When the first wave of arcade games was released, they experienced huge popularity, generally to the confusion or dismay of parents and other adults. But if parents didn't understand games like Pac-Man, Konami's Dance Dance Revolution is really mystifying.

Dance Dance Revolution is a Japanese game that flashes arrows on a screen in time to music. There is a dance pad or dance mat on the floor with corresponding arrows, and the player must match the arrows with his or her feet. The arrows are synchronized to the beat of the song, and success in the game is determined by the player's success in timing his or her steps. Beginners can take advantage of easy levels with low-intensity routines, while advanced players can easily break a sweat by incorporating their hands into the dance.

This game has proven to be exceedingly popular in Japan especially, with versions of it released in Europe and the United States as well. It was, of course, only a matter of time before DDR was released for home video game consoles. First released was a PlayStation 2 version of the dance mat, with an Xbox version not far behind. In response, many other dance games have been released, so check for compatibility before purchasing a dance pad for one of these games.

Playing at home requires a dance pad attached to the gaming device. There are two types of pads, soft and hard. The soft pads are less expensive and are good for practice, but they tend to move or become matted or wrinkles during play. Hard mats are more expensive but they provide a better gaming experience.

Perhaps the best option is a wireless mat. With a wireless dance pad, players are unlimited in where they can place the controller. Since most mats come with surprisingly short cords, this is a great investment for serious players.