Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Nintendo aims to flog 18 million 3DS, up to 10.5 million home consoles this fiscal year]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/27/nintendo-sales-projections/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/27/nintendo-sales-projections/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/27/nintendo-sales-projections/#comments Image

All eyes are on Nintendo, now that it has revealed losses of $460 million. Buried in all of the financial paperwork were the revelations that it sells the 3DS at a loss, its plans for digital distribution and its projected sales figures for this year. It aims to flog 18.5 million 3DS handhelds and 10.5 million Wii consoles by March 31st 2013. But wait, what about the Wii U? That figure actually encompasses both old and new hardware, so it is either hoping for a sharp fall in Wii sales or a tough opening for the new baby. It's a bold pair of figures that relies upon how well New Super Mario Bros 2, Animal Crossing and the new hardware capture the public's imagination in a time when people are tightening their belts (especially if they've been using Wii Fit).

Continue reading Nintendo aims to flog 18 million 3DS, up to 10.5 million home consoles this fiscal year

Nintendo aims to flog 18 million 3DS, up to 10.5 million home consoles this fiscal year originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3DSFiscal YearFiscalYearFy 2012Fy2012NintendoNintendo 3DSNintendo WiiNintendo Wii FitNintendo Wii UNintendo3dsNintendoWiiNintendoWiiFitNintendoWiiUProjectionsSales ProjectionsSalesProjectionsWiiWii FitWii UWiiFitWiiUFri, 27 Apr 2012 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo says it refuses to 'succumb to patent trolls' as it wins Maryland case]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/02/nintendo-says-it-refuses-to-succumb-to-patent-trolls-as-it-win/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/02/nintendo-says-it-refuses-to-succumb-to-patent-trolls-as-it-win/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/02/nintendo-says-it-refuses-to-succumb-to-patent-trolls-as-it-win/#comments
Nintendo issued a fairly terse press release earlier today, announcing that it has prevailed in a US patent lawsuit for the "third consecutive time this year." That particular case concerned Nintendo's Wii Balance Board accessory and Wii Fit and Wii Fit Plus software, which a company called IA Labs said infringed on one of its patents (No. 7,121,982); a claim that was dismissed by the Maryland District Court judge in the case. IA Labs was also more or less dismissed as a company by Nintendo's senior vice president of legal and general counsel Rick Flamm, who said that "we vigorously defend patent lawsuits when we firmly believe that we have not infringed another party's patent," and that "we refuse to succumb to patent trolls." The company's full statement can be found after the break.

Continue reading Nintendo says it refuses to 'succumb to patent trolls' as it wins Maryland case

Nintendo says it refuses to 'succumb to patent trolls' as it wins Maryland case originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Mar 2012 21:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balance boardBalanceBoardia labsIaLabslawsuitlegalmarylandnintendopatentpatent infringementpatent trollPatentInfringementpatentsPatentTrollwiiwii fitwii fit plusWiiFitWiiFitPlusFri, 02 Mar 2012 21:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Fit balance board hack takes a virtual Segway ride around Google's mapped world (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/03/wii-fit-balance-board-hack-takes-a-virtual-segway-ride-around-go/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/03/wii-fit-balance-board-hack-takes-a-virtual-segway-ride-around-go/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/03/wii-fit-balance-board-hack-takes-a-virtual-segway-ride-around-go/#comments You can do a lot in seven hours -- fly coast-to-coast, slow-cook a pot roast, create a Google Maps-navigating, Wii Fit-controlled virtual Segway. Wait, what? Yes, that Nintendo-branded, dust-collecting relic of holidays past has been given a new lease on life thanks to an intrepid troop of Ivy-educated geeks, and a seven-hour hackathon. The marathon modding session, held by Stanford University's SVI Hackspace, banded together a like-minded set of overachieving modders to produce a balance board-guided Street View romp through Google Maps. The students' hack connects the Wii Fit board to OS X via the Osculator app, with a Node.js server processing the data and Socket.io handling board-to-browser communication. A Google Earth plug-in and pre-rendered Segway were all that was left to complete this foot-mapped joy ride through our digitized world. Video demo awaits you after the break.

Continue reading Wii Fit balance board hack takes a virtual Segway ride around Google's mapped world (video)

Wii Fit balance board hack takes a virtual Segway ride around Google's mapped world (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 10:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GoogleGoogle EarthGoogle Mapsgoogle maps street viewGoogleEarthGoogleMapsGoogleMapsStreetViewhackhackinghackspacemodNintendonintendo wii fitNintendoWiiFitnode.jsOsculatorSegwaysocket.ioStanford UniversityStanfordUniversityStreet ViewStreetViewstudentsSVI HackspaceSviHackspacevideovirtual segwayVirtualSegwaywii fitWiiFitWed, 03 Aug 2011 10:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Students use Wii Balance Board for kids' physical therapy system (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/17/students-use-wii-balance-board-for-kids-physical-therapy-system/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/17/students-use-wii-balance-board-for-kids-physical-therapy-system/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/17/students-use-wii-balance-board-for-kids-physical-therapy-system/#comments Nintendo's kid-tested, researcher-approved Wii Balance Board has struck at the heart of the medical supply industry yet again -- this time, the Bluetooth-connected scale is being used to help physically challenged children at Shriners Hospital in Houston. Seniors at Rice University hand-machined a set of force-sensitive parallel bars and programmed a monster-shooting game called Equilibrium to get kids excited about improving their walking gait, where they can play and score points with each proper step they take. The game automatically ratchets up the difficulty as patients improve, and handrails will play a part too, with a custom three-axis sensor box able to detect how much patients rely on the parallel bars (and dock points accordingly) in an effort to improve their posture. Yep, that sounds just a wee bit more useful than the Balance Board lie detector or the Wii Fit Roomba. Video after the break.

