Experience a blast from the past with the latest offering for fans of the iconic Konami rhythm game series, Dance Dance Revolution. A miniature emulator console resembling the classic arcade cabinet is now up for pre-order, just in time to mark the 25th anniversary of this beloved franchise.
While the popularity of Dance Dance Revolution has waned in Western markets due to the decline of arcades, its status as a pioneer in the music video game genre remains unshaken. Besides gamifying dance moves, the series was ahead of its time in promoting interactive entertainment for fitness, paving the way for titles like Just Dance and Wii Fit. For enthusiasts seeking a nostalgic trip down memory lane to the 1998 release, the opportunity is finally here, albeit with a twist.
Konami and Zuiki, a Japanese hardware manufacturer, have unveiled the Dance Dance Revolution Classic Mini, a portable replica of the original arcade cabinet, set to launch on September 27, 2024. Available for pre-order on the Zuiki store at a price of 49,500 yen (approximately $315.60 USD), the mini console is exclusive to Japan for now, with no global release confirmation from Zuiki.
While the absence of a U.S. launch may disappoint some fans, there are exciting details about the Classic Mini to look forward to. The compact arcade console will feature 40+ tracks from the first three Dance Dance Revolution games and will come with miniature DDR mat-styled controllers for handheld play. Players preferring a larger screen can connect a regular dance mat to the console via USB and link it to a TV or PC monitor using an HDMI cable. Additionally, the Classic Mini will include a set of customizable stickers for fans to personalize their miniature arcade experience.
Details of Dance Dance Revolution Classic Mini
- Release date: September 27, 2024
- Price: around $315.00 USD
- Over 40 songs from the initial three Dance Dance Revolution games
- Exclusively available in Japan
The Classic Mini was first unveiled by Konami in October 2023 through a crowdfunding campaign in Japan. Garnering over 81 million yen (approximately $516,500) in fan support over recent months highlights the enduring popularity of Dance Dance Revolution in the region. A successful reception of the Dance Dance Revolution Classic Mini could potentially inspire other companies like Sega and Nintendo to launch similar retro devices, fulfilling the demand for long-awaited revivals such as the Sega Dreamcast and Sega Saturn mini consoles.