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The healthy video game
March 5, 2008By Ned Kost
May 19th will mark the U.S release of Nintendo’s new (expected) craze, the Wii Fit. This device is a controller that can detect and measure pressure applied to four quadrants. Paired with a “fitness” video game, the Wii Fit is being advertised as a fun and healthy way to lose weight.Since the game has already been released in Japan (and sold over one million copies!), models of the Wii Fit are leaking into the hands of U.S. game reviewers. A reviewer over at Wired’s Game|Life has received one, and of his experience with it, which looks very interesting. Here are some of the highlights that I think will be appealing for people:
– You can set a weight loss goal in the system, and it will track performance against this goal. While it doesn’t change the exercises, the tracking may be nice to guilt someone into keeping up with the goal. – Since the balance board can measure weight distribution and pressure, it can score your exercise performance. This reminds me of why I liked the video game Guitar Hero so much vs. playing a real guitar. Lets face it, getting scored is a great way to compete, even if it is just against yourself. – You get a virtual trainer! I wonder if the American trainers will be modified from the Japanese ones? Having a virtual Bob or Jillian would be hilarious! – Rather than running in place on the balance board, the user can carry the Wii remote around the house instead (as long as it is in range of the Wii). This makes me giggle a bit, as I can see people jogging around their coffee table, or into the other room and back.Though the reviewer didn’t lose any weight in the week that he used the Wii Fit, he did say it was an effective way to work up a sweat. Time will tell if the interactiveness of the balance board will be as fun to use as the Wii remotes and nunchuks.
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