Continue reading Students use Wii Balance Board for kids' physical therapy system (video)

Students use Wii Balance Board for kids' physical therapy system (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 17 Apr 2011 06:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balancebalance boardBalanceBoardfitnessforce platesForcePlateshealthmedicalNintendoNintendo WiiNintendoWiiphysical therapyPhysicalTherapyRiceRice UniversityRiceUniversityshriners hospitalshriners hospital for childrenShrinersHospitalShrinersHospitalForChildrentherapyvideoWiiwii balance boardWii FitWiiBalanceBoardWiiFitSun, 17 Apr 2011 06:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Balance Board-controlled robot a hit with toddlers in Ithaca (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/28/wii-balance-board-controlled-robot-a-hit-with-toddlers-in-ithaca/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/28/wii-balance-board-controlled-robot-a-hit-with-toddlers-in-ithaca/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/28/wii-balance-board-controlled-robot-a-hit-with-toddlers-in-ithaca/#comments
How could we resist a story involving robot-powered babies? The Ithaca College Tots on Bots project aims to mobilize infants with physical disabilities by setting them atop a "mobile robot" equipped with a Wii Balance Board to let the young operator steer by leaning -- which, it turns out, works pretty well. Additionally, the vehicle uses sonar to avoid nasty crashes and a remote control that an adult can use to take control. Further study has to be made before any long term developmental benefits can be ascertained, but in the meantime it does look like a lot of fun. See it in action after the break.

Continue reading Wii Balance Board-controlled robot a hit with toddlers in Ithaca (video)

Wii Balance Board-controlled robot a hit with toddlers in Ithaca (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 Aug 2010 06:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>babychildrenithaca collegeIthacaCollegeMotorized wheelchairMotorizedWheelchairresearchrobotrobotic chairrobotic wheelchairRoboticChairRoboticWheelchairspecial needsspecial needs childrenSpecialNeedsSpecialNeedsChildrentoddlertots on botsTotsOnBotsvideowheel chairWheelChairWiiwii fitWiiFitSat, 28 Aug 2010 06:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Two universities adopt Wii Fit to monitor football concussions]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/23/two-universities-adopt-wii-fit-to-monitor-football-concussions/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/23/two-universities-adopt-wii-fit-to-monitor-football-concussions/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/23/two-universities-adopt-wii-fit-to-monitor-football-concussions/#comments As it turns out, there are quite a few uses for a $100 off-the-shelf computerized scale, above and beyond getting fit -- Nintendo's Wii Balance Board is now providing a mechanism by which college football teams at Ohio State University and the University of Maryland can cheaply determine whether players are suffering from concussions. Taking the place of force plate machines that can cost tens of thousands of dollars, the white plastic boards measure students' balance (using yoga poses) and coordination (in Table Tilt) before a game, to provide a frame of reference against which trainers can measure whether athletes are fit to keep playing. Though some scholars found Wii Fit didn't stack up favorably against the expensive force plates, the universities trialing the system called it "pretty decent," so the question is whether Nintendo's peripheral offers a reasonable enough benchmark for the price. We suppose the American Heart Association liked it well enough.

Two universities adopt Wii Fit to monitor football concussions originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 03:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>athleticsbalance boardBalanceBoardconcussionconcussionshealthinjuryNintendoNintendo WiiNintendoWiiOhio State UniversityOhioStateUniversitysportsUniversity of MarylandUniversityOfMarylandWiiwii balance boardWii FitWiiBalanceBoardWiiFitMon, 23 Aug 2010 03:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Navy Surgeon General eyes Wii Fit, Dance Dance Revolution for boot camp]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/navy-surgeon-general-eyes-wii-fit-dance-dance-revolution-for-bo/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/navy-surgeon-general-eyes-wii-fit-dance-dance-revolution-for-bo/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/28/navy-surgeon-general-eyes-wii-fit-dance-dance-revolution-for-bo/#commentsWe understand that Wii Fit has dubious health benefits at best (whatever CTA Digital might say top the contrary), but apparently word hasn't reached the Navy's top brass. According to the Navy Times, recruits need more work than ever before to get into fighting shape, "given that many young people prefer computers and video games" to sports and physical activity. The solution, says Navy Surgeon General Vice Adm. Adam Robinson, is to use break in would-be sailers slowly, introducing "the equivalents of Nintendo's Wii Fit or Konami's Dance Dance Revolution" in basic training. This sounds rather silly to us, but what do we know? We're lovers, not fighters.

Navy Surgeon General eyes Wii Fit, Dance Dance Revolution for boot camp originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 May 2010 05:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dance dance revolutionDanceDanceRevolutiondefensemilitarynavyNavy Surgeon General Vice Adm. Adam RobinsonNavySurgeonGeneralViceAdm.AdamRobinsonnintendowiiwii fitWiiFitFri, 28 May 2010 05:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo Wii gets American Heart Association's stamp of approval]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/17/nintendo-wii-gets-american-heart-associations-stamp-of-approval/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/17/nintendo-wii-gets-american-heart-associations-stamp-of-approval/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/17/nintendo-wii-gets-american-heart-associations-stamp-of-approval/#comments When we heard that Nintendo and the American Heart Association would be making an announcement today, we (and most everyone else) assumed that it would have something to do with Nintendo's forthcoming Vitality Sensor. As it turns out, however, it's something altogether more surprising -- the AHA has announced that it's actually putting its stamp of approval on the Wii itself (as well as Wii Fit Plus and Wii Sports Resort). That's obviously a first for a video game console, and fairly unprecedented for the AHA -- as ABC News points out, the association hasn't seen fit to put its seal on other "active" things like baseball bats. It apparently had some small incentive to do so in this case, however, as the organization says it will be receiving a cool $1.5 million from Nintendo over three years as a result of the partnership. Head on past the break to see the AHA president explain the arrangement.

[Thanks, Katie]

Continue reading Nintendo Wii gets American Heart Association's stamp of approval

Nintendo Wii gets American Heart Association's stamp of approval originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 May 2010 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ahaamerican heart associationAmericanHeartAssociationhealthnintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiivideowiiwii fitwii fit pluswii sportswii sports resortWiiFitWiiFitPlusWiiSportsWiiSportsResortMon, 17 May 2010 12:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Fit push up bars make sense, but this one isn't worth dollars]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/14/wii-fit-push-up-bars-make-sense-but-this-one-isnt-worth-dollar/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/14/wii-fit-push-up-bars-make-sense-but-this-one-isnt-worth-dollar/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/14/wii-fit-push-up-bars-make-sense-but-this-one-isnt-worth-dollar/#comments Push-up bars for the Wii Balance Board? Now that sounds like a fantastic idea -- just the thing broad-shouldered individuals need to play Wii Fit without backstrain. Too bad this particular set of bars isn't worth the plastic it's printed from. The latest and greatest from the minds in the chintzy plastic peripheral industry, the $25 CTA Digital Wii Push Up Bar is held in place by only your weight and a few foam strips without reinforcement of any kind, meaning it could detach itself with any significant exertion. The only good that comes out of all this is an embarrassing video demonstration after the break, which features a pair of smiling humans pretending to have fun with the contraption. QVC, eat your heart out.

