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  (Source: Associated Press)

The North American Wii Fit box art
Nintendo's fitness hardware priced, dated

Nintendo has crossed over from making electronic entertainment machines to actual fitness tools. The Wii console is now a fixture in various fitness centers in the U.S., such as at the Manhattan’s Le Parker Meridien, which offers guests Wii rentals with the option of a personal trainer.

Earlier this year at GDC 2008, Nintendo announced that its Wii Fit hardware and software package will launch in North America on May 19. The games maker confirmed on Tuesday that the bundle will retail at a suggested price of $89.99, which will include the Wii Balance Board and the Wii Fit software.

Nintendo said that its Wii Fit package boasts “a dynamic mix of more than 40 yoga, aerobics, strength training and balance activities, Wii Fit provides consumers with a fun, easy and affordable way to incorporate exercise into their daily routines.”

“Using the included wireless Wii Balance Board accessory, every member of the household can step up and stay active, setting individual fitness goals and tracking their progress over time,” advertised Nintendo.

Consumers in the New York area who pre-order from the Nintendo World Store will receive a special bonus item. The first 1,000 to place a deposit for the game at that location will receive a Wii Fit T-shirt with an image and printed autograph of Nintendo designer Shigeru Miyamoto.

In Japan, Wii Fit has sold more than 1.4 million units since its December 1 launch, making it one of the fastest selling Wii titles in the territory.

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Interested
By FluxCap on 4/16/2008 9:14:39 AM , Rating: 3
I don't how this has caught my attention (ignored all stories about it until yesterday) but I am really thinking about buying this now. It appears this is something I might actually use regardless of going to the gym. I can see some of the games being a big hit at parties (especially with drinks involved).




RE: Interested
By Master Kenobi (blog) on 4/16/2008 9:20:33 AM , Rating: 3
Indeed, this has caught my attention as well. I still need to find a Wii though LOL. Damn things still sold out around here.


RE: Interested
By therealnickdanger on 4/16/2008 9:32:00 AM , Rating: 2
Yeah, combined with Wii Sports, I think I'm ready to join le revolution! However, I have no reason to buy this now, I'll wait until winter, when it's too cold to be outside. Summer is just getting started and I just can't sit inside playing games.


RE: Interested
By murphyslabrat on 4/16/2008 4:36:18 PM , Rating: 2
I can


RE: Interested
By Brandon Hill (blog) on 4/16/2008 9:21:43 AM , Rating: 2
Same here. I think I might pick up one.


RE: Interested
By MrBlastman on 4/16/2008 9:29:12 AM , Rating: 2
It is definately interesting

But

Does the box come with a Surgeon Generals warning on it informing consumers they might be tired, sore, out of breath, possibly experience joint pain and strain their muscles?

sorry... A bit of an inside joke from an earlier thread :)


RE: Interested
By AstroCreep on 4/16/2008 12:36:09 PM , Rating: 2
quote:
Does the box come with a Surgeon Generals warning on it informing consumers they might be tired, sore, out of breath, possibly experience joint pain and strain their muscles?

sorry... A bit of an inside joke from an earlier thread :)

Joke or not, there will be people who will complain about this because they'll buy it and not realize they are really going to exercise.

I bet a woman at about 300lbs will have a heart-attack, go on TV, and talk about starting a class-action lawsuit against Nintendo for being "Irresponsible".


RE: Interested
By FITCamaro on 4/16/08, Rating: 0
RE: Interested
By jtemplin on 4/16/2008 1:14:52 PM , Rating: 1
Daily tech readers to FIT: pack up your healthy lifestyle and take a hike!

Net-ophilic people+gym=no es bueno


RE: Interested
By FITCamaro on 4/16/2008 1:43:43 PM , Rating: 2
Apparently.


RE: Interested
By Mortando on 4/16/2008 12:19:17 PM , Rating: 5
Well I know how it caught my attention: the girl on the far-right of the pic. ;D


RE: Interested
By AlphaVirus on 4/16/2008 1:34:55 PM , Rating: 2
Lol I was going to comment on her also, cought my attention.


RE: Interested
By aharris on 4/16/2008 2:40:53 PM , Rating: 2
Haha agreed! Was definitely going to mention it if nobody else had by now.


RE: Interested
By LatinMessiah on 4/16/2008 7:35:15 PM , Rating: 2
That's the only reason I clicked this link.


