DDR: the cheapest set-up?

My wife and I have played DDR a couple of times and like it plenty, as much for the calisthenics as anything else, and so I'd like to get a DDR setup. Our main console is a Gamecube, but we have a PS2 on loan from a friend who's traveling overseas until next summer, as well as a Mac running OS X that we can connect to a TV.

The only DDR-like currently available for the Cube is a Madcatz title with its own beat pad. The official Konami DDR and first-party beat pad are coming out for the Cube this winter, with perhaps the worst appropriation of the Mario characters yet, but whatever. I would bet that DDR w/ pad will list for $50 for the Cube and $25 for an additional pad, which is the current list price for the Madcatz title.

I could seeing paying $50 now for the Madcatz title + 1 knockoff pad, and waiting for Christmas to get DDR + 1 first-party pad, although that's still $100. I'd rather wait for GC prices to drop and pick up used PS2 stuff for the next year. I can get used third-party XBox pads for $13 at most used places around town, although I haven't seen any used PS2 pads yet, including EBGames.com. I won't pay new prices for accessories for a system I don't own.

My questions:

1. I know the Madcatz GC software is only OK. How good/bad are Madcatz pads? Will I regret paying $25 for one vs. waiting for something first-party?

2. Is it typical for used PS2 DDR stuff to not stay in stock for very long? Am I likely to find a couple of used pads cheap anyplace other than eBay?

3. If it were the cheapest option, I would be willing to buy a dedicated PSX console and appropriate software and accessories, except that these also seem to be scarce (well, except the console). Is this a fruitful avenue to pursue?

Thanks.

There is DDR "simulator" called Stepmania for the PC. It's free, and you can download whatever songs you want, out of literally thousands. Get a $10 PS2>PC controller converter, and spend anywhere from for a $10(not so geat)-$50(awesome) pad.

http://www.levelsix.com/index.php?cPath=21
That's where I got two of my pads from... the deluxe ones. They are better than anything out and I've tried the $100 Red Octane ones too. It's the same pad w/ a different name.

1. Mad Catz pads tend to go bad after a month or so of constant use. YMMV though, as I've known people who have used them for 6 months with no troubels, and others who have had their pads break in under a week. The first button to go is usually the down arrow.

2. I usually don't see much used PS2 DDR schwag in stock at the chain stores (EB, Gamestop). GameStop does sell a pad that I believe runs $20 new, but it's about the same quality as the Mad Catz pad. I would recommend going the eBay route and getting an Ignition style pad with the thicker foam. These pads are much nicer, will last longer and are a lot better for your joints too because they absorb quite a bit of the shock.

3. No. The games for PS2, IMO, are better, and the PS2 can also play the PS1 games. Plus, the games for PS1, minus Konamix, are going to run you a pretty penny.

Hope this will help you out.

I would not buy any used dance pads for any system. Soft pads have a very limited life of a few months as it is so a used pad is asking for trouble IMO

www.buynshop.com is another good site for pads, and they also sell bundles if you'd like to pick up a pair of pads along with a game. Stepmania is another nice alternative, although the legality issues there make it a bit of grey-area gaming.

Absolutely it is worth it to go get a PS2 if you find yourself enjoying the dance rhythm titles. The greatest number of accessories in that genre are made for PS2 and it also has ridiculous amounts of X plug -> PS2 adapters. Plus there is also a PS2-> USB adapter that would allow you to play Stepmania on the PC.

Also there are already three DDR titles for PS2 plus Konamix for PS1. With In The Groove coming out in a week or two and Pump it Up coming out later in the summer.

For pads I just use some cheapy 20 dollar pads that I taped to an office chair mat. I don't slip and I can hammer out 9 step songs with this bootleg setup playing on plushy carpet.

Speaking of In the Groove, Red Octane is putting out some quality pads later in the month for only 30 bucks. If they are any good (which I'm betting they will be) I may have to replace the ones I use. One of my pads has a dying Up Arrow.

So for a running total for a setup minus the PS2, would be 40 for 2 pads (cheapest) and roughly 20-30 for every PS2 DDR. Though if you need quality soft pads right now, those Level Six and ones and Buy N Shop are indeed kick ass.

[quote name='Genocidal']they also sell bundles if you'd like to pick up a pair of pads along with a game. Stepmania is another nice alternative, although the legality issues there make it a bit of grey-area gaming.[/QUOTE]
Actually, not necessarily. Even though there have been no complaints from Konami/any music labels regarding the distribution of the files, there are plenty of original songs to choose from, if you want to avoid any legally grey/black areas.

True, there are quite a few original songs, unfortunately most of the ones I have found have been either far too easy or far too hard. If the OP wants to, he could stay fully legal with Stepmania and still have a lot of fun, though.

Thanks for all this; would love to hear more opinions.