Continue reading Wii Fit push up bars make sense, but this one isn't worth dollars

Wii Fit push up bars make sense, but this one isn't worth dollars originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 14 Mar 2010 11:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesAccessoryCTA DigitalCtaDigitalexerciseNintendoNintendo WiiNintendoWiiperipheralperipheralsplasticpush-uppush-upspushupweight lossWeightLossWiiWii FitWiiFitworkoutSun, 14 Mar 2010 11:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Fit found to have 'little effect' on family fitness level, boredom seems to be the main culprit]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/17/wii-fit-found-to-have-little-effect-on-family-fitness-level-b/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/17/wii-fit-found-to-have-little-effect-on-family-fitness-level-b/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/17/wii-fit-found-to-have-little-effect-on-family-fitness-level-b/#comments In a new study conducted by Scott Owens out of the University of Mississippi, the Wii Fit was loaned to eight families and the usage and fitness impact was tracked over time -- three months before they got the Wii, and three months after. The verdict? "No significant changes" in family fitness from the Wii. Interestingly, over the period of three months the daily Wii Fit usage declined a staggering 82 percent, from 22 minutes a day for the first half of the time all the way down to an average of four minutes a day for the last six weeks. The biggest winners here were the children, who did display some "significant" increases in the specific area of aerobic fitness, but we get the feeling that with a bit more stick-to-itiveness the whole family might've been able to raise its game here. Or maybe Nintendo could invest in making some more motion-controlled games that don't become repetitive and shallow after two playthroughs.

Wii Fit found to have 'little effect' on family fitness level, boredom seems to be the main culprit originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 02:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiiole missOleMissscott owensScottOwensstudyuniversity of mississippiUniversityOfMississippiwiiwii fitWiiFitThu, 17 Dec 2009 02:11:00 EST<![CDATA[British NHS lauds Wii Fit Plus for flabby bum-busting potential]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/british-nhs-lauds-wii-fit-plus-for-flabby-bum-busting-potential/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/british-nhs-lauds-wii-fit-plus-for-flabby-bum-busting-potential/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/british-nhs-lauds-wii-fit-plus-for-flabby-bum-busting-potential/#comments
You know, we've been pretty skeptical about the whole "fit" part of the "Wii Fit" phenomenon, and for good reason: as studies have shown, the health benefits of gaming, whether you're sitting, standing, or faux-bowling, are minimal at best. Still, for a number of consumers at home and abroad, the game conjures up notions of leading an active lifestyle. So perhaps it is no surprise, as the Telegraph reports, that Britain's National Health Service is using it to promote its Change4Life initiative -- even going so far as to allow the company to append the Change4Life logo on its upcoming Wii Fit Plus release. And how about those who cry foul -- specifically, those who point out that the deal includes Nintendo shelling out money to help promote the NHS-funded program. See how one might get the idea that this is a "pay to play" affair? To the government's credit, it does stress that it's endorsing an exercise, not a video game system. "Active video games, where kids need to jump up and down or dance about as part of the game, are a great way to get kids moving," a spokesperson said. Rob Saunders, the British spokesman for Nintendo, had this to say: "If you are worried about your bingo wings or your flabby bum, the game will give you specific exercises to target those areas." Bingo wings? Flabby bums? Why didn't you say so in the first place?

[Via Yahoo]

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British NHS lauds Wii Fit Plus for flabby bum-busting potential originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainchange4lifefitnessgamingnational health serviceNationalHealthServicenhsnintendowiiwii fitwii fit pluswii sportsWiiFitWiiFitPlusWiiSportsTue, 27 Oct 2009 14:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Balance Board Power Up Charging Stand from Mad Catz just dares you to revert to AAs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/08/wii-balance-board-power-up-charging-stand-from-mad-catz-just-dar/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/08/wii-balance-board-power-up-charging-stand-from-mad-catz-just-dar/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/08/wii-balance-board-power-up-charging-stand-from-mad-catz-just-dar/#comments
There's just something so defiant about this "Power Up" charging stand from Mad Catz -- it seems specifically designed to take up as much cubic footage as possible, and even the name is domineering. The stand is bizarrely formed in the likeness of a miniature Wii Balance Board, with a replacement battery pack included in the kit with contact charging points to take out all the exertion of flipping the B-Board and swapping out batteries. A foot pedal release mechanism pops the Balance Board out of the stand, and there are a couple of free-spirited USB ports on the thing for charging up whatever other awkwardly-shaped gadgetry you might have around the house.

[Via Unplggd]

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Wii Balance Board Power Up Charging Stand from Mad Catz just dares you to revert to AAs originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Oh c'mon, just admit it -- you rationalized that Wii Fit purchase like so: "Oh, I can't afford this, but it's totally something to make me exercise! So, I'll buy it!" Fast forward two months later, and you're struggling to find space to hide the case. All kidding aside (sort of...), you can't deny the facts, and the facts are that the Big N managed to ship 15 million Wii Fits units in just 13 months. For comparison, it took right around 2.5 years to move 50 million Wii units, so it seems this here title is well on its way to hitting the same milestone in around the same amount of time. Unfortunately, you can't lose weight by simply handing over wads of cash to Satoru Iwata -- feel free to try, though.

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Nintendo moves 15 million Wii Fit units in a year, 4 remain in use originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Wii Fit Plus game may not be bringing any new hardware with it, but it looks like there's a few surprises in the game itself, not the least of which a new Segway mini-game that's been developed in partnership with Segway itself. As you can no doubt guess, that'll make use of the Wii Balance Board and Wii Remote to simulate what it's like to ride on a Segway, with none of the embarrassment or potential pitfalls associated with actually riding one in public. Amazingly, however, they look to have passed up the opportunity for a Segway Polo game and instead opted for a simple balloon-popping game that also involves a "mole-like creature."

