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Miyamoto thinks Wii Fit could change family life
At first, we weren't going to post about Shigeru Miyamoto's Wii Fit interview with The Times, as it seemed fairly unremarkable. There are the usual platitudes from Shiggy about reaching out to all ages, and some tiresome examples of how mainstream press outlets still expertly patronize gamers (according to the article, the games industry "has long been the preserve of obsessive, nerdy teenagers, mostly called Alan"), but there's actually some interesting parts there also, tucked away amongst the fluff.For starters, it appears that Miyamoto is an absolute hard ass when it comes to parenting. Well, not really, but the Nintendo legend does reveal that he's always nagging his kids to get off of their backsides and go outside when the weather is good. And this guy is trying to sell videogames?More intriguingly still, the Nintendo legend speaks about how he hopes Wii Fit will have an impact on family life. As Miyamoto puts it: "In Japanese households, suddenly new conversations are springing up between fathers and mothers, fathers and daughters, talking about Wii Fit. We would love that to happen in Britain."Can you folks envisage a day when your family time is dominated by talk of your BMI and hula hoop personal bests?%Gallery-4745%[Via videogaming247]
Revealed: Why Mario isn't in Wii Fit
Had you described Wii Fit to us three years ago, we'd have gambled our entire gashapon collection on Mario, a man with a quite ridiculous number of pastimes, being on the front of the box. A title such as, ooh, we don't know, "Mario Workout" wouldn't have been out of the question. Not any more, though -- not in the age of the expanded audience. Nowadays, Mario doesn't have a divine right to appear in every vaguely sporty Nintendo game.And we're glad about that. Not only do we totally dig Wii Fit's sleek, minimalistic look, but Mario is already in enough stuff, and even Mario's daddy, Shigeru Miyamoto, agrees with us (great minds and all that). As Shiggy explained to MTV's Stephen Totilo: "We wanted to create it so that people of all ages could look at it and feel it was for them. I think [including Mario] might have limited its ability." So including Mario might limit the appeal of something? How novel!%Gallery-4745%
Wii Warm Up: The price of fitness
We were thinking about the confirmation yesterday that Wii Fit would be setting you back $90. That's a pretty hefty sum, if you ask us. Is it too hefty for you all, though? We've made a poll here for you to weigh in.%Poll-12789%%Gallery-4745%
Amazon opens preorders for Wii Fit
Following today's confirmation that the path to a more fit and healthy you with Nintendo's Wii Fit will cost you the hefty sum of $90 comes news that Amazon has opened up preorders for the bundle. When? Like, right now. So for those of you who find the idea of parting with such a large amount of money irrelevant compared to the exercise the title will offer, then you might want to head on over and check out the page on Amazon. If you don't want to get it there, let us know where you plan on picking it up!%Gallery-4745%[Thanks, Justin!]
It's pricey to be Wii Fit
Nintendo just sent us a press release confirming our darkest fears: Wii Fit is going to cost almost 1/3rd the price of a Wii at $90. Ouch, our wallets!Of course, we all pretty much knew this was coming, but it's one thing to think something and another to have it told to you. That sound you hear? It's our wallets breathing a sigh of relief, for they know that us lowly bloggers cannot afford such a costly package.With the bundle costing so much, we wonder if it'll do as well as some think it will?%Gallery-4745%
Wii Fit preorders through the roof in Britain
Having already whipped Japanese consumers into lean, mean killing spending machines, Wii Fit debuts in the west later this month, when it hits Europe on April 25th. And, unsurprisingly enough, its impact is already being felt in the region, with Jersey-based UK retailer Play.com reporting that it sold through its entire allocation of preorders for the game in just one day, a company record."Wii Fit is going to be huge. Let's hope that we can keep up with demand." panted Play.com head of games Gian Luzo as he waded through his home, waist-deep in banknotes, before subtly hinting: "We are expecting more stock before launch." You've been warned, Brits: if you want the wobbly slab from day one, get those preorders in, pronto.%Gallery-4745%
Fresh bombardment of Wii Fit screens
Nintendo has released a comprehensive selection of 43 new Wii Fit screens, covering everything from aerobic workouts to breathing exercises to, well, pretty much every other mode and game that's available.We suspect this may yet keep us entertained for quite a while, but one thing's for sure: we'll never be seeing the above screen in person. With that said, if we're good and cut down our tiramisu and Coke intake, we just might get to within twenty years of that. It's a big "if," however.%Gallery-4745%[Via press release]
Pachter says 3-4 million for Wii Fit in 2008
Apparently, there's a lot of folks out there looking to tone up their life with Wii Fit. That's what Michael Pachter thinks, as he predicts a whopping 3-4 million copies of Wii Fit being sold in this year alone. That's a $90 package that he expects between 3 and 4 million folks to buy. Wow."Wii Fit will sell 3 million to 4 million in the US if they market aggressively," Pachter said. Well, if Pachter read Wii Fanboy, he'd know that they are putting a lot into their marketing of the game. And, if Pachter's lack of reading game blogs are any indication, the man is woefully under-prepared to make any kind of prediction.%Gallery-4745%[Via Gamespot]