RE: Interested
By strmbkr on 4/17/2008 10:16:05 AM , Rating: 2
Ha ha, this reminds me of all those "exercise" infomercials that is prevalent in North American TV programs.
Those "exercise" positions, such as abflex or the HawaiiChair (http://www.snotr.com/video/863), are more suited for compromising positions in cheap porn flicks.


RE: Interested
By Jynx980 on 4/17/2008 10:12:34 PM , Rating: 2
quote:
I can see some of the games being a big hit at parties (especially with drinks involved).


I propose a homebrew game called "HomeBrew". You drink at certain intervals and try to keep your balance in various situations. Patent pending.


Smart
By callmeroy on 4/16/2008 10:29:58 AM , Rating: 2
One thing I definitely give Nintendo kudos is finally a company is making being active fun for the kids. How many of you have young kids (or even just nephews/nieces) that don't play enough outside anymore. Finally Wii comes along and gives some real incentive to get them active - which is good.

As far as the scale goes -- any good fitness trainer worth their certification will not promote any scale weighing beyond just a "guide" here and there. The two best methods to track your progress 1: Your clothes and 2: The mirror.

Scales taht are in homes are notoriously inaccurate unless you have a professional scale that is calibrated often and most of all they are depressing -- and this often slows people down from progressing.

Much more uplifting to one day just notice that pair of jeans is suddenly fitting better...




RE: Smart
By Wererat on 4/16/2008 10:52:54 AM , Rating: 2
"Scales taht are in homes are notoriously inaccurate unless you have a professional scale"

I recall reading that the Wiiboard will be quite accurate (has to be to be able to detect the weight shifts).

However they will use BMI as the 'fitness' indicator so those who frequent the weight room may find their Mii doesn't match their real selves.


RE: Smart
By zombiexl on 4/16/2008 2:47:20 PM , Rating: 2
BMI is such a joke. Anyone with major muscle mass is automatically incorrectly calculated using that scale.

Also it does not take into account the frame of a person. Some people do have larger frames and more bone mass than others.

On the other hand, its not like everyone can do true body fat measurements so at least its some sort of scale to follow.

Just as long as you realize the reason why your huge arms make the system think you're fat before the roid-rage kicks in you should be OK.


RE: Smart
By clovell on 4/16/2008 5:35:43 PM , Rating: 2
How many people who hit the wieight room regularly will really buy this?


RE: Smart
By zander55 on 4/17/2008 1:12:49 PM , Rating: 2
how many people hit the wait room regularly? very few compared to the the overall population.

obviously that isn't the target market.


RE: Smart
By AlphaVirus on 4/16/2008 1:44:58 PM , Rating: 2
You sound pretty depressed man, seriously.

I dont think any video game of any kind should be a substitute for outside activity. There is no excuse for kids to not be outside, unless for medical reasons. They can swim, basketball, soccer, baseball, jumprope, run, tag, sit under a tree and read, walk around with friends, and well you get my point.

I love the idea of the Wii fit but it just gives parents another reason to not be parents. I can hear the salesman now...
"Give your child this Wii Fit, never worry about them not going outside because it helps them excersise."

The next generation of kids will practically be connected to the tv and computer.


RE: Smart
By deeznuts on 4/16/2008 2:32:04 PM , Rating: 2
If I had kids, I wouldn't buy ths for them. I'd send them outside. My nephew is a huge video game kid, but you know, his parents (my sis) limit his video games and put him in sports.

I just can't see how this is any good for kids. Standing in front of a TV no matter what you do is not being active.

Clothes and the mirror are horribly inaccurate. Dude I can't believe you just said that.

As for finding a Wii, is it that hard still? Sheehs I was on the verge of starting to look for one, but my GF who always travels for work, says I can take hers because nobody really plays it at her house (lil bro is more of a PC gamer, they have a 360 as well, untouched). I haven't yet, but want to check out some of the good games. Thank god I'm not searchign for one.


RE: Smart
By clovell on 4/16/2008 5:39:42 PM , Rating: 2
> Standing in front of a TV no matter what you do is not being active.

Have you played the Wii?


RE: Smart
By LatinMessiah on 4/16/2008 7:38:43 PM , Rating: 2
Have you tried playing drums in RockBand? Although, technically, you're sitting.


Here in America
By Vanilla Thunder on 4/16/08, Rating: 0
RE: Here in America
By Hiawa23 on 4/16/08, Rating: -1
RE: Here in America
By DanoruX on 4/16/2008 9:25:33 AM , Rating: 4
You wouldn't expect these prices from the only company that's bent on making profit on hardware on day 1?


