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Wii Fit U review: Some assembly required
It's hard to fully analyze a fitness product without spending a large amount of time with it. By the very nature of fitness and exercise, it takes time to see results. Even if you're already a health addict, you'll need some time to appreciate the nuances of a new routine, but after spending about a week with Wii Fit U, I can vouch for the vigorous nature of many of its exercises and games. Some of them are more successful than others, but my main gripe with Wii Fit U has nothing to do with its individual activities. Wii Fit U's main flaw is its inability to string these activities together in a meaningful way. In terms of individual workout sessions, it's not a bad product, but if you want to follow a long-term, dedicated workout regimen, you're going to have to cobble it together yourself.
Nintendo confirms Wii Fit U retail release next week
The Wii Fit U retail version will be available in stores beginning January 10, Nintendo announced this morning, just in time for folks to consider an alternative to that brand new gym membership they're statistically unlikely to use. "Wii Fit U is a great option for busy moms and families who want to stay active in the comfort of their own homes – which is perfect during the cold winter months," says Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America's EVP of sales and marketing. Yes, but why work out in your own home during cold winter months when you've got blankets, cocoa and Netflix? The Wii Fit U bundle, which includes software, Wii Balance Board and Fit Meter accessory is priced at $89.99. If you've been diligently using your Wii Balance Board from the original Wii Fit days, another bundle with just Wii Fit U and Fit Meter is priced at $49.99. The Fit Meter as a standalone product is $19.99. Your health: priceless.
Europeans to stay unfit for another week after Wii Fit U retail delay
Wii Fit U will jog into Europe a week later than planned, now launching on December 13 alongside the North American version. Like most Europeans, I'll be taking advantage of the extra week off by indulging in all that is ludicrously unhealthy - so, pretty much a normal week for me. Alternatively, would-be fitness gurus can download the game's 31-day trial version, and then maybe purchase the $20 Fit Meter. The add-on which measures activity intensity, is available right now and unlocks the full Wii Fit U game when synced with the trial version - bear in mind that offer ends on January 31, 2014, and that you'll still need a Balance Board. Alternatively you can buy the full game plus Fit Meter when it's released next month, although that'll give your wallet more of a workout.
New Nintendo eShop releases: LEGO Marvel, Super Castlevania 4, Wii Fit U Trial Version, Milon's Secret Castle
This week on the Nintendo eShop, it's all about slaying vampires or getting fit. That is to say we've got the Virtual Console release of Super Castlevania 4 and the Wii Fit U Trial Version (available tomorrow with a special discount). Now, if you can manage to slay a few vampires in real life, we imagine that would be pretty good exercise too, but sometimes you just have to settle for video games. Further blurring the line between real life and video games, we have LEGO Marvel Super Heroes, the game based on the toys based on the comics. The game is now available on both 3DS and Wii U. Also, while it may not be on the level of Super Castlevania 4, the 3DS picks up the Virtual Console release of Milon's Secret Castle. Finally, we've got a pair of eShop promotions. Starting tomorrow and running until November 7, you can snag Runner 2 for 33 percent off the usual price. And, from November 4 through November 11, you can get Shin Megami Tensei 4 for $10 off.
Wii U ups its value with two family-themed bundles in Japan
Nintendo is targeting families with two value-driven Wii U bundles in Japan, as it looks to give the console a welcome boost alongside its winter software line-up. The pair, launching on October 31, both include the 32GB Wii U (black or white), New Super Mario Bros. U, and Wii Party U. The pricier bundle also chucks in Wii Fit U. The Wii Fit U-less bundle costs ¥32,800 (around $332), while the healthier option is ¥34,800 ($352) adding in the Wii Fit U meter along with the game, but no Balance Board. There are the typical Premium extras of a Wii Remote, sensor bar, and 30 day membership to Wii Karaoke U in both sets. Japan's new options represent a significant value improvement on the original premium Wii U set, priced at ¥31,500 ($319) without any games included. The Japanese bundles follow Nintendo doling out a $50 price cut to the Deluxe set in North America, alongside the launch of a Wind Waker HD bundle.
New Japanese Wii U bundles include three games, a Wiimote and even a karaoke subscription
Nintendo fans in Japan have just been offered the motherload of Wii U bundles: two packages that include as many as three games, an extra controller and a subscription to a karaoke service. Both bundles come with either a white or black 32GB console, a matching Wii Remote Plus, 30 days of Nintendo x Joysound Wii Karaoke U service and digital copies of New Super Mario Bros U and Wii Party U. The lower-end package snags all of the above for a cool 32,800 yen (about $332), but an extra 2,000 yen (roughly $20) adds a copy of Wii Fit U and a Fit Meter -- although it looks like the requisite balance board will be sold separately. Considering that a standard Wii U Deluxe system now sells for $300, these bundles seem like solid deals. There's no word if a similar compilation is being prepared for international markets, but at least we have the limited-edition Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker HD bundle to comfort us.
Wii Fit U available November 1 as download, December 13 as package
Nintendo announced today that Wii Fit U will be available as a free download through the Wii U console beginning November 1. Consumers have one month to demo the full product, which utilizes the Wii Balance Board, and, if they decide they like it, they can keep it with the purchase of a Fit Meter. As Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata explained in a Wii Fit U Direct this morning (everybody gets a Direct nowadays), the Fit Meter is more than a pedometer. It is described as an activity meter, not only recording steps, but the intensity of activity and even elevation. The Fit Meter is priced at $20 and will also be available November 1. Once the unit is synced with Wii Fit U, living room athletes will have access to it forever. Wii Fit U will also be available at retail in a "package" beginning December 13, and as a full game download through the eShop on February 1, 2014.
Nintendo outs release dates for Super Mario 3D World, DK Tropical Freeze
Nintendo has detailed its fourth-quarter software lineup for the Wii U, revealing that multiple high-profile games are slated to launch in the months leading up to the holiday season. The Wii Remote Plus-bundled minigame compilation Wii Party U will launch on October 25, while Nintendo's multiplayer platformer Super Mario 3D World will premiere on November 22. The Donkey Kong Country Returns sequel Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze will debut December 6. Two additional games, Wii Fit U and Mario & Sonic at the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games, are scheduled to launch "this holiday season." Nintendo notes that further details regarding both games will be released at a later date. Nintendo additionally revealed its launch plans for The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD, announcing that a digital download will arrive in September, ahead of a planned October retail release.
Wii Fit U delayed to December
Wii Fit U, the latest entry in Nintendo's fitness series, has stumbled on the old jogging trail. Originally slated for the first half of 2013, the game will now be released in December. The news comes courtesy of Nintendo president Satoru Iwata in the company's E3 Nintendo Direct presentation. As announced at last year's E3, the game will incorporate a special pedometer called the Fit Meter.
Wii Fit U out in the first half of 2013
Wii Fit U will launch in the first half of 2013, complete with that electronic pedometer announced at E3, the Fit Meter.Take a gander at the cool green tones of the Fit Meter above and try to remember it's not a Tamagotchi. Or, if it is, you're the creature that you have to keep healthy and happy. How cute.
