# dance pad

> flat electronic game controller used for input in dance games

**Wikidata**: [Q1365323](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1365323)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dance_pad)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/dance-pad

## Summary
A dance pad is a flat electronic game controller used as the primary input device for dance-themed video games. It is a specialized subclass of video game controllers that players interact with using their feet to match on-screen prompts.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Subclass of video game controller and related to the NES Power Pad accessory.
- **Aliases:** Commonly known as a dance mat, dance platform, jitter deck, or flitter deck.
- **International Names:** Known in Russian as a танцевальный мат, танцевальный коврик, or дэнспад.
- **Database Identifiers:** Cataloged under Freebase ID /m/0386c_ and MobyGames attribute ID 213.
- **Digital Platforms:** Recognized on itch.io via the "input-dance-pad" tag and on Giant Bomb (ID 3055-946).
- **Language Reach:** Documented in 10 Wikipedia language editions, including English, French, German, Spanish, and Korean.
- **Hardware Examples:** Includes home console accessories like the NES Power Pad and professional arcade stages for titles such as Dance Dance Revolution 4thMix Plus.

## FAQs
### Q: What is a dance pad used for?
A: A dance pad is a flat electronic controller used specifically for providing input in dance games. It allows players to use their feet to interact with the game instead of a standard handheld controller.

### Q: What are some other names for a dance pad?
A: In addition to "dance pad," these devices are frequently called dance mats or dance platforms. More obscure aliases include "jitter deck" and "flitter deck."

### Q: Is the Power Pad considered a dance pad?
A: Yes, the Power Pad is a specific class of NES accessory that serves as a parent or related class to the modern dance pad.

## Why It Matters
The dance pad represents a significant shift in video game input technology, moving interaction from the hands to the feet. As a specialized subclass of video game controllers, it created a unique niche in both home and arcade entertainment. Its relevance is demonstrated by its integration into major gaming databases like MobyGames and Giant Bomb, as well as its specific categorization on developer platforms like itch.io. The device's global footprint is extensive, with dedicated documentation in ten different languages and a presence in competitive arcade environments, such as the stages used for Dance Dance Revolution. By providing a physical, floor-based interface, the dance pad established a distinct category of "active" gaming that remains a recognized standard in the industry.

## Notable For
- **Specialized Input:** Functions as a flat, floor-based electronic controller rather than a handheld device.
- **Arcade Integration:** Notable for its use in professional arcade stages, such as the Dance Dance Revolution 4thMix Plus machine.
- **Historical Precedents:** Directly linked to early console peripherals like the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) Power Pad.
- **Cross-Platform Recognition:** Features unique identification tags across various gaming repositories, including MobyGames and itch.io.

## Body

### Classification and Technical Identification
The dance pad is formally classified as a subclass of video game controllers. Within technical and academic databases, it is identified by the Freebase ID /m/0386c_ (referenced since October 2013) and MobyGames attribute ID 213. On the Giant Bomb platform, it was formerly tracked under ID 3055-946.

### Hardware and Variations
Dance pads exist in both consumer and professional formats:
*   **Console Accessories:** The Power Pad for the NES is a primary example of an early dance pad class.
*   **Arcade Hardware:** Professional-grade versions include the heavy-duty stages found on arcade machines, such as the Dance Dance Revolution 4thMix Plus stage.
*   **Digital Tags:** Modern software developers use the "input-dance-pad" tag on platforms like itch.io to denote compatibility with these controllers.

### Global Terminology
The device is recognized globally under various names and languages:
*   **English Aliases:** Dance mat, dance platform, jitter deck, and flitter deck.
*   **Russian Terminology:** Танцевальный мат (dance mat), танцевальный коврик (dance rug), and дэнспад (dance pad).
*   **Wikipedia Presence:** The entity maintains a presence in 10 languages: cs, de, en, es, et, fi, fr, he, ko, and ru. It is categorized under the "Category:Dance pads" topic.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013