RE: Here in America
By mmntech on 4/16/2008 9:33:16 AM , Rating: 5
It's still cheaper than Guitar Hero or Rock Band with the peripherals. Too bad the Wii is only a legend. I still haven't see one just sitting on a store shelf.

Microsoft offers a similar game for free. It's called RRoD Fit. The exercise program involves repeatedky walking your 360 to the post office to send it back for repair. I'm kidding fanboys so don't get your panties in a knot! :)


RE: Here in America
By HaZaRd2K6 on 4/16/2008 11:55:13 AM , Rating: 2
Yeah I was extremely lucky to get my Wii. I just kinda walked into the store and was like "Oh, hey, look: empty Wii boxes." The guy behind the counter just laughed and told me they weren't empty. Of course, it was April Fool's so I didn't believe him until I grabbed one =)


RE: Here in America
By VashHT on 4/16/08, Rating: 0
RE: Here in America
By murphyslabrat on 4/16/2008 4:46:38 PM , Rating: 2
No, Nintendo doesn't care about the customer any more than MS or Sony do, they're just smarter about it. They realize that if the customers are happy, they will buy more junk.


RE: Here in America
By clovell on 4/16/2008 5:33:39 PM , Rating: 2
Wii Fit was set at roughly $75 back when 08 started, but the weakening dollar pushed prices up. Think about it - a new Wii Game is $50, and then another $25 for Hardware (which isn't a bad price) - it makes sense.


RE: Here in America
By FITCamaro on 4/16/2008 10:31:19 AM , Rating: 1
You do realize the point of it is to work out right? And since when does that make you fat?


RE: Here in America
By Vanilla Thunder on 4/16/08, Rating: 0
Weight Limit
By isorfir on 4/16/2008 9:27:58 AM , Rating: 2
A quick google search shows that the weight limit on this is about 300lbs(136kg). That's pushing the limit here in the states.

I can just see the new Nintendo commerical now: Someone answers their door to find the two Japanese guys holding a bathroom scale and saying "Wii would like to weigh"




RE: Weight Limit
By FluxCap on 4/16/2008 9:33:47 AM , Rating: 1
Soon to be announced: Nintendo offering free Wii Balance Board Jacket. It prevents major injury when 300+ lb Americans snap it in half.


RE: Weight Limit
By MrBlastman on 4/16/2008 9:35:53 AM , Rating: 4
Hah that'd be pretty nice if the board actually acts as a weighing scale also.

That way people can watch their pounds... Dissapear onscreen!

Their wii avatar will automatically be adjusted per their weight. If they weigh a lot, they might look like Violet Beauregarde on Willy Wonka (the 1970's version of the film, not that new one) and have to roll across the screen.

As they get thinner, you'll see them shrink until eventually they look like some sort of barbie character all fit and lean, with their teeth sparkling with a bright glint when they smile (and a Ding! is heard).

Yeah, that'd be neat.

I can see it now though, once all those wii fitters become fit, Nintendo will start the N! Network which will be an online dating service through the wii online console putting fitters together all around the world....


RE: Weight Limit
By Brandon Hill (blog) on 4/16/2008 9:44:36 AM , Rating: 2
I think it does actually work as a scale -- that's a feature of the hardware/software.

From what I understand, you can start a "training program" and weigh yourself at the beginning. As you go through the program, it weighs you along the way and helps you reach an ideal weight based on your height.

Now I may be talking out of my a$$, but I think that's how it works from what I read.


RE: Weight Limit
By giantpandaman2 on 4/16/2008 3:57:24 PM , Rating: 2
Yes, it finds your weight, and, after inputting your height, will then calculate your BMI. My largest gripe is, which is my gripe for BMI in general, is that it doesn't take into account fat percentage. IE-People who are buff will could easily be seen as "obese" because their weight is too heavy for their height.

Anyhow, for greater depth about Wii Fit, this is the best article I've read.

http://wii.gamespy.com/wii/wii-fit/865563p1.html


RE: Weight Limit
By FITCamaro on 4/16/2008 10:35:44 AM , Rating: 2
I can see it now. A customer returning one of these to Walmart.

Customer: "This thing is broken. It doesn't work anymore."
Employee: "How much do you weigh?"
Customer: "What does that matter?"
Employee: "It's wasn't broken. This thing has a 300 lb weight limit. You exceeded it and broke it. No returns on damaged merchandise."


RE: Weight Limit
By Brandon Hill (blog) on 4/16/2008 10:38:51 AM , Rating: 2
LOL, I would love to see the look on Betty Lou's face :-)


Europe prices - Up, up and away
By englisboa on 4/16/2008 9:48:59 AM , Rating: 2
So in north america the price for the wii fit is 90$ and in europe 95€ and having in mind the exchange rate that's about 150$ auch!

