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Hello! I have been researching this a lot lately so, to answer your question fully, I think it comes down to three things: what is your price range, what platform is your friend using, and how handy are you? I'm sure there are more knowledgable people who will chime in but I feel like after pouring through a lot of posts on this sub I can give some fairly standard advice.

The most affordable and device agnostic solution (without getting a cheap "plastic pad") is the "DDR Energy 1 inch foam deluxe pad" from Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Dance-Revolution-Energy-Deluxe-Playstation-2/dp/B000GHG0BA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1467232923&sr=8-1&keywords=ddr+pad). I own two of these: truth be told I have some issues with ghost steps on one pad and while the other so far is holding up, I just purchased it and I am not convinced it is 100% just yet. You'll see conflicting reviews online about these, particularly the metal pads, but these foam pads are recommended commonly. This is around $60 bucks, has a nice stable foam insert, and can work on multiple platforms (PC and PS2 probably being the most common). While my personal experience might not seem like a glowing review, I would still recommend this pad. In my opinion this is your safest bet.

If you are wary about the quality of the DDR Energy pad, can afford a little more, and your friend plays on PC, consider this pad (http://dancepadmania.com/product/dance_pads/deluxe-dance-pad/). While I have not personally used it, I have seen multiple people on here recommending it over the similar DDR energy pad. Comes in at around $85.

If you are handy and want to make an extra special gift, your next option (in terms of price) would be to construct your own metal pad. This is the route I am currently investigating as my next step up- this thread has information on the construction process (https://zenius-i-vanisher.com/v5.2/viewthread.php?threadid=3350). I see many people using Riptide's guide as a starting point and there are video tutorials of the whole process on youtube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aE88SHLHwU). From my research, I think this would set you back somewhere between $100-$150 + your time to construct it.

If you are not handy, but money is no option and you want the best of the best, you'd be hard pressed to find something better than an OmegaGX from precision dance pads (http://www.precisiondancepads.com/index.php?id_product=8&controller=product&id_lang=1). This can also be customized as well to make the gift extra special, but you're looking at spending around $350. This is considered the premiere home dance pad solution - at this point the only step up would be purchasing an actual machine or modifying arcade dance pads for use on PC.

Hope this helps :D!

You could try something like this? A friend of mine used to have a similar foam pad - and reviews on this one look /mostly/ good and it's within your price range. This is USB so it should work on a 360; though I don't think it'd work on the Wii - but it might? This SHOULD work for PC as well! Which is what I'd recommend.


Keep in mind - ANY foam pad or less tier pad won't exactly allow you to pass some of the harder songs. So if you have some hardcore DDR players in your club they will likely laugh at these. I'm just being honest. However if you're just trying to play for fun - these would be fine!


In terms of which version of the game to get - never played Dance Dance Revolution Universe or DDR Universe 2 but scrolling through those song lists they seem to have a decent selection I guess. That would be your best bet if you chose the Xbox 360 as your choice of system. Also the easiest solution. Both of those games could probably be found at a local used game store or dare I say... Gamestop... Or even Ebay.


If you can find a spare computer (literally can run on just about anything) you could get a free piece of software called Stepmania. It only comes with a few songs when you first download it... but you can get more songs various ways. This would allow you to hand pick exactly which songs you'd like but also would be a bit more setup. Here's an ok article breaking down some controls and stuff.


I hope this helps!

I bought this official Konami pad and have been happy with it. Only complaint is the down and X (bottom right) both register the down arrow but it's pretty easy to play like that.

https://www.amazon.com/Xbox-360-Dance-Revolution-Original-Konami/dp/B003FG68U2/

It uses usb and can be used with stepmania on PC. I would recommend using Stepmania for home play and you can download any song on sites like zenius. Simply love is a nice clean minimal theme for Stepmania.

I converted it into a hard pad using this tutorial:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Soem9tnzeG0

Hmm. I see what you mean. I really don't know about the differences. There's a description of each one, but I would assume that each version has a couple little updates/improvements over previous versions, so with Version 4 being cheaper than 3 at the moment, I'd say that's the one to get, although I don't know if the changes really make it any better than Version 2. I also haven't ordered from their website, so I can't really vouch for that. This is the pad I got: http://www.amazon.com/PS2-Energy-Foam-Deluxe-Dance-Playstation/dp/B000GHG0BA/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1425832275&sr=8-9&keywords=ddrgame+pad

I hope Amazon links are okay around here. Anyways, I'd really recommend a more expensive pad if you're serious about playing a lot. My pad worked great for about a year of light use, and then one of the arrows started either not responding to input or being stuck as "down" even when I wasn't standing on it. If they were like $20, I wouldn't care, but they're a little expensive to just stop working well after some time.

