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Retail Radar: Wii Fit membership dues detailed?

Game retailer site unofficially prices Nintendo's aerobics simulator at $70, dated for January '08 release.

Closing out Nintendo's E3 Media and Business Summit press conference, Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime unveiled the latest Nintendo creation, designed with Shigeru Miyamoto's wife explicitly in mind. Titled Wii Fit, the aerobics simulator uses a specially designed accessory known as a Balance Board to assess players' physical conditions and then create an interactive work-out program suitable to their needs.

Today, the ever-vigilant retail radar detected a Wii-sized blip that may indicate membership fees for Nintendo's upcoming fitness club. A listing on GameStop's online site claims Wii Fit will sell for $69.99 and ship January 1, 2008 (the latter likely being a placeholder date). As the listing weighs in at a full $20 higher than a Wii game's typical bill of fare, it seems likely that the Balance Board peripheral will come packed in. Nintendo was unavailable for comment as of press time.

Wii Fit is Nintendo's latest attempt at invading living rooms and breaking down the walls separating gamers and nongamers. It features four exercise types: aerobics, muscle conditioning, yoga, and balance activities. Exercises from each of these categories play out as series of quirky minigames where players must complete a challenge within a given amount of time. The game will also feature various stretching exercises.

Please note, while retailer listings frequently jump the gun on publishers' product announcements, they should not be taken as final confirmation of a game's existence; nor should the absence of a listing be considered as proof that a game isn't coming to a given platform.

154 Comments

  • KittyKatLaura12

    Posted Aug 23, 2007 4:39 am GMT

    There's a happy medium between playing outside and exercising inside. In the winter or when it rains, normal people like to stay in, and why spend most of the winter sitting around (unless you're a skier), when you can spend some time exercising? Also, you get things in this game like yoga classes, something that you would have to pay a membership to a gym for. Isn't it great for busy adults to not have to run out to the gym, but instead to be able to exercise by playing with their family? Not to mention the gym membership fees one would save in the long run by buying this game (as long as they kept playing of course).

  • Gaticus

    Posted Jul 23, 2007 11:48 am GMT

    the real games are coming out this fall and winter

  • jsrock_on54

    Posted Jul 23, 2007 11:16 am GMT

    i think the next SSX or Tony Hawk will take advantage of this unit.

  • EnderofGames

    Posted Jul 19, 2007 10:31 pm GMT

    ...Not that you could use WiiFit without one. They aren't dumb. Of course it's in the pack. And don't you love the automatic statement at the bottom? Like WiiFit is going to come out on a different platform.

    And Hawk456, the gamecube pads could probably be used instead of new ones, so I wouldn't worry about dance pads.

  • Hawk456

    Posted Jul 19, 2007 2:46 pm GMT

    Hopefully Nintendo calms down on the peripherals... Wii-mote, nunchuck, classic controller, gamecube controller, Balance Board, Wii Zapper... I'm sure there will be a DDR pad... that's enough Nintendo, I'm cutting you off.

  • Hawk456

    Posted Jul 19, 2007 2:41 pm GMT

    For $80, I think it's a safe assumtion that the board is included... didn't Reggie mention something about Wii Fit and the Board being included together at E3? I saw the picture of a guy doing push-ups on it. Seems like a nice addition.

  • ChAlDo205

    Posted Jul 19, 2007 2:03 pm GMT

    lamprey263, what if you wanted to get a exercise inside, or just to show it off???

  • interpolred

    Posted Jul 19, 2007 1:19 pm GMT

    I like this. It seems interesting. Really looking forward to more details. And I wonder what other kinds of games will be released to work with the Balance Board.

  • lamprey263

    Posted Jul 19, 2007 12:45 pm GMT

    Why not just go running?

  • metaldeath87

    Posted Jul 19, 2007 12:08 pm GMT

    chakan2: Yes, I remember the power pad. That was a completely different time and place with completely different technology. You really can't compare the two. It's like comparing the Wii Remote to the Power Glove.

  • joeyfine

    Posted Jul 19, 2007 11:38 am GMT

    heres a great idea... its called working out... instead of being in front of your tv you should go to the gym or just go run outside. are we soo lazy as Americans we cant do a little work without the tv being involved. come on now people! get outside and enjoy life!. this will be fun for your kids for 30 minutes. then hopefully someone will call them to go play outside! GO OUTSIDE!!!

  • generalish

    Posted Jul 19, 2007 11:36 am GMT

    what ever happen to people going outside to get exercise, but this is an interesting idea. I'm sure Xbox or Playstation will rip off its success in a couple years.

  • walkerctranger

    Posted Jul 19, 2007 11:29 am GMT

    i want it cause its new and different and looks really cool, the other two systems, all the put out are freakin first person shooters and im getting SOOOO sick of it.