Exercise your Japanese with Wii Fit translation guide
If you happen to be one of the five people (okay, okay, ten) outside of Japan with a Japanese copy of Wii Fit and no idea how to read the language, then you're covered -- Charles Rodmell of NTSC UK has whipped up a handy translation guide for all the clueless importers out there. From syncing your Balance Board to figuring out how to get your yoga on, this guide has it all. We're not really sure how many people (outside of reviewers) imported Wii Fit, but if you did, we salute you ... and want to know how much you paid in shipping.%Gallery-4745%[Via GoNintendo]
Wii Warm Up: Wii Fit Challenge
Will you be taking the Wii Fit Challenge when the exergaming title hits here? These folks are, and they want you to join in. They'll be spending three months with the software and balance board, tracking their progress, and competing against one another ... and anyone else who signs up.But you don't have to be all officialized to challenge yourself. Do you have any goals? Anything from a few moments of relaxation to weight loss seems possible to the dedicated balance boarder. Let's hear your plans! This blogger will be picking up the package, but without any real goals in mind -- rather, just to see what's possible as a supplement to the current postpartum exercise regimen. [Thanks, Brett!]
Coolly energetic Wii Fit videos to whet your exergaming appetite
If there's one thing we're not lacking, it's Wii Fit videos. From demos to clips of perfect, expressionless trainers getting their exercise on, we're swimming in footage of other people trying out the Balance Board -- and now there are four new videos available for your viewing pleasure. This time, it's a bunch of seemingly regular Japanese folk (who happen to have enormous living spaces, on the Japanese scale) shuffling their furniture and laying down mats to test out Nintendo's latest foray into exergaming. We're starting to think that, with all these videos, we could grab some foam and a few tennis balls and start working out now.
U.S. boxart for Wii Fit celebrates diversity
The final package design for Nintendo's Wii Fit bundle (game and the Balance Board) does, in fact, feature diversity through not only the ethnic backgrounds of each individual on the cover, but also through their age, and even down to the different play styles one can enjoy Wii Fit with. It's a celebration of individuality and, also, a smart way to market a product. It just shows people, predominantly displayed as they participate in the activities the bundle offers. Nothing to read, nothing to think about, just a visual representation of what you're in for should you sign up. It's a good way to sell it to the mass-market crowd that the Wii has been such a success with.%Gallery-4745%[Via NeoGAF]
Friday Video: Stretch it out
We thought this nice, relaxing yoga video (which showcases Let's Yoga) might be a great way to start off the weekend. After all, it's been a long week. You're probably tired, and maybe a little stressed. Perhaps you're planning to go out this weekend. Maybe there will be some drama, or drinking, or hey, both. Maybe you'll play games until your arm or back cramps (damn you, Metroid Prime Hunters!). Maybe you just need a break. But we have to warn you: if you do any of the moves in this video without buying Let's Yoga, you are officially a yoga pirate. Konami's yoga trainer released last fall in Europe, and 1UP blogger onela has a great writeup here (and is the source of the video as well).
DS Fanboy Poll: Education vs. exercise, DS vs. Wii
First, the DS was popping up in schools all over the world, as a tool to get students excited about learning. Now Nintendo's latest is following suit, but in a different way: the Wii is being used to promote fitness and exercise as a tool for virtual P.E. Not only does this bode well for Nintendo's efforts in world domination, but it also adds an interesting dimension to the future of gaming as a whole. But it also opens up an interesting question for us Nintendo fans to consider. Which system will be more successful, worldwide, in schools? Will the DS do more to prop up education, or will the Wii help get kids moving? Of course, it must be mentioned that the DS can be used as an exercise tool as well. After all, it's important to know how to walk.%Poll-8741%
Wii Fit dated for North America, PAL regions
Since it was picked up by more than a million consumers in Japan, we have been impatiently waiting for news on Wii Fit's release Everywhere Else. Our dumbbells, caked in dust after our last workout in 1999, have been brought out of retirement, and the leotard has just arrived back from the cleaners. We are ready to become fine, chiselled specimens.Except ... we'll have to wait a bit first. Until either April (if you're in North America) or June (for those in a PAL region), to be precise. An April release date in North America is actually quite a pleasant surprise. Not only does it mean we can continue living our gluttonous lifestyles for at least another couple of months, but it's also a little sooner than we initially expected.