After it stopped working, I got one of the OmegaGX pads, and it's been great. Very responsive and comfortable to use.

Absolutely. For me it's either between this or, possibly building one myself using actual arcade parts - actual arcade panels, high end wooden or impact plastic frame etc. But if I WERE to buy a pad, it'd an Energy pad full-stop.

No - In fact, I think the non-bar version actually uses overall more metal in it's construction than the Bar model. Unless you absolutely NEED the bar, I'd steer clear, plus it'll be easier to move and store etc.

Totally up to you, but honestly besides a used Flux or a Blue Shark I think these are by far your best bet until something better comes along.

Again, you may get a bum pad, but I'd order it through Amazon which has an Amazing Prime sale on these and awesome return policy if you get a womp pad - https://www.amazon.com/DDR-Game-Energy-Metal-Dance-Xbox/dp/B000IBQ6B8/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

Hope it works out for you man!

There's not exactly a right answer, since everyone has a different play style/preferences. For me, I look for the following:

1. Ventilation: Make sure the shoes can breathe inside, otherwise you will get sweaty feet that will chafe/smell.
   
2. Heel size: A giant heel will possibly get in the way with crossovers, or will get stuck on brackets. Smaller = better IMO.
   
3. Bounce: Wearing shoes with no bounce can make fast patterns more difficult and more stamina-draining. You want something that rebounds nicely.
   
4. Feedback: This kind of goes hand-in-hand with bounce, as you're usually prioritizing one over the other. Running shoes are usually designed to absorb impact and have a great bounce. However, for a game that relies on precise timing, too much absorption can greatly reduce how you feel your steps.
   
5. Fit: I wear a size down for my DDR shoes. Having a slightly tighter fit keeps my feet from sliding around inside.
   
6. Sole: You want something that isn't too textured. Harsh textures will be more likely to get caught on brackets. If you get something too smooth, you'll be sliding around like mad.
   
   As for specifics, some people like Nike Free Runs, but I find them to be too squishy, and the heel to be too big.
   https://www.amazon.com/Nike-942838-001-Black-Running-Sneakers/dp/B005DNKHD4
   
   Nike Reacts are better, IMO.
   https://www.amazon.com/Nike-Flyknit-Running-Black-Pure-Platinum/dp/B07QHM9NKW/
   
   I'm currently trying a pair of Crocs here:
   https://www.amazon.com/Crocs-Mens-LiteRide-Pacer-white/dp/B074F76RHB/ref=asc_df_B074F76RHB
   
   But my previous favorite were a pair of these:
   https://www.scheels.com/p/mens-jordan-88-racer-running-shoes/7843-AV1200.html
   
   Found them at the Nike outlet for under $40. Small heel, good feedback, but ventilation sucks.

I can't tell you what pad to get, but for adapters, I picked up two of the 3-in-1 Magic Joy Box adapter to hook up to my PC and they work perfectly. It has connections for original Xbox, PS1/2, and Gamecube.


I'm using the PS1/2 ports on my pads, so I can't give any specifics on using an Xbox pad or Gamecube pad. Everything was plug-n-play on Windows 10 and I just had to set the buttons in the Stepmania config and I was done.


Here's a non-affiliate Amazon link.

https://www.amazon.com/Magic-Joy-Box-XBOX-PC-Adapter/dp/B000RLWF7I/

Thanks so much! I'll look into doing this ASAP!

EDIT: I just checked my pad and the port on the dance pad looks like this (it isn't a VGA cable obviously, but it has those 15 pins): http://img.dxcdn.com/productimages/sku_31738_3.jpg

Does that mean instead of the Male DSUB thing you linked me, I should get a female one instead, like this?
https://www.amazon.com/D-SUB-Female-Terminal-Breakout-Connector/dp/B00X73QLMI/ref=pd_bxgy_23_img_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=AF7D9ECT2HHBG2RH3YVE

I just want to make absolutely sure I get the right thing. :)

Hi! I was recommended this converter a while ago in this same subreddit. They recommended me this one MAYFLASH 3 in 1 Magic Joy Box For Pc https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000ND3XXA?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share. It works phenomenally!
I played them on my standard dance mats then upgraded to a Cobalt Flux Residential version and of course works great!

