It was March 2017. The Nintendo Switch had just launched, and honestly, the library was a little thin. Everyone was busy climbing mountains in Breath of the Wild, but if you wanted to actually move your body, you had one real choice. You grabbed the Just Dance 2017 song list switch version. It felt like a weird transition period for Ubisoft. They were supporting the Wii (yes, the original one) while simultaneously trying to prove that the Switch’s Joy-Cons weren't just gimmicks.
People forget how pivotal this specific tracklist was. It wasn't just a collection of radio hits; it was the bridge between the old-school motion control era and the subscription-based future we live in now with Just Dance+.
The Tracks That Defined the Switch Launch
The base game came with about 40 tracks. If you were looking for the Just Dance 2017 song list switch edition, you were getting heavy hitters like "Cheap Thrills" by Sia and "Into You" by Ariana Grande. But the real soul of the game lay in the weird stuff. Remember "Daddy" by PSY? It was chaotic. It was fast. It made you look absolutely ridiculous in your living room, which is basically the entire point of the franchise.
Ubisoft always sprinkles in these "international" flavors that most US players wouldn't hear otherwise. Take "Lean On" by Major Lazer and DJ Snake. It was everywhere in 2016, but playing it on the Switch with those tiny Joy-Cons felt different than the bulky Wii Remote. The haptic feedback—even if it was basic back then—gave a weirdly satisfying "thump" to the rhythm.
You also had "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen. It's a classic, sure. But the choreography was punishing. It remains one of those songs where if you aren't sweating by the second chorus, you aren't doing it right. Then you have the quirky covers. "Ghost in the Keys" by Halloween Thrills is a deep cut that most people skip, but it’s actually one of the most creative routines in that year’s lineup.
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Why the Switch Version Was a Technical Gamble
Putting Just Dance 2017 song list switch content on a brand-new console was risky. The Switch was an unproven tablet. Interestingly, the Switch version was the only one that included "How Far I'll Go" from Disney's Moana as a free, built-in track. Every other platform had to deal with it as DLC or a Just Dance Unlimited exclusive. That was a huge "get" for parents who had just dropped $300 on a new console and didn't want to pay more for their kids' favorite song.
The tech was finicky.
If you remember the launch window, there were constant debates about whether the Joy-Con was as accurate as the camera-based Kinect or the infrared Wii Remote. Spoiler: it wasn't. But it was convenient. You could take the Switch to a park, prop it up on that flimsy kickstand, and dance to "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" while people stared. We did it. We don't regret it.
The Full Core Tracklist
To be specific, the list wasn't just Pop. It was a messy, beautiful collage. You had:
- "Sorry" – Justin Bieber (The definitive warm-up song of 2017)
- "Lean On" – Major Lazer ft. MØ & DJ Snake
- "Worth It" – Fifth Harmony ft. Kid Ink
- "PoPiPo" – Hatsune Miku (A nightmare for anyone with bad coordination)
- "Don't Wanna Know" – Maroon 5
- "September" – Equinox Stars (A cover, but a funky one)
- "Cake by the Ocean" – DNCE
- "Scream & Shout" – will.i.am ft. Britney Spears
- "Hips Don't Lie" – Shakira ft. Wyclef Jean
And let's not overlook "Radical" by Dyro & Dannic. It was basically the "boss fight" of the game. High intensity, fast movements, and a background that looked like a neon fever dream.
The Just Dance Unlimited Factor
You can't talk about the Just Dance 2017 song list switch experience without mentioning the "Gold Edition" or the three-month trial of Just Dance Unlimited. This was the moment Ubisoft really started pushing the "Netflix for dancing" model. Suddenly, your 40-song list turned into 200+.
It changed the value proposition.
Suddenly, you weren't just buying a 2017 game. You were buying access to 2014, 2015, and 2016. It made the Switch version the "definitive" way to play because of the portability. However, the servers for 2017 have faced various sunsetting stages over the years. This is the big drawback of digital-heavy games. If you pop in the cartridge today, you'll get the core songs, but that massive "Unlimited" library is a shadow of its former self.
What Most People Get Wrong About the 2017 List
A common misconception is that the Switch version is identical to the Wii U or PS4 versions. It isn't. Beyond the Moana inclusion, the Switch version handled "World Dance Floor" (the online multiplayer) differently. It was the first time we saw how Nintendo's weird online infrastructure would handle a live, global dance party. It was surprisingly stable, honestly.
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Another thing? The "Just Dance Machine" mode. It was a weird little story mode where you had to provide dance energy to aliens so they could go home. The Just Dance 2017 song list switch version used the Joy-Con's HD Rumble to simulate the "aliens" talking to you. It was a small touch, but it showed that Ubisoft actually gave a crap about the hardware.
Is It Still Worth Playing in 2026?
You might find this game in a bargain bin for $5. Grab it.
Even though the newer games have better UI and more songs, the 2017 tracklist has a specific "vibe." It represents that mid-2010s peak of synth-pop and tropical house. "Cheap Thrills" and "Cake by the Ocean" are timeless party starters.
Plus, for collectors, the physical Switch cartridge is becoming a bit of a relic. It was one of the first "big" third-party games on the system. It proved that the Switch wasn't just for Mario and Zelda. It was for people who wanted to look silly in their living rooms while Beyoncé sang in the background.
Actionable Insights for Players Today
If you are digging out your old copy or buying one used, keep these things in mind:
- Calibration is Key: The Joy-Cons in 2017 weren't as refined as they are now. If your scores are tanking, recalibrate your controllers in the Switch system settings. It actually helps.
- Check the DLC: While Unlimited is the main focus, some legacy songs might still be tied to your account if you bought them years ago.
- Use the Handheld Mode sparingly: You can play this in tabletop mode, but the screen is tiny. If you’re doing a 4-player session of "Hips Don't Lie," use a TV. Someone is going to get elbowed in the face otherwise.
- The Phone App: If you don't have enough Joy-Cons, the Just Dance Controller app still works with 2017. It turns your smartphone into a motion sensor. Just... don't throw your phone across the room during a high-energy move.
The Just Dance 2017 song list switch remains a time capsule. It’s a mix of peak Ariana Grande, weird Japanese vocaloids, and the beginning of a new era for Nintendo. It isn't perfect, but it's a lot of fun.
To get the most out of your experience today, prioritize playing the "Alternative" routines. Many people don't realize that songs like "Cheap Thrills" have unlockable "Bollywood" versions that are significantly harder and more rewarding than the standard choreography. Digging into these hidden versions is how you actually master the game rather than just flailing your arms around. Also, ensure your Nintendo account region matches the cartridge's region if you're trying to access any remaining online features, as Ubisoft's legacy servers can be picky about regional compatibility.