Even so, as a proud Wii owner I find myself in a difficult and tempting position....




By englisboa on 4/16/2008 10:14:16 AM , Rating: 2
BTW you can check this video that's one that shows a lot of what the Wii Fit can do

http://www.fnac.pt/pt/Catalog/Detail.aspx?cIndex=3...


By FITCamaro on 4/16/2008 10:39:54 AM , Rating: 1
Sucks to be you......ropean.

Yeah I know it was lame.


Wii Overweight
By psychobriggsy on 4/16/2008 10:00:58 AM , Rating: 2
I can't imagine anything more depressing than to be told that you're still overweight every time you use it!

I guess it's more interactive than an aerobics DVD however. And cheaper than a month's gym subscription. Wonder how it compares to an hour of drunken dancing in a nightclub.




RE: Wii Overweight
By Murst on 4/16/2008 10:27:22 AM , Rating: 2
quote:
I can't imagine anything more depressing than to be told that you're still overweight every time you use it!

I'd think people would have gotten used to it by looking in the mirror. At least the Wii Fit will (hopefully) help them improve the situation.


RE: Wii Overweight
By FITCamaro on 4/16/2008 10:43:18 AM , Rating: 1
quote:
Wonder how it compares to an hour of drunken dancing in a nightclub.


Depends if you're a man or woman.

If you're a man it potentially saves you from waking up in bed with some fat chick.

If you're a woman it might affect your sex life in a negative way.


...yoga?
By Enigmatic on 4/16/2008 10:49:06 AM , Rating: 3
I do a lot of strength training and weight lifting but I'm horribly inflexible due to my lack of adequate stretching. I'm really looking into buying this for the yoga actually, since admittedly I do feel awkward going to those yoga classes they offer in town. Realistically, I cannot picture this device giving you much of a workout (aerobically or anaerobically). But for the yoga, the balance board seems an excellent way to incorporate a regular stretching routine into your life. I think I may pick it up just for that.




Power Pad 2.0
By jonrem on 4/16/2008 10:52:02 AM , Rating: 3
I could never beat Cheetah on the hurdles. I could usually squeak by Rabbit using my hands.




Carpet
By ajvitaly on 4/16/2008 10:16:01 AM , Rating: 2
I hope it's performance on carpet is acceptable. People never put a weight scale on a carpet to weigh themselves because of the give in the floor.




Hmmmmm
By ikkeman on 4/16/2008 12:19:19 PM , Rating: 2
Looking at the pica, i might have to get one of these for my girl...




By Hiawa23 on 4/16/2008 1:07:25 PM , Rating: 2
One thing that bothers me a bit is when people continue to compare sells of the Wii to the PS3 & 360 (the real game consoles).

Wii Fit is yet another reason why the Wii is more of a pick up and play interactive toy than a legitimate game console with noteworthy games. Sure the Wii has a few compelling titles like SSB Brawl and Fire Emblem among a few others but aside from this, it's all shovelware that caters to those who wouldn't normally even touch a video game.

Nintendo sure isn't the company it used to be ever since the Wii debuted and their "Seal of Quality" nowadays literally means nothing.

So in essence, the Wii is in a category of its own and should not be compared with actual game consoles like the PS3 & 360.

I agree 100%. My daughter loves the Wii & although $90 is pricey, I guess it is worth it for her, but so much cheaper to do things the way she & I do things now which is everyday after work after school for her we are out jogging or riding bikes. Hats off to Nintendo for coming up with this idea as the diet companies make billions off of human beings insecurites about their weight every year. Nintendo might as well do the same, cause that seal doesn't carry the same weight as it used to.


By Wererat on 4/16/2008 2:24:13 PM , Rating: 3
"So in essence, the Wii is in a category of its own and should not be compared with actual game consoles like the PS3 & 360."

That's funny, PC gamers often have the same opinion of 'kiddie' PS3/Xbox gamers (with respect to complexity and depth of games). Careful where you try and swing that uberness, you might hit yourself :)


By aharris on 4/16/2008 3:07:01 PM , Rating: 2
/signed.


By clovell on 4/16/2008 5:45:24 PM , Rating: 3
Nope, Wii Fit is why Nintendo is beating Sony and MS - because they continue to be pioneers, rather than letting the minority of uber-1337 geeks dictate how they sell entertainment.

I'd take it's seal of quality over Microsoft's any day - and I like Microsoft.


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