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Segway rolls its way into Nintendo's Wii Fit Plus originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3 2009E32009nintendosegwaywiiwii fitwii fit plusWiiFitWiiFitPlusTue, 02 Jun 2009 14:08:00 EST<![CDATA[EA SPORTS Active for Wii in stores now, taunting us with its toned abs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/19/ea-sports-active-in-stores-now-taunting-us-with-its-toned-abs/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/19/ea-sports-active-in-stores-now-taunting-us-with-its-toned-abs/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/19/ea-sports-active-in-stores-now-taunting-us-with-its-toned-abs/#comments
Well, we have to admit a certain principled aversion to any console game that involves jumping, the flailing of the arms, cardio-whatever... anything, really, that Richard Simmons might approve of. It's bad enough that we're being asked to turn in our traditional controllers in for a balance board, but are we really supposed to believe that Electronic Arts -- the company that single-handedly ruined our health during the 1980s as we stayed up for weeks at a time on the quest to save Skara Brae -- could, or should, present the world with a "personal trainer in a box?" Well, if you're one of those people, you'll be happy to know that EA SPORTS Active for Wii is now available in retail stores Stateside, with worldwide release slated for May 22. Video after the break.

Continue reading EA SPORTS Active for Wii in stores now, taunting us with its toned abs

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EA SPORTS Active for Wii in stores now, taunting us with its toned abs originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 19 May 2009 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sure, this device is borrowing not a little from the look, feel and color scheme of the Wii Fit, but the Weight Fat Checker is a little more direct in its naming schemes. A handheld body fat meter unearthed somewhere in Japan, we don't know anything about its pricing or availability, but we assume we'll never probably seen one in the flesh. Regardless, we're pretty sure it'd make a fine gift for anyone you want to cross of your faves list a.s.a.p.

[Via Joystiq]

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Weight Fat Checker makes no bones about what it's here to do originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Mar 2009 17:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Well, this was probably bound to happen. A fitness "expert" named Michael Torchia says he's now preparing a class-action suit against NIntendo which will apparently seek to remove its Wii Fit from the shelves unless they add warnings to the product. The offense? Torchia claims that the Wii Fit actually contributes to obesity, essentially because it claims to be something that it's really not -- namely, a fitness tool -- and discourages people from doing more traditional exercise. He also, however, seems to be concerned that the Wii Fit is dangerous -- mostly because it doesn't stress warming up enough, and users can do the exercises wrong, straining or injuring themselves. Now, we're not going to delve into the validity of his claims (though, how do you explain this dude? Just saying), but we should note that Torchia is apparently getting ready to launch his airwave-rocking AM radio show, "Shape Up, America," and we figure he's looking to drum up some buzz for himself, so we'll be watching to see if he ever actually brings his suit against old Mario and Sons. Step on.

[Via Joystiq]

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Fitness guru prepares to launch Wii Fit class-action suit, radio show originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>class action lawsuitClassActionLawsuitinjurylawsuitmichael torhiaMichaelTorhianintendoshape up americaShapeUpAmericawiiwii fitWiiFitThu, 12 Feb 2009 14:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Check-up Channel will link you to health professionals, Dr. Mario]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/27/wii-check-up-channel-will-link-you-to-health-professionals-dr/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/27/wii-check-up-channel-will-link-you-to-health-professionals-dr/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/27/wii-check-up-channel-will-link-you-to-health-professionals-dr/#comments
It was inevitable we guess what with everyone plus your grandma using the Wii. Now Nintendo Japan has announced a new Wii "Check-Up" channel that acts as a health guidance system between you and health professionals. Scheduled for an April launch, the system developed in partnership with Hitachi, NEC, Panasonic and a health insurance company is said to provide 2-way communication between users and health leaders who'll provide "healthy guidance" to otherwise Cheeto-stained gamer-types. The service appears to be compatible with both Wii Fit and its Balance Board as well as NEC's mobile phone health platform for checking progress or accessing advice remotely. It also appears to be usable anonymously. We'll update you just as soon as we get all these Japanese press releases translated.

[Via Akihabara News and NeoGAF]

Read -- NEC
Read -- Nintendo

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Wii Check-up Channel will link you to health professionals, Dr. Mario originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 05:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ah, yes. Nothing like some robotics to shake all that pesky quaintness out of a well-loved, time-tested game. In this case, some folks from the Cowtown Computer Congress used a couple of servos and the ever so useful Arduino to connect a wooden Labyrinth game to a Wii Fit, which appears to up the difficulty of the game while still requiring as little exertion as possible. At just $60 total (not including the Wii Fit), the project is also relatively inexpensive, and it seems that it's a fairly simple process to swap out the Wii Fit for the controller of your choice. Head on past the break for a video of the setup in action, and hit up the link below for the necessary details.

[Thanks, Steve]

Continue reading Wii Fit and Arduino bring wooden Labyrinth game to robotic life

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Wii Fit and Arduino bring wooden Labyrinth game to robotic life originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 19:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arduinolabyrinthwii fitWiiFitMon, 12 Jan 2009 19:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Keepin' it real fake, part CLXXII: Wu Fit -- it's Wii Fit, without the supply chain issues]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/16/keepin-it-real-fake-part-clxxii-wu-fit-its-wii-fit-withou/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/16/keepin-it-real-fake-part-clxxii-wu-fit-its-wii-fit-withou/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/16/keepin-it-real-fake-part-clxxii-wu-fit-its-wii-fit-withou/#comments
So far as we can tell, the Wü Fit (see what they did there?) doesn't actually come with the Wii Fit software. But unless we're being badly deceived, the knockoff balance board should operate just fine with the official game (seriously!) -- assuming that you can find it by its lonesome, which you can't. The best (er, "only good") part? It's actually in stock for $92.95, which is more than the Big N can say about its genuine counterpart in much of the world. It's okay, we know you're seriously considering this over that eBay auction -- we promise not to tell.

