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Wii Warm Up: On board?
Wii Fit is now out in the three major regions, which means it's time for us to ask: are you (literally) on board? Some folks we know are waiting for shipped preorders to arrive, so they're not yet Balance Board owners. Others are happily hoopin' it up ... and others have shunned the release, claiming disinterest in a fitness nongame. How about you?%Gallery-4745%
Nutrition prof: Wii Fit is 'misleading'
Have you rushed out to pick up your copy of Wii Fit yet? You have? Excellent! Here's who hasn't: Dr. Judith Stern, professor of Nutrition and Internal Medicine at the University of California. Dr. Stern isn't the biggest Wii Fit fan, and has criticized the game for being "false and misleading.""I don't see anything that shows me that BMI will change, and I really think it's false and misleading," opined the good doctor, who believes that using BMI as an index to fitness is a mistake. "When you are physically fit, you tend to replace fat with muscle, and your BMI probably won't change," she adds. That appears to be a pretty valid point (and heck, we're not about to start arguing with an expert on nutrition, especially considering we attribute most scientific occurrences to witchcraft) but has anybody at Nintendo explicitly promised Wii Fit will bring about improved fitness or a lower BMI? Well, we know Shigeru Miyamoto didn't.%Gallery-4745%[Via Go Nintendo]
Metareview: Wii Fit
Excluding those who went over to the Nintendo World Store on Monday, today is the first day that U.S. gamers can purchase Wii Fit for themselves. It's clear that Nintendo's fitness game is going to sell like hotcakes, but is it worth fighting through crowds and waiting on lines in order to pick one up? Here's what the critics have to say:IGN (80/100) thinks that Wii Fit isn't a perfect workout tool, but was ultimately impressed by the title: "To its credit, the device is no joke. It very accurately measures your every subtle movement and momentum nuance as you step and shift to and from on the Balance Board. It's much more accurate than the WIi remote and it independently analyzes the input from your left and right foot, compiling the data into something meaningful and potentially encouraging within the context of the challenges, whether you're doing yoga poses, push-ups, or partaking in a host of mini-games created specifically for the device.1UP (83/100) thought the game offered a good workout, but didn't necessarily make exercising fun: "A couple of days into the game's workout regimen, I didn't want to keep playing -- it is exercise, after all. But I persevered, and eventually I improved at the minigames, felt physically challenged on some exercises, and generally felt better after racking up 15 or 30 minutes a day of Wii fitness. But I never really wanted to play. Which, I suppose, is the rule of exercise -- it's exhausting, but keep it up, and you'll feel great at all other times of the day. That's mostly how Wii Fit is."GameDaily (80/100) was somewhat bothered by the fact that Wii Fit isn't multiplayer friendly: "The most noticeable omission is serious multiplayer or a party mode. Like DDR or Wii Sports, it's actually fun to watch other people play and would be great to be able to switch off trying out different activities without having to retreat to the Wii Fit main menu and load a new profile. Furthermore, the fact that games only accommodate one balance board at a time seems almost anti-Nintendo. Isn't this supposed to appeal to the whole family?"%Gallery-4745%
Amazon sells out of Wii Fit preorders
For those of you who did not preorder Wii Fit and think it won't be a problem picking the bundle up on release date through walk-in at your local retail spot, know this: Amazon has cleared through their entire preorder stock in less than a month. It comes out to about 2.5 units sold every minute, according to an Amazon representative that spoke with Joystiq.It looks like the grim picture painted by Michael Pachter is coming true. Wii Fit fever has caught on, thanks in part to the software and Balance Board, as well as the mainstream media coverage and marketing push from Nintendo. Our advice? If you haven't planned on how you're going to get Wii Fit by now, there's a good chance you won't be able to nab one on release day.%Gallery-4745%[Via Joystiq]
Get fit with Wii at Westin Hotels
It seems like you can find a Wii everywhere (besides a retail shelf) nowadays. Whether you're on a cruise, at a hotel or even at the amusement park, you just can't escape the little system that could.And now, the business travelers and other folks that find themselves staying at a Westin Hotel can also enjoy Wii (complete with Wii Fit) inside the confines of the Westin's workout room. So whether you're down for some Wii Sports: Bowling or simply want to have a nice, peaceful stretch with Wii Fit, you won't have to be away from your beloved console when on the road. %Gallery-4745%[Via Joystiq]
WRUP: Let's get fit edition
This week's releases are full of titles aimed at making you a healthier human being. We can get behind that, because being healthy is a pretty important thing in life. And, of course, there's also Iron Man.Any of our faithful readers looking to cleanse their body and soul and go for a healthier you? Or, are you already knee-deep in another game, like The World Ends with You? What will you be playing to get you through this weekend? What are you Playing? is a weekly feature where we ask what it is that you're, well ... playing! Every Friday, look for a new topic and a new chance to converse with the community about what games you're enjoying and which games are disappointing. So tell us already!
