Wii Fit

By Jess Nickelsen

Do I look fat in this console? ‘Cause I’m getting the sneaking suspicion that Nintendo is trying to tell me something. You know, like that friend who you always go shopping with, who turns around one day and says yeah, that actually looks terrible on you. Nintendo’s telling us we’re getting a little podgy around the middle – but just like your best friend, Nintendo doesn’t mind helping to get us moving again.

Wii Fit is that little light at the end of the podge tunnel, for probably quite a few people who should get outside a little more. It’s hard though, especially as the weather is getting colder, and, well, gaming is just so much more fun – isn’t it? Thankfully, Wii Fit, while getting you moving, looks to be like quite a lot of fun as well.

The real ooh-la-la here is the new Wii component called the Balance Board. It’s basically a small, white, plastic board that you stand on. It can sense when you lean in one direction, or step on and off the board, detect variation in pressure, and even determine your weight! From this very cool (but simple) unit, Wii Fit is able to simulate over forty different exercises, from aerobics to yoga, press-ups and other muscle conditioning activities. If it was an infomertial, Wii Fit would tell you it’s compact, easy to use, and is the only piece of exercise equipment you’ll ever need!

While a lot of the game will probably make you feel silly (care to hula hoop in public – without the hoop?), by all reports Wii Fit will definitely give you a workout. Break out your sweatbands, cause you’re gonna need them. What’s more, the game tracks your progress, calculates your BMI, and lets you compete with family members or friends to see who makes the most progress.

It still stands to be shown whether or not Wii Fit will turn us all into a bunch of gaming Adonises, or if we’ll ultimately be discovering yet another way to give ourselves carpal tunnel syndrome. In the meantime however, Wii Fit looks to be as big as – if not bigger than – Brain Academy.

Cool kit, cute Miis, more family fun, and self-improvement to boot. Nintendo’s definitely on to a winner here.

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