Preview: Wii Fit

Nintendo’s Wii Fit is unique in more ways than its input device. According to the Big N the “game” is not a traditional exercise tool, instead it is a way to track your health. Inspired by Shigeru Miyamoto’s own fascination with measuring his weight every day, the title is a new way of thinking about our home consoles. But then again, that’s what Nintendo has been about this generation. Even if most of the third party titles haven’t followed suit.



Wii Fit features the Balance Board, a device that is more accurate and precise than the Wii Remote. With the Balance Board players will be able to analyze their balance, BMI and a myriad other items. You’ll even get told you’re “fat,” even if you’re really not. Clearly Nintendo did this because they wanted to hurt the feelings of children the world over. I’m just happy that hype obsessed bloggers have decided to perpetuate the idea that a video game has a far greater impact on the kids than their own parents.

Why Nintendo chose to go solely with BMI as a measurement of weight loss success is still a mystery. But as a baseline place to start it is adequate. Not perfect, or the best choice, but simply adequate. The real treat is that a video game maker is getting us notoriously sedentary gamers moving. Sure, you can’t claim that the tasks asked of you are too arduous, but when you’ve just spent a few weeks sitting on your ass as Niko does all the running in Liberty City there’s something to be said about doing a few lunges. You’ll also have the luxury of a virtual personal trainer who can react to what you’re doing and provide advice.

Wii Fit isn’t going to change the world, but it is going to change the NPD listings next month. Expect another Nintendo explosion as everyone runs out to get one. Here’s an example for you: My wife called me earlier and told me the plan was to drop her off at work in the morning and then get my ass to a big box store to pick up the game. I’m struggling to remember when my wife has ever instructed me to go get in line for a video game.