[Thanks, anonymouse]

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Keepin' it real fake, part CLXXII: Wu Fit -- it's Wii Fit, without the supply chain issues originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 05:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>exercisefitnessKIRFnintendoWii FitWiiFitwu fitWuFitTue, 16 Dec 2008 05:10:00 EST<![CDATA[SwiitBoard: the sweeter way to get fit on the Wii]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/10/swiitboard-the-sweeter-way-to-get-fit-on-the-wii/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/10/swiitboard-the-sweeter-way-to-get-fit-on-the-wii/http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/10/swiitboard-the-sweeter-way-to-get-fit-on-the-wii/#commentsSwiitBoard: the sweeter way to get fit on the Wii
The Wii Fit's slab of a peripheral is called a Balance Board for good reason: it's fine if a little yoga and pilates action is all you need to keep in shape, but, sturdy as it is, jumping up and down is liable to form cracks before toned thighs. If you need some high impact aerobics to be rid of that spare tire you'll have to go custom, like the SwiitBoard from a cardio-loving Wii aficionado called frits. It's just a durable wooden plank propped up by foam blocks on either end and a Wiimote zip tied to the front. The magic happens in the software, converting the up/down impacts of jogging in place into forward motion, with left or right roll turning the avatar in the simple game he worked out (video below). It's perhaps a bit crude, but would you rather have a board that looks good or a bod that looks good? Yeah, we'd pick gadget aesthetics too. If you want your own, frits will sell you the software for €10 -- money that will fund another of his projects: a site that fights global warming via pictures of scantily clad, eco-minded ladies.

[Via Hack A Day]

Continue reading SwiitBoard: the sweeter way to get fit on the Wii

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SwiitBoard: the sweeter way to get fit on the Wii originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balance boardBalanceBoardhackmodnintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiiswiitboardwiiwii fitWiiFitWed, 10 Dec 2008 08:28:00 EST<![CDATA[EA SPORTS Active is hardly the Wii Fit slayer we were hoping for]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/13/ea-sports-active-isnt-hardly-the-wii-fit-slayer-we-were-hoping/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/13/ea-sports-active-isnt-hardly-the-wii-fit-slayer-we-were-hoping/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/13/ea-sports-active-isnt-hardly-the-wii-fit-slayer-we-were-hoping/#comments
Our exercise-averse bones were certainly shaking at rumors of EA's supposed onslaught on the Wii Fit-dominated "video games don't have to be fun, they can also make you sore and grumpy" market, but we must admit we're a little disappointed in the end product. EA SPORTS Active for the Wii eschews Nintendo's Wii Fit peripheral entirely, instead opting for a leg strap to hold a nunchuck controller and track the movements of your rippling thigh, while an electronics-free resistance band is there to make everything harder. The good news is that Bob Greene, Oprah's personal trainer, was involved in Active's creation and the wide assortment exercises it will subject you to, so you know it's going to turn you into an eternally beautiful and endlessly influential TV talk show host in a few short weeks. Speaking of, did everybody see that 30 Rock episode with Oprah in it? Can we just give Tina Fey all the Emmys right now, or do we have to wait until next year? Video of EA's Active is after the break.

Continue reading EA SPORTS Active is hardly the Wii Fit slayer we were hoping for

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EA SPORTS Active is hardly the Wii Fit slayer we were hoping for originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activeeaea sportsea sports activeEaSportsEaSportsActiveexercisewiiwii fitWiiFitThu, 13 Nov 2008 13:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Walmart, Kmart announce Black Friday-esque deals for days other than Black Friday]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/07/walmart-kmart-announce-black-friday-esque-deals-for-days-other/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/07/walmart-kmart-announce-black-friday-esque-deals-for-days-other/http://www.engadget.com/2008/11/07/walmart-kmart-announce-black-friday-esque-deals-for-days-other/#comments
Want to get a jump on your holiday shopping or find a couple of insane bargains to keep for yourself? A few retailers are offering what they've dubbed "Black Friday-style" price cuts for tomorrow -- Saturday, November 8th. Walmart's got a sweet 15.4-inch Compaq CQ-139WM (with 2GB of RAM and a 160GB hard drive) laptop for $298, in addition to a PlayStation 2 bundled with a $30 WalMart gift card for $129, and a PlayStation 3 with a $100 gift card for $399. Over at Kmart they're offering up a rad 32-inch Sylvania LCD HDTV for $439.99 (they usually go for for $550). They also have several deals for Sunday, November 9th, including the Wii Fit for $89.99. Is it safe to assume that every Friday (not to mention Saturday and Sunday) until Christmas will be "black"? For the full, mind-blowing rundown, hit the read links.

[Via CNET, I4U News]

Read - Kmart
Read - Walmart Backs Main Street

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Walmart, Kmart announce Black Friday-esque deals for days other than Black Friday originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Nov 2008 20:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black fridayBlackFridaycompaqdealshdtvholiday shoppingHolidayShoppingkmartplaystationplaystation 2playstation 3Playstation2Playstation3saleshoppingsylvaniawalmartwiifitFri, 07 Nov 2008 20:24:00 EST<![CDATA[EA plans a Wii Fit-slaying exercise game?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/31/ea-plans-a-wii-fit-slaying-exercise-game/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/31/ea-plans-a-wii-fit-slaying-exercise-game/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/31/ea-plans-a-wii-fit-slaying-exercise-game/#comments The Wii Fit might have some competition brewing, if Men's Fitness magazine is a publication worthy of the public's trust, that is. The details are vague, to say the very least but, here's what we "know": Dave Kushner, executive producer at EA Sports, told the magazine that the company is planning an 'unnamed fitness game' with a 'new peripheral' which will connect the Wiimote to the player's body, enabling all sorts of newfangled measurements, movements, and exercises barely dreamed of before. Sounds totally awesome, right? Well, if and when it materializes, we'll be sure to rush to the store, buy one, then sadly rue its unused, guilt-inducing existence every day thereafter.