Nice on being able to keep that pad! I recently was able to get a Cobalt Flux as well so I was in the same spot you were. The Cobalt Flux should have a control box attached like here. Since there are both PS2 and Xbox ports, you can either get a PS2 adapter or an Xbox adapter. If you want to go the PS2 route you can get a Super Joy Box 3 Pro adapter. Personally I went the Xbox route. For the Xbox port, I bought 2 cables. An Xbox breakaway cable, and a Xbox Controller to PC USB adapter. These have worked like a charm for me. It doesn't have to be these exact ones but these are just the ones I used. I'm not too sure on the specifics of lag but it operates fairly well for me. Hope this helps.

Check EBay/Craigslist for RedOctane pads. Still the best foam inserts, and newer ones have USB connectors. No idea whether that will work with the Wii or not, but the Wii does have USB ports...

If the RedOctanes are too pricey, then I'd go with something Konami branded. Those are generally of high quality.

My friends and I wear out pads too damn fast, and we've been unable to find RedOctanes lately, so we've taken to buying this set off Amazon and duct taping it over the RedOctanes. Works surprisingly well with some PS2-USB adapters and a custom AutoHotkey script to support more than two arrows at once. Obviously won't work for the Wii, though...

Soft and foam are different. Soft pads have no structure to them; you could roll them up if you wanted. The foam (sometimes called firm) pads are essentially the same thing but they have foam inserts in them which can help longevity and responsiveness.

The D-Force Softpad appears to be one of the best softpads available but it is pricey ($45+) for a softpad and only connects to PCs.

If you are willing to spring for a slight more expensive option, DDRGame's Energy Pad had Xbox, USB, and PS2 connectors and are reasonably priced for foam pads ($60). A number of people on this sub, myself included, have recommended this pad, though it appears that there is a non-trival amount of factory defects going by a recent post and Amazon reviews.

I'd say that a foam pad is the way to go if you don't want to pay a ton for a metal pad.

I recommend this one

I've used this one the past few years and it's held up pretty well. And do you know about Stepmania?

If not, it's basically DDR for your computer. That pad I linked has a usb chord on it (as well as a ps2 chord) and you can configure it to Stepmania and play that way. Here's a link to the Stepmania Megapack, that has most of the official DDR songs.

I am here for you in your time of need!

Here's what I used:

A USB Encoder: https://www.amazon.com/Reyann-Arcade-Encoder-Joystick-Fighting/dp/B00UUROWWK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1522934637&sr=8-3&keywords=usb+encoder ($11)

A VGA cup (double check that yours is 15 pin, some of the very early cobalts were 9 pin, I think): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016FBVIJY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 ($10)

With the D-Sub, if money and time isn't a problem, shell out for one that comes with an enclosure like this one: https://www.amazon.com/MyCableMart-15pin-Connector-Repair-Solderless/dp/B01N45B2PV/ref=pd_sim_23_4?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01N45B2PV&pd_rd_r=BDEX1B1V5S71ZSB7YCXH&pd_rd_w=LBp2Y&pd_rd_wg=zzOED&psc=1&refRID=BDEX1B1V5S71ZSB7YCXH

It's a lot tidier and protects your wires a bit. If money is an option and/or you're good at soldering you can get a solder one cheaper. I like these because you just slip the wire in and tighten the screw. The screw is weaker than a solder but that's not going to be the weak point of connection and try not to trip over your wires anyway, please.

You also need a small screw driver and either a pair of wire strippers or a pair of scissors and some precision. The process of wiring it is going to be pretty easy - the USB encoder comes all the wires you're going to need - we'll use the red and black ones. You'll cut off the ends, strip them, and connect them. I can walk you through this process when you get your parts but really you just need a picture of the end product... which I'll get you when I get home.

Previous folks have mapped the pins for us: https://imgur.com/TX7jvnZ

The only important one is that ground. There's going to be a "GND" marked on your DSUB, but don't connect it to that, you need to map the Ground properly. The rest of the pins can be connected to whatever, because you'll be mapping the buttons in Stepmania. Get the parts, I'll take a picture of mine at home and when you have the parts in, I'll have some images of my strip and connection process up in a gallery. Otherwise I'll sell you mine for.. like... $35, plus shipping. It's not worth the price since I haven't bothered to print a box for the encoder yet, so just make your own :D

This has worked great for my friends and I. It allows you to keep buying Konami pads and use them on the PC if that's your thing.

Like Nebu said, if you are playing 8 and up, consider hard pads.

I actually made this thread a few weeks ago over on the Stepmania sub. See the comments here

Your best bet for a control box is to build your own, unfortunately. I built one, and would be glad to help you out if you have questions, but it's actually surprisingly straight forward (I only know how to make a USB one for PC though). All you need is a USB Encoder and a 15-pin VGA.
I soldered mine, but with this VGA you can just strip the wires and screw them in the terminals. You'll need the pinout diagram to reference and figure out which pins to use. You'll only need to connect wires 1-10 because there's no Start or Select buttons. I can take a picture of my finished product if you're interested to give you an idea of what you're looking at

Given this is for a school orientation I'd go for getting two of these pads.

