Gadget of the Week - #2 Wii Fit
The second gadget of the week is the Wii Fit game and accessories for the Nintendo Wii games console:
What is it?
Wii Fit is the latest addition to the Nintendo Wii games console.
A console that has brought gaming to the masses, to mum’s, dad’s and grandparents. Wii Fit is another title that will appeal not to the traditional gamers but to people new to the game console market. As well as the games disc you also get a Wii balance board. The balance board is basically 2 weighing scales placed side by side to enable it to weigh you, calculate your body mass index (BMI) and track weight distribution. The board and game will then let you carry out activities from fun mini games to yoga and track your weight and BMI throughout. The board is wireless and acts independently of the traditional Wii Remote.
Why is it so great?
The main reason I think this is a great piece of software/hardware is that it follows in Nintendo’s new wave of getting gamers active. Think back to the Wii release title of Wii Sports and you find it hard to sit down whilst playing any of the games available in the pack. It may not be the ultimate solution to obesity or weight loss but it is a step in the right direction. A few weeks on this and I will probably be more likely to use that gym membership that has probably expired.
For all the reasons mentioned above there is also the massive advantage that the Wii balance board will also be compatible with other games that are still to be released to the £70 ($140) price tag now looks more reasonable. It is rumoured that the board will be sold separately, probably after the sales of Wii Fit have died down and prices are expected to be around £40 ($80).
I’m just waiting for the Wii version of Tony Hawk.
Tags: , Gadget of the Week, Wii, Wii Fit
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May 10th, 2008 at 3:39 pm
This sounds like a great new item for the Wii. I have’t seen anything about this in Canada yet, though.
May 10th, 2008 at 8:44 pm
I can’t wait for the wii fit game to come out.
May 11th, 2008 at 8:52 am
I would have preferred to have bought the balance board without Wii Fit or even bundled with Family Ski instead but right now we don’t have a choice. There’s still no definite word about Tony Hawk but news is that EA Skate It will be coming to Wii (with Wii board support) later this year.
Keep an eye on http://www.wiibalanceboardgames.com for news of upcoming games for the Wii Balance Board.
May 12th, 2008 at 5:27 pm
I think that’s too much, and somewhat a “desperate” move of Nintendo to increase sales as SONY dominated once again.
I feel kind of sorry of Nintendo. All their gadgets are set to make a revolution yet they always come second(or even third).
May 13th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
I think it’s great that Nintendo is getting gamers ‘off the chair’ anyway. At least the option is out there, now it’s up to the consumer whether or not to adopt ‘active’ gaming for themselves and their children.
May 15th, 2008 at 5:29 am
I agree with you Adam. These games (including Wii Sports) give you an opportunity to get your heart rate up *if* you want to. I really give it my all when I am Wii Boxing, for more than necessary just so I can get a bit of cardio. I hope Wii fit will give me the same experience.
May 20th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
There’s nothing quite like swinging for the hills while playing baseball is there. I think these are great and it gives the user so much more to do while playing the game.
May 26th, 2008 at 10:06 am
nintendo needs to have DLC for this game to give it life, look at wii sports was fun by yourself for about a week, and the only way it had longivity was through multiplayer.
May 28th, 2008 at 11:18 am
Loving my Wii Fit at the moment although I have to say it’s more for fun than fitness. I already run 5 or 6 times a week, so maybe the Wii will be a good form of cross training for me.
Great piece of kit though and I’m looking forward to seeing what games are developed with the balance board in mind.
May 28th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Hey Steve, I’ve just taken a big step and joined the gym, its time to lose the beer belly. If you’ve got any weight loss tips feel free to give me a shout.
Glad you’re enjoying your Wii Fit, is anyone going to be tempted with “Rock Band”
May 29th, 2008 at 1:28 am
maybe my daughter will be tempted by rock band….
weight loss tips? eat a little less, exercise a little more. moderation is the key
don’t overdo it ok?
–steve