[Via Nintendo Wii Fanboy]

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EA plans a Wii Fit-slaying exercise game? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 31 Oct 2008 02:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dave kushnerDaveKushnereaea gamesea sportsEaGamesEaSportsexercisefitnessfitness gamesFitnessGamesmens fitness magazineMensFitnessMagazinenintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiiwiiwii fitWiiFitFri, 31 Oct 2008 02:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo cranking on Wii production for the holidays, still making no promises]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/27/nintendo-cranking-on-wii-production-for-the-holidays-still-maki/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/27/nintendo-cranking-on-wii-production-for-the-holidays-still-maki/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/27/nintendo-cranking-on-wii-production-for-the-holidays-still-maki/#comments
Hard to believe, nay, mind-boggling, that two full years after Nintendo launched the Wii in America we're still looking at shortages. In the midst of "economic turmoil," no less. Back in April, Reggie Fils-Aime proclaimed that he was "passionately upset" about the difficulty consumers were having in finding Wii consoles, and now that yet another holiday season is upon us, it's clear that he's made some changes. In a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times, he admitted that Wii production was up from 1.6 million units per month (during this time last year) to 2.4 million units per month (now), though he wouldn't go so far as to say you'd have an easy time finding one. In fact, he stated that "once you see [a Wii console] on the shelf, you ought to buy it." Also of note, those still scouting a Wii Fit may be in luck, as the Big N could decide to ship more units to America rather than Europe now that the greenback is gaining strength versus the euro. Good luck hunting -- we'd recommend you start looking, um, yesterday.

Update: Looks like Ninty's already turning up the burners -- that's a heretofore-unbelievable shot of Wii stock at reader Roberto's local Best Buy in West Paterson, New Jersey.

[Via GameDaily]

Read - Reggie Fils-Aime interview
Read - Analyst's take Wii Fit shipments

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Nintendo cranking on Wii production for the holidays, still making no promises originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>holidaysholidazenintendoshortagesupplysupply chainSupplyChainwiiwii fitwii shortageWiiFitWiiShortageMon, 27 Oct 2008 15:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Fit set to outpace Grand Theft Auto IV -- gamer geeks weep, gnash teeth]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/21/wii-fit-set-to-outpace-grand-theft-auto-iv-gamer-geeks-weep/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/21/wii-fit-set-to-outpace-grand-theft-auto-iv-gamer-geeks-weep/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/21/wii-fit-set-to-outpace-grand-theft-auto-iv-gamer-geeks-weep/#comments Unafraid to incite elitist gamer geek unrest, respected video game industry analyst Michael Pachter has supported a prediction by GigaOM that Wii Fit will outsell Grand Theft Auto IV this year. Yeah, you read right: the latest entry into what is arguably the biggest hardcore video game franchise around is gonna get whooped by an exercise tool -- we're not shocked, we're just laughing. GTA4 was dominating at first, but with time interest has waned while Wii Fit and its included Balance Board peripheral have stayed hot despite supply shortages. Nintendo's hardware-focused strategy seems to be working; the Balance Board install base is approaching 12 million, or roughly 30% of all Wii owners. You can bet it'll be put to good use in future games and other, less mainstream applications even after folks have given up on losing weight and resigned themselves once more to lifelong loneliness.

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Wii Fit set to outpace Grand Theft Auto IV -- gamer geeks weep, gnash teeth originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Oct 2008 22:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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So you've got a spare Microsoft Surface and Wii Balance Board laying around, whaddya do? Well, you could try stacking them on top of each other and hope that big-ass table doesn't crush your little plastic Nintendo toy, and with some code slapped on what you'd end up with is pressure-sensitive surface computing. This clever little concept was cooked up by Josh Santangelo from "Stimulant." In his demo, featured after the break, he rocks Surface from side to side while colored spots roll back and forth, using a physics engine he developed for MS Silverlight. It's a great start and we would love to see this resourceful hack put to good use -- beyond that of a totally awesome yet ridiculously expensive tilt-a-maze game, minus the maze.

Continue reading Microsoft Surface made pressure-sensitive with Wii Balance Board

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Microsoft Surface made pressure-sensitive with Wii Balance Board originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 04:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Bad / good news, folks: Nintendo is / isn't working on a pedometer peripheral that will / won't integrate with its Wii / DS console. The company has famously stated that it doesn't plan to release "a whole lot more" accessories for the Wii, which means we've got at least one or two to look forward to, and this could be one of 'em. The images surfaced on a European trademark registry site with very little supplemental info, but we do know it's a pedometer of sorts. If we're lucky, this is something that'll integrate into the existing Wii Fit setup, perhaps alongside a software update to manage more info about our unhealthiness than just how far we can jump on a pair of imaginary skis, but it's probably just as likely that we're looking at a Wii Fit sequel, or perhaps a DS version (a handy companion to that new DS?) designed to lure us out of the house. No telling, really, but the peripheral does appear to be wireless... and wholly evil.

[Via Joystiq]

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Nintendo getting into the pedometer game? This will all end in tears originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Sep 2008 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsnintendo dsNintendoDspedometerwiiwii fitWiiFitTue, 30 Sep 2008 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo explains Wii Fit shortages using familiar language]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/28/nintendo-explains-wii-fit-shortages-using-familiar-language/http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/28/nintendo-explains-wii-fit-shortages-using-familiar-language/http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/28/nintendo-explains-wii-fit-shortages-using-familiar-language/#commentsWell, it looks like all that experience Nintendo has half-explaining Wii supply issues isn't going to waste -- the company just issued a statement regarding shortages of Wii Fit that sounds awfully familiar. Seriously, follow along with us here:
  • Wii shortages, Nov. 14, 2007: "The demand for Wii hardware globally has been unprecedented and higher than Nintendo could ever have anticipated."
  • Wii Fit shortages, Aug. 28, 2008: "Nintendo had a substantial supply nationwide for launch, though some stores saw spot shortages due to unprecedented demand for this unique product."
Here's a thought, guys: if there's "unprecedented" demand for the console, the demand for arguably the biggest accessory for that console since launch probably isn't unprecedented as well -- and your PR people shouldn't be so well-versed in making excuses like this.

[Via Slashgear]

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Nintendo explains Wii Fit shortages using familiar language originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendowiiwii fitWiiFitThu, 28 Aug 2008 19:27:00 EST<![CDATA[The Wii Fit balance board is cloned, magically sprouts an LCD display]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/01/the-wii-fit-balance-board-is-cloned-magically-sprouts-an-lcd-di/http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/01/the-wii-fit-balance-board-is-cloned-magically-sprouts-an-lcd-di/http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/01/the-wii-fit-balance-board-is-cloned-magically-sprouts-an-lcd-di/#comments
It looks like Nintendo will finally be getting some challengers to its balance board monopoly... or one at least. Cheapo Wii accessory-maker Njoy is set to introduce its own version of the Wii Fit's footboard come September 12th for the weirdly more-expensive price of £64.99 (or about $130). Of course, Njoy's model does have a built-in LCD display (presumably for checking your weight even when the console is off), though it won't come bundled with any software, virtual trainers, or the assurances of a thorough Mario and Luigi inspection process.