I'd also get some wood or something to place under the pads, as well as something like velcro to secure the pads on the wood.

For the version of the game I'd either run StepMania with a PC (allowing you to use user-created songs which you can find online), or for a console route I'd say Extreme 2 (although DDRMAX and DDRMAX2 are nice too as other people have said).

I bought this item

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000RLWF7I/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

on amazon, drivers worked out of the box. for win 10, there is even a "dance pad mode" in the driver software. What "fix" are you looking for?

let the amazing amazon reviews commence!

https://www.amazon.com/Dance-Revolution-Energy-Deluxe-Playstation-2/dp/B000GHG0BA/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?keywords=ddr+pad+foam&qid=1564884847&s=gateway&sr=8-7

^ the foam pad that I bought, after about four months of use the inserts (that started out raised) are wearing flat, and the inserts don't stay interlocked all the way, but still works fine and I'd recommend over one of the flatter plastic mats

I'm actually saving up for a Polish hard one myself, so can't say how they are yet, but I've only heard good things. Trouble is shipping costs quite a bit for me in the US.

I use this one

https://www.amazon.com/Magic-Joy-Box-PS2-XBOX-Adapter/dp/B000RLWF7I

Can confirm, works fine with my " DDR Champion Arcade Metal Dance Pad "

It should definitely be possible, but now's the time to admit that while I have built a box, I still don't really know electrical engineering fundamentals. I followed the advice of the people more experienced than me and used this and this (For PS2 you'd replace that with an old board from a PS2 controller). I can't find a D-SUB connector like mine that will fit your 7 pin pad, however I wonder if you could cut off the end and strip the wires in order to wire them into your board directly and skip the D-SUB altogether. If you tried this and it didn't work the damage would be either irreparable or at best annoying as all hell to fix.

You want one with a foam insert. Pads without foam inserts are simply unplayable at even 7-8 foot charts, but I've had pads with inserts hold up well for several years a pad.

I'm using this pad in particular. I just bought a replacement after 2 years of playing about once a week. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GHG0BA

Metal pads are pretty rare these days after Red Octane and Cobalt Flux went out of business, so those will be unfortunately quite hard to obtain.

You can always check out the Energy Metal pads. I hear they're generally quite awful, but some people report getting good pads that last awhile. http://www.amazon.com/DDRgame-Playstation-Energy-Arcade-2-6304100630490063056006306200/dp/B000IBQ6B8

Your other option is to build one

Gotcha. I'll see if this guy will come down a bit and see what happens. Also, any tips on PS2 -> USB adapters? His is PS2 and I plan to use it on Stepmania on my Mac. This one looks promising: http://www.amazon.com/Playstation-PSX-Converter-Ports-Super-2/dp/B001DU25UO/

Apparently the price got bumped up to $30 since the last time I looked. You can find one for less than $20 at places like cd tradepost.

https://www.amazon.com/Xbox-360-Dance-Revolution-Original-Konami/dp/B003FG68U2

I'm pretty sure that got assembled wrong. http://www.amazon.com/Energy-Metal-Arcade-Dance-Handle-PC/dp/B000IBS78S/ref=pd_sim_sbs_vg_1

I'm in the same boat, I recently started looking because I wanted to get back into it. I couldn't find anything for the latest version of consoles, so I ended up getting the Wii version. DDR2 is the highest rated on Amazon, and there's a bundle for $50: http://www.amazon.com/DanceDanceRevolution-II-Bundle-Nintendo-Wii/dp/B0050SVFWE/.

I just want to follow up and say that this item worked out of the box with the Cobalt Flux pad. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ND3XXA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000IBOGII/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Here is the mobile version of your link

So I just bought this, and it says it has a usb connector in the qa section: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003FG68U2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

So this shouldn't run into that issue about not being able to hit 2 buttons simultaneously right?

Have at it: Dance Dance Revolution X2 Bundle - PlayStation 2 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002DC8GJ0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_LHPSDb5D43PDM

Here is what I would do:

get one of these:
https://www.amazon.com/D-SUB-Female-Terminal-Breakout-Connector/dp/B00X73QLMI

and connect those wires to the breakout (use the same pin numbers), it should still work with the control box you have.

https://www.amazon.com/Playstation-PSX-Converter-Ports-Super-2/dp/B001DU25UO

Bought this one less than a month ago, works perfectly... jumps, hands, you name it. I'm not sure how/if it handles two pads at once, though.