  • Kcube

    Posted Jul 19, 2007 11:20 am GMT

    Wii Fit is going to move a TON of systems.
    Wii Fit IMO is a great move by Nintendo

  • chakan2

    Posted Jul 19, 2007 10:51 am GMT

    I must be really old. Do none of you remember the smashing success the power pad was. (I think Nintendo sold a whopping 23). I think this will probably go the same route. But note this as well...a lot of the crowd that's picking up Wii's right now aren't traditional gamers. When I see mom and dad playing bowling there's definitely something different with this console. So maybe Nintendo has better timing this time around. With that said...I'll probably pick this up. I'm fat and lazy and want to get into shape.

  • Panzer88mm

    Posted Jul 19, 2007 7:07 am GMT

    I hope Nintendo does well but I fear their trying to be the conscious of the game world and I hope that dosn't back fire.

  • vince956

    Posted Jul 19, 2007 6:30 am GMT

    ANYONE THAT DOES NOT FIND THIS COOL, IS A LAZY FAT PERSON THAT LIKES TO PLAY GAMES AND EAT AT THE SAME TIME. WELL SINCE I SPEND ALOT OF TIME AT THE GYM, MYBE I'LL PICK THIS UP TO BURN OUT. LATERS GIRLY MANS...LOL

  • boobush

    Posted Jul 19, 2007 6:08 am GMT

    For all who diss it, if Sony had develop it, you would be happy, but since they didn't you're hating. Instead of trying to get people mad, you should just see it as indiferent.

  • Smogtoe

    Posted Jul 19, 2007 4:23 am GMT

    Either way for all the trolls, and skeptics.....you should all be commending Nintendo for making an effort to think about peoples health. And yes I do understand that they are a business, and are trying to make money. At least they are trying to offer something for consumers that could be of good service. Some games are going to be crap, but personally I'm impressed that Nintendo is thinking outside the normal spectrum to bring different ideas to the table. Wii Fit....come on bring it....I'll buy it! Because I know that this is just the beginning of a new technology which is going to be used for later games. And if not oh well....at least I tried it. I spend 70 a month for cellular service, and truthfully all that really does is give people the chance to keep tabs on me. Could live without it....for real. People were ranting on the idea of the Wii concept when it was introduced and then Nintendo opened up a can of "Shut the hell up!" with sales numbers.....so rant or bash all you want peeps! The proofs in the pudding! Won't make a bit of difference.....just wasting your energy!

  • cybolt

    Posted Jul 19, 2007 4:00 am GMT

    sieg6529
    "maybe GS needs to start dumbing down its articles so the teeming and uneducated masses here may read and understand them. So many of these comments seem to be based on an incorrect or incomplete reading of the article. "

    -True, the article is pretty obvious to what it refers to; however recently gamespot have (on a few recent occasions) used article headings which imply things that simply have no basis. greengoblin2099
    "what makes you think a game that will get dumped after 3-6 months will make people fit with no hard work??" -No-one said there was no hard work involved with exercise..... People got fit before gyms existed you know! Hell, if we stop using cars we will all be immensely fit! In the past I used something called yourself fitness - an exercise game on pc/xbox that sculpts workouts for you based upon your current abilities and frame - this seems a similar thing except with input! -It's a new idea, and has potential both for a new method of control in games and as a method of working out. -70$ will probably be about £45-50 here in the UK. Including hardware that isn't such a bad deal! wii play was £30 here including a controller. The balance board appears to be sturdier yet still sensitive enough to warrant higher costs.

  • Albi4ever

    Posted Jul 18, 2007 11:35 pm GMT

    $70 for the board and the game? sweet. sign me up. looks like fun. and no, its not "working out " - but its something that looks freaking awesome and new and different.

    slaying trolls and shooting cops does get old after a while, doesn't it folks?

  • pencilpusher69

    Posted Jul 18, 2007 9:39 pm GMT

    GreenGoblin2099 "@pencilpusher69: Give me a year after it gets released and I'll do it... Remember no pain no gain. I spent almost half a year at the gym to really show some progress, but that meant real hard workout, cardio and all the stuff that really matters, so what makes you think a game that will get dumped after 3-6 months will make people fit with no hard work??"

    So basically, no, you can't back up what you said.

    Since people have been losing weight with Wii sports over 1-3 months, I guess you should really just stay out of the arguement arena.

  • GreenGoblin2099

    Posted Jul 18, 2007 9:34 pm GMT

    @pencilpusher69: Give me a year after it gets released and I'll do it... Remember no pain no gain. I spent almost half a year at the gym to really show some progress, but that meant real hard workout, cardio and all the stuff that really matters, so what makes you think a game that will get dumped after 3-6 months will make people fit with no hard work??

  • pencilpusher69

    Posted Jul 18, 2007 8:55 pm GMT

    GreenGoblin2099 "Fatties you better go to a gym instead of buying this "game" as it won't help you at all, and a gym will. Nintendo: stop fooling people."

    Prove it.

    Or shut it.

  • Tranceplant

    Posted Jul 18, 2007 5:43 pm GMT

    Maybe you're better off with a real subscription with a real gym. Results are more guaranteed. Plus you can look at the hot chicks.

  • lamprey263

    Posted Jul 18, 2007 5:25 pm GMT

    Use your Wii for a workout? Why not just spend a $1 to download "Eye of the Tiger" so you can start your own workout mantage, like in Rocky III. Look at Stallone, he's rippling with muscles in that film.