[Via Balance Board Blog]

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The Wii Fit balance board is cloned, magically sprouts an LCD display originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Aug 2008 09:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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As you may recall, Mickey DeLorenzo rose to some degree of internet stardom a little over a year ago by dropping a whopping nine pounds using Wii Sports as his sole exercise routine and, after packing on a few pounds, he decided to give it another go using Nintendo's latest weight-shedding wonder: Wii Fit. Unlike a certain other would-be success story, DeLorenzo actually managed to complete his experiment, and the results are fairly impressive. After 45 days, he managed to shed a full 15 pounds, or about 2.56 pounds a week, and he dropped his body fat % from 20.8% to 18.4%. Of course, DeLorenzo admits that doing anything involving movement an extra 60 minutes a day will result in some weight loss, but he seems pretty sold on the benefits of Wii Fit, saying that it made it "especially easy" to work the training into his daily life.

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Man's Wii Fit experiment comes to an end, 15 pounds shed originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>excercisenintendowiiwii fitwii fit experimentWiiFitWiiFitExperimentMon, 23 Jun 2008 12:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Fit already carving up bods, finding use in rehabilitation]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/15/wii-fit-already-carving-up-bods-finding-use-in-rehabilitation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/15/wii-fit-already-carving-up-bods-finding-use-in-rehabilitation/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/15/wii-fit-already-carving-up-bods-finding-use-in-rehabilitation/#comments
From the get-go, Nintendo's latest console was seen as a dream come true for folks who'd love to lose a few pounds, yet would rather log a few hours on the couch rather than the track. Shortly after the Wii Fit's launch, we're already seeing another wave of dedicated users reporting weight loss, and the trend is even bleeding into the medical field. According to Sue Stanley-Green, a professor of athletic training at Florida Southern College, the Wii Fit and other fitness-related games have "great potential for core strengthening and rehabilitation and may boost compliance with rehabilitation exercises." She also noted that these games were "being used more and more in nursing homes," and particularly with youngsters, titles such as Wii Fit are the only ones that stand a chance at getting them active. We can't decide if that's a positive thing or just downright depressing.

[Thanks, Juergen]

Read - Wii Fit in rehab
Read - Wii Fit weight loss

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Wii Fit already carving up bods, finding use in rehabilitation originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 15 Jun 2008 14:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>exercisefitnesshealthmedicalnintendonursing homeNursingHomerehabrehabilitationretirement homeRetirementHomewiiwii fitWiiFitSun, 15 Jun 2008 14:36:00 EST<![CDATA[How would you change Wii Fit?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/13/how-would-you-change-wii-fit/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/13/how-would-you-change-wii-fit/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/13/how-would-you-change-wii-fit/#comments
Okay, so you've had ample time now to shed a few pounds courtesy of Wii Fit. Whether or not you've been diligent enough to stick with it is another thing. Regardless of your level of dedication, we're certain there's a few things Nintendo could have done differently to make the entire experience a bit better. Heck, our own Ryan Block has already chimed in with a few things that he would like to see tweaked, so what's stopping you? Post up your comments while training for bonus points.

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How would you change Wii Fit? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Jun 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>exercisefeaturesfitnesshow would you changeHowWouldYouChangehwycwiiwii fitWiiFitFri, 13 Jun 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst says Nintendo deliberately redirecting Wii Fit to Europe]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/02/analyst-says-nintendo-deliberately-redirecting-wii-fit-to-europe/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/02/analyst-says-nintendo-deliberately-redirecting-wii-fit-to-europe/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/02/analyst-says-nintendo-deliberately-redirecting-wii-fit-to-europe/#comments
While the supposed Wii Fit shortages are nothing compared to the now infamous Wii shortages we've seen, at least one of those ever-insightful analysts now claims to deduced the cause of them, and he's laying the blame squarely on the big N. According to Wedbush Morgan Securities' Michael Pachter, Nintendo has shipped some 2 million Wii Fit units to Europe, while reserving a mere 500,000 for North America, which he surmises can only mean that Nintendo is deliberately redirecting 'em in order to take advantage of the strong Euro. Pachter seems to think that Nintendo will still make out alright in the end, however, saying that, "they know that Americans will be just as fat a few months from now," when it'll have more units available.

[Via GameSpot]

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Analyst says Nintendo deliberately redirecting Wii Fit to Europe originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendoshortagewiiwii fitWiiFitMon, 02 Jun 2008 13:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Nyko's Energy Pack keeps your Wii balance board juiced]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/30/nykos-energy-pack-keeps-your-wii-balance-board-juiced/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/30/nykos-energy-pack-keeps-your-wii-balance-board-juiced/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/30/nykos-energy-pack-keeps-your-wii-balance-board-juiced/#comments
If you're anything like our boy Ryan, you've been wearing that Wii Fit out ever since you took delivery. Unfortunately, you've probably been doing a bit of unintentional jogging when logging miles back and forth to the local mini-mart for batteries. If you can't seem to keep your Wii Balance Board charged, Nyko has introduced a novel solution: the Energy Pack for Wii Fit. Our pals over at Nintendo Wii Fanboy were able to get ahold of this very unit and put it through its paces, and generally speaking, they were quite impressed with the $20 peripheral-for-a-peripheral. Head on over for the full writeup and a smattering of pics.

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Nyko's Energy Pack keeps your Wii balance board juiced originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 May 2008 17:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessorybatterybattery packBatteryPackenergy packEnergyPackhands-onnintendoNykorechargeablewii fitWiiFitFri, 30 May 2008 17:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Fit: feelin' the burn (part 1)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/21/wii-fit-feelin-the-burn-part-1/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/21/wii-fit-feelin-the-burn-part-1/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/21/wii-fit-feelin-the-burn-part-1/#commentsWe've still got a few weeks left to see how we'll do going up against the Nintendo-made workout routines of the Wii Fit, but we can tell you that we've had some mixed results early on. We'll do a full wrap-up later, but for now some initial notes.

