so make sure the dance pad supports the system you have in place before buying!

Q: How do I know if a Dance Pad or game is compatible with my System?

A: Be sure to read the item description to make sure. Some pads only work with Playstation, some only work with Xbox, others work with both. If you have an Xbox and would like to use a pad designed for Playstation, you can do so with the use of a Playstation-Xbox Adapter . This device allows you to use your Playstation Pad on your XBox system with no problem!

Q: What if I don't have a GameCube, Playstation, or Xbox? Can I still play DDR?

A: Yes, absolutely. What you are looking for is called a DDR Plug 'n' Play Pad. You literally just plug the mat into your TV, hook up a few cables (also included) and you are ready to play! These are available either as One Player Pads or Two Player Pads.

Q: When a pad is designed to work with Playstation, does that mean it is compatible with Playstation 1 and 2?

A: Yes, when a pad is designed for Playstation, this means that it is compatible with both Playstation 1 and 2. This does not mean that the pad will work on Playstation 3. Xbox pads do not work with Xbox 360.

Q: I would like to play DDR on my PC, how is this possible?

A: The game you need to purchase is called Dance Dance Revolution PC , and it uses a pad just the same as the other games. However, to play on your PC you will also need a Playstation to PC Converter , which is a device that plugs into your pad and PC & allows the pad to be used on your PC.