Category: geek stuff

So, I know Brooke isn’t a huge fan of the idea, but I really wanna grab Wii Fit when it releases for the Wii (obviously…) on May 19th, 2008. It’s been out in Japan for a few months now and has already sold over 1 million copies in that region alone (i.e. it’s pretty popular). Apparently, the designers had to re-do the included Balance Board peripheral for the Americans because, well, we’re mostly overweight…

For those that don’t know (mostly just you, Mom…), the game will feature multiple “mini-games,” a la Wii Sports, but you will do them all on the Balance Board, a wireless device that can record your weight, sense your movements, and keep an eye on your progress. You can practice your yoga, jog (in place, of course) with a computer character that keeps your pace, you can do push-ups, skiing, and so on. There should be forty or so games, in all. The Balance Board will then be available for use with other software that can be created (skateboarding games, anyone?).

The reason I mention this at all is because the guys at Wired.com have started using it and wrote up a little diary of their first week with the game. There are screen shots included on the article, but at the very end, they say the following:

“Today, I turned on Wii Fit for a few minutes, but turned it off after a couple of yoga poses because I felt like running a few blocks instead. That’s either a bad thing or a good thing.

“I am going to keep using Wii Fit, as it definitely does what it claims to. After an hour, I’m sweating, my muscles are sore — I’ve exercised. And I’ve set some personal-best records, and maybe unlocked some new games. It’s fun. The hardware is a great idea — I just think the software could be worlds better. Luckily, since Nintendo seems to be trying to get third parties on board (cough), I bet we’ll see a better virtual-exercise-regimen game before too long. With any luck it will ship before Wii Fit gets too boring.”

Nintendo has officially stated that the game is not intended to help you lose weight, but instead to “make you more aware of your body.” I think the article above really highlights that fact: you will use it, realize how terrible your balance is and how many push-ups you can actually do, and then maybe try and work out just a little bit more often. And if you need a little guidance (or “coaxing”), then you can play a game while you work out.

So yeah, I think I want it. I’m not one to go out jogging or biking or anything, so maybe spending the projected $80 on the game would get me off the couch for gaming, just like Wii Sports does.

And knowing how popular Wii Sports is, I can’t begin to imagine how many of these puppies will sell to nursing homes across the continent… 😛