We were off to a pretty good start in the first couple of days -- but be warned, you do need plenty of space where you intend to work out, especially as you get started in the strength training. We were a little surprised at just how much space was needed at times, so unless you've got plenty of it you may end up like us, spending plenty of time shuffling and reshuffling the balance board back and forth.

Players (exercisers?) are rewarded with more reps and new routines as they log hours, and if you're unfit (like we are) even some of the beginner exercises will undoubtedly reveal all those atrophied muscles (especially the push-ups / side-plank and jackknife routines, which are killers). Wii Fit's use of a plain, clearly visualized trainer makes learning the exercises -- and even the more complicated yoga poses -- easy for newbs. More after the break.

Continue reading Wii Fit: feelin' the burn (part 1)

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Wii Fit: feelin' the burn (part 1) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 May 2008 15:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendowii fitWiiFitWed, 21 May 2008 15:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo celebrates Wii Fit NY launch in Central Park]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/19/nintendo-celebrates-wii-fit-ny-launch-in-central-park/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/19/nintendo-celebrates-wii-fit-ny-launch-in-central-park/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/19/nintendo-celebrates-wii-fit-ny-launch-in-central-park/#comments
Nintendo is really rubbing in its NY-only launch date for the Wii Fit. Not only do New Yorkers get the Fit a whole two days prior to the rest of America, they also got to try it out for free alongside celebrity trainers in Central Park. Despite the threat of rain, we saw quite a few folks out enjoying the device, from young to old. Many of older set wasn't even aware there were two products in play, the Wii and the Wii Fit -- and some of the trainers seem to have trouble explaining that concept -- so it seems to us that a bundled SKU could do good things for Nintendo. Not that it won't sell like gangbusters anyways. Video of people exercising is on the way. You have been warned.

Update: Video has been added.

Gallery: Nintendo celebrates Wii Fit NY launch in Central Park

Continue reading Nintendo celebrates Wii Fit NY launch in Central Park

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Nintendo celebrates Wii Fit NY launch in Central Park originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 May 2008 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>central parkCentralParkfeaturesnew yorkNewYorknintendowii fitWiiFitMon, 19 May 2008 15:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo's Wii Fit gets official, set to launch in just two days]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/19/nintendos-wii-fit-gets-official-set-to-launch-in-just-two-days/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/19/nintendos-wii-fit-gets-official-set-to-launch-in-just-two-days/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/19/nintendos-wii-fit-gets-official-set-to-launch-in-just-two-days/#comments

If for some reason you've been so far outside of the natural world that you were unaware of Nintendo's impending Wii Fit firestorm, this should get you back in the swing of things. Today the big N has made the forthcoming release of the exercise / gaming sensation officially official in the States. The device is available exclusively at the Nintendo World store in New York City starting today, but will hit other shelves on May 21st, will run you a thrifty $89.99, and launches with software containing more than 40 activities. Of course, you'll never get to experience any of those activities, as there's already a run on stock, and if you haven't pre-ordered then you're pretty much left to the whim of eBay sellers and their inflated prices. Thanks Nintendo!

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Nintendo's Wii Fit gets official, set to launch in just two days originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 May 2008 08:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balance boardBalanceBoardbreaking newsBreakingNewsexercisefitnintendoofficial announcementOfficialAnnouncementwiiwii fitWiiFitMon, 19 May 2008 08:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Fit: the 30 day test starts today]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/09/wii-fit-the-30-day-test-starts-today/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/09/wii-fit-the-30-day-test-starts-today/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/09/wii-fit-the-30-day-test-starts-today/#comments
Since about 20,000 people -- the overwhelming majority of voters in yesterday's poll -- apparently want to see me in pain trying to get in shape with Wii Fit, it looks like it's time to suck it up and do this thing. Although I'd like to start by disclaiming that I've never really worked out with any regularity, I'm not exactly known for my physical coordination, and in school I always came pretty close to flunking PE -- so really, I'm kind of Nintendo's ideal customer.

Methodology
  • I'll be working with Wii Fit out about 20 game-minutes a day, 7 days a week.
  • My program will consist of five minutes each of routines and games from the four fitness categories: strength training, aerobics, yoga, and balance games.
  • As a control, I won't be dramatically changing up my eating habits. I'm already a reasonably healthy eater, so any physical changes will be more easily attributable to the Wii Fit regimen.
  • I have about a week of travel scheduled this month, so for whatever days I miss on Wii Fit I'll be extending the trial.
  • I'll chart my changes in weight, BMI, coordination, etc. and thoughts on the experience in a weekly update for the next five weeks.
Current stats
Height: 6-feet
Weight: 174.5 pounds
Frame: small-to-medium
BMI according to Wii Fit: 23.65 (upper cusp of normal)
Wii Fit "Body age": 36

Wii Fit goal (you have to set a goal for yourself)
Target weight: 169.5 pounds
Target BMI: 22.96
Target date: 6/12

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Wii Fit: the 30 day test starts today originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 May 2008 13:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featurednintendowiiwii fitWiiFitFri, 09 May 2008 13:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Fit feet-on: feeling the burn, inadequate]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/wii-fit-feet-on-feeling-the-burn-inadequate/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/wii-fit-feet-on-feeling-the-burn-inadequate/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/08/wii-fit-feet-on-feeling-the-burn-inadequate/#comments
So Nintendo showed up at our place today with a Wii Fit -- and an accompanying personal trainer to crack the whip and make sure our half hour of intro exercises and fitness games burned a sufficient amount of calories. Things we learned: our BMI is on the upper end of the "normal" bracket (shocking, considering how sedentary we are blogging 12 hours a day), our balance is kind of crappy, our "body age" is 39 -- over a decade more than our real age -- and no, not even Nintendo can make a fitness game that doesn't feel at least vaguely like PE. And now the 64k question:

View Poll



Gallery: Wii Fit feet-on: feeling the burn, inadequate

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Wii Fit feet-on: feeling the burn, inadequate originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 May 2008 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featurednintendowiiwii fitWiiFitThu, 08 May 2008 17:33:00 EST