Seiko Slimstick keeps tabs on your exercise routines
While there's a smattering of products out there meant to log your running miles, Seiko's looking out for those who'd rather do a few sit-ups or handle some heavy lifting rather than placing a beating on their knees. The adequately minuscule Slimstick (15-grams; 2- x 6.4- x 0.89-centimeters in size) is meant to reside in the pocket of a given exerciser and track calories burned along with an "overall workout value," which can be benchmarked against one's goal. To do so, it packs a dual-axis accelerometer and a decent amount of fairy dust, and yes, it promises to do all the things your paltry (or lazy, as it were) pedometer simply won't. Your next fitness buddy is available now for just ¥5,775 ($55), or ¥6,980 ($67) with a presumably supreme "strap set."[Via technabob]
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%
Nike+ SportBand gets reviewed
For those breaking into a sweat trying to decide whether or not the Nike+ SportBand is really worth your hard earned dollars / euros / pounds / Schrutebucks, simmer on down. The runners over at the Stuff offices have snapped one up and tossed out their two pence. Summarized as a "Nike+iPod system without music," the unit was given fairly high marks all around. It was noted that calibration was highly recommended before taking on the London Marathon, but that setup was a real lesson in simplicity. Design wise, most everything was kosher save for the detachable face (Link USB drive) that may not fit perfectly in slim laptops sitting flush on a table and the non-backlit display that proved difficult to see at night. Believe it or not, critics still found the SportBand to be a joy to use despite the aforesaid quirks, but given the drawbacks, we'd certainly recommend trying out a pal's before throwing down for your own.
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%
Nintendo confirms: May-bound Wii Fit priced at $89.99
Nothing like a little reassurance on tax day, right? We already knew that GameStop was gearing up to offer Nintendo's Wii Fit for $89.99, but now the Big N has stepped in to affirm said price point. Beginning on May 19th here in the US, Wii Fit, along with the bundled Wii Balance Board, will be sold together for a penny under $90. And for those located near New York City, you can score a sweat rag, er, Wii Fit t-shirt if you're one of the first 1,000 to lay down a $5 deposit at the Nintendo World store between April 18 - 20. Bonus points if you run there, we swear.[Via Joystiq]
Nike+ SportBand purchased early, unboxed for all to see
Nah, it's not April 10th just yet (in most of the world, at least), but one particular bloke managed to score one of Nike's new SportBands at a London marathon exhibition today. The going rate on that side of the pond was £40 ($78), but we wouldn't mind that dreadful exchange rate too much if you're curious about eventual US pricing. Nevertheless, feel free to tap the read link to peep the unit fresh out of its packaging, but be forewarned, there aren't any surprises.[Thanks, Terry]
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%
Nike+ SportBand, Coach gets official
Right on cue, Nike's making things official with its oft-rumored (and still unpriced) Nike+ SportBand and even had the time to toss in details about Nike+ Coach, too. The band, which opens up features at the NikePlus website along with enabling runners to check out distance, pace, time and calories burned, is indeed marketed as a standalone device for those who'd prefer not to have a DAP flanking their arm when exercising. Moreover, the outfit's online Nike+ Coach system will allow runners to have the information they need to appropriately train for long distance events or achieve customized goals. Get those kicks cleaned up prior to April 10th -- after all, that's the day you'll be sprinting out to pick this thing up, right? %Gallery-19670%
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!]
Nike's SportBand ready for April launch?
Make of it what you will, but Germany's own Mac Life has apparently grabbed hold of a few more details concerning that SportBand we saw sashay into the FCC's database late last month. Reportedly, the unit isn't meant to replace the Nike+iPod system; rather, it's an alternative for runners who'd prefer not to have earbuds in and a DAP on their person when logging their treks. As expected, time, speed, distance and calories will all be tracked, and each run can be captured and stored on the outfit's website after you thumb a ride back home. We're told to expect said device in April for €59.95 ($93), but only time will tell if that's an accurate assertion (and true worldwide).[Thanks, Susanne]
Nike's SportBand passes FCC, bypasses Apple
Well what do you know, the Nike+ product line continues to evolve. This time, however, Apple's iPod appears to be out of the picture. Based on that illustration above, the 2.62 x 2.62-inch Nike+ SportBand device wedges its way into a bracelet where it communicates with the standard Nike+ shoe adapter. You then insert the USB device into your PC or Mac (presumably) to track your runs. Be sure to peep the actual device in the gallery -- looks like the FCC managed to bust the SportBand's USB connector during their tests. That doesn't bode well for final product now does it?%Gallery-16588%
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.
Wii Warm Up: Will you get fit?
We're getting closer to "early 2008," which means it's almost time for Wii Fit. Are you squirreling money away for the fitness program and balance board, or are you waiting? Time has dulled our excitement a little; after all, we've had a few months to get used to the idea, though once it gets closer to release, we may perk up again and start bouncing on our toes (or balancing, in preparation). Are you similarly on the fence, or have you made up your mind one way or another?I personally think it may be a fun (and quiet) way to help shed that baby weight in the coming months, but since I can't see my feet at the moment, we'll have to see how things go when we get there!
