While the Classic gameplay mode remains similar to previous editions, it is also accompanied by a new Choreography mode, which incorporates motions performed using the Wii Remote and Nunchuck alongside foot motions with the dance pad to form choreographed dance routines for each song.

Goal-based challenges are also provided, which can allow players to earn points which unlock additional outfits and songs.

[3][4] Gameplay remains similar to previous DDR games but with additional new features, such as "Chain Arrow"—a score bonus for maintaining a combo through a certain section of arrows, and "Groove Trigger", which allows the player to reduce their lifebar by 50% to increase the number of points earned for a period.

The PlayStation 3 version also adds support for the PlayStation Move controller, similar to what the Hottest Party series had done with the Wii Remote; in this mode, four targets are placed around the player, which are hit with the motion controller when special diagonal arrows appear.

Some songs on the Challenge difficulty also contain routines that also use the corner buttons of the dance pad along with the directional arrows.