Canadian students compare Wii to traditional exercise
We've all worked up a sweat while playing the Wii, whether it be during sessions of WarioWare: Smooth Moves or Wii Sports (or any of the other numerous titles that ask you to get physical). We figured we were just unhealthy and that any normal person with any kind of regular physical activity in their life would just laugh as our doughy physique cried "mercy" after just minutes of throwing down in Wii Sports: Boxing.Canadian students from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia decided that they wanted to see how a workout with the Wii compares to more conventional exercises. These students could care less about scientific research apparently (or don't read Wii Fanboy, either of which being a crime against humanity), as took matters into their own hands and came up with an exercise scheme. Their conclusion, much like that of the scientists mentioned previously, was that although the Wii certainly did increase cardiovascular activity, it in no way was intense enough for them.Hopefully, whenever Wii Fit releases, the Wii will be a more viable solution for serious health nuts. Until that day, we'll just keep having fun with our low impact sessions of Wii Sports.[Thanks, gusto! Do you so happen to be an emcee?]
An avalanche of Wii Fit videos [update]
Game Informer put up a plethora of new videos, focusing on the many things one can do in the upcoming Wii Fit from Nintendo. Aside from the yoga and ski jumping going on, the title looks like it's going to have a lot of stuff to do. We're not sure it'll help us lose weight or be a more healthy person, but it's looking like we're going to at least have fun with the title. And, that's what's most important, after all.Hit up past the break for videos. And, take note: all of the videos automatically start up, so be prepared for that.
CNN explores the Wii as rehab
Considering the Wii has been on shelves for over a year, we wouldn't call this "breaking news," but mainstream media hasn't ever been all that informed about gaming. Still, it's nice to see the console being covered from an angle other than "video games turn your child into a psycho killer." That and a 30-minute session of Wii three times a week can really help in the physical recovery process. It really is a wonderful little system.See also: Video games more effective than medication for pain?[Via Go Nintendo]
Science community tackles Wii weight loss claims
Studies into how effective the Wii is for shedding pounds are not new. Earlier this year, one gamer committed himself to a six-week regime of playing Wii Sports for thirty minutes a day, and came out nine pounds lighter. Not only that, but you should spend a day here at the Wii Fanboy offices -- it's all well-oiled, rippling biceps, bulging pectorals, and washboard stomachs. Sort of.Anyway, the scientific community has finally followed suit, with two UK-based researchers testing exactly how much of a workout Wii users are getting, compared to Xbox 360 gamers. Using teenagers as their subjects, the pair discovered that playing on the Wii burnt off an extra 60 calories per hour than gaming on the Xbox 360. Their conclusion? That while the Wii certainly helps with weight loss, it probably isn't an ideal substitute for regular exercise, cruelly scuppering our plans to work off post-holiday season pounds with some lengthy Wii Tennis sessions. Their findings were published in the British Medical Journal, no less. Admittedly, these results tell us little that we didn't already know, thanks to the experiment we mentioned in the first paragraph. But now that the same process has been carried out by the white coats, rather than Some Dude on the internet, some may claim it has an extra layer of credibility.[Via BBC]
Wii Fit's yoga demonstrated by comfy person
WiiFolder's Josh Thomas is back again, playing Wii Fit on camera so we can all see what we're missing. And no, he still hasn't bothered to change out of his pajamas. Blogging in jammies is fairly standard procedure, but we think that, as a rule, videoblogging requires pants. It could just be that Josh required comfy, roomy pajama pants for optimal Wii Fit stretching, we guess. It could also be that we've spent too much time talking about this dude's britches and we should start talking about Wii Fit now. Basically, in Wii Fit's yoga program, you're required to hold one of 15 poses to a pretty severe degree of precision (indicated by a dot inside a circle) for 30 seconds. It looks really damn hard. We anticipate busting our faces on the Balance Board within hours. Or getting an awesome workout.[Via GoNintendo]