  • rockstar_88

    Posted Jul 18, 2007 5:05 pm GMT

    I hope it has a drill sergeant Mii yelling at you if you cant perform a push-up. Now THAT'S innovative.

  • glhx1rush

    Posted Jul 18, 2007 5:01 pm GMT

    Hmmm, $70.......title of the "game" better have the words Elder Scrolls or Duke Nukem in it........If I want to get exercise, I can chase Heroin addicts down the street with my AR-15

  • Kar3

    Posted Jul 18, 2007 4:53 pm GMT

    fiercedeity901 brings up a good point. it would be great for advertising on jan. 1st. but the whole idea of wii fit seems like an unusual tatic. although nintendo has been known to surprise us but it seems like this game isnt going to attract a lot of people. also i really think nintendo wouldnt sell it for $70 then that game wouldnt denfinately get nowhere. the highesti think it would get would probably be $60 but i dont know.

  • Ryuku

    Posted Jul 18, 2007 4:30 pm GMT

    i rather go to the gym ..

  • ghettocheeze

    Posted Jul 18, 2007 2:10 pm GMT

    No thank you I will get a membership at my local gym for that kind of my money even if it's only only for a few months. I will get much more "fitness" and "exercise" from the gym than I would playing WiiFitness for a lifetime.

  • fiercedeity901

    Posted Jul 18, 2007 1:39 pm GMT

    ahhh...january 1 huh...that's genius on nintendo's part, there's alot of people around the world that always have some kind of resolution to get fit for new years...and so this would be great advertisment and such

    nintendo=GENIUS

  • Unkoil666

    Posted Jul 18, 2007 1:20 pm GMT

    How is Nintendo "fooling" people? Unless you're a complete and utter moron, you can tell from the name "WiiFit" that this isn't a game. Nintendo never said it WAS. They said "WiiFit" will contain different ACTIVITIES and each activity will contain "minigames" pertaining to them. READ!

  • GreenGoblin2099 posted Jul 18, 2007 1:04 pm GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    GreenGoblin2099

    Posted Jul 18, 2007 1:04 pm GMT (hide)

    Fatties you better go to a gym instead of buying this "game" as it won't help you at all, and a gym will. Nintendo: stop fooling people.

  • funky_muzic

    Posted Jul 18, 2007 1:02 pm GMT

    Hey, Unkoil666, I agree with you about the balance board. Wii Fit will probably be a cool "game", but there are so many more possibilities for new games and new controls. Fortunately, since this is Nintendo we're talking about, we don't have to worry about the "sorry-ass, port-making developers" utilizing the board (at first). I'm sure the big N itself has some fun games in the works!

  • sieg6529

    Posted Jul 18, 2007 12:58 pm GMT

    maybe GS needs to start dumbing down its articles so the teeming and uneducated masses here may read and understand them. So many of these comments seem to be based on an incorrect or incomplete reading of the article.

  • Unkoil666

    Posted Jul 18, 2007 12:40 pm GMT

    Tricks would be simple. First the board would be turned sideways so that it better resembles a board. There are at least four different areas on the board which measure the amount of pressure that is placed in each area. If you've ever riden a skateboard or snowboard you would know that its all based on weight and pressure. To carve in a snowboard game or turn in a skate game, all you would do is lean in the specified direction. To ollie or jump, make the real motion. Meaning lift your front foot, while bringin it back down to the BB (Balance Board), lift your back foot. Kind of like a quick hop. Not hard. To perform other tricks, you would mimick real-life tricks. To kickflip, do the ollie motion mentioned above but bring your front foot back down on the BB on the front left pressure pad. The same would apply for other tricks, ollie, then perform different foot placement combinations for various tricks. Not that hard.

    RaiKageRyu, are you a game designer? Simple question since you seem to be an all knowing, king-sh*t tech guru. Lay it on me, what CAN the Board do and what can it NOT do? Inquiring Minds want to know!

  • reactionsok

    Posted Jul 18, 2007 12:37 pm GMT

    any announcements for the Kamasutra game coming out for wii fit? :dunno:

  • blkkidwitagun

    Posted Jul 18, 2007 12:36 pm GMT

    there isn't a monthly fee for the game. He's making the game seem like a gym and how you have to pay a fee for the gym. If you don't understand that then you shouldn't even be playing video games and should be retaking English class instead.

  • fauljosh

    Posted Jul 18, 2007 12:20 pm GMT

    There's no monthly fee people! The writers at Gamespot try to be "creative" in their writing which is why they use terms like "Mario Factory" which is unbelievably stupid. This is just a case of Tom trying to be creative but instead he's confusing everyone.

  • maxglazer

    Posted Jul 18, 2007 11:40 am GMT

    It's also funny how you people think 70 dollars is a lot of money for something that includes a fun game and the balance board with lots of technology. And you people would still pick guitar hero with a simple guitar controller for 90 dollars...

    The game will be like buying a new 360 or PS3 game...just ten dollars more..

    And it actually HELPS YOU!!!!

  • maxglazer

    Posted Jul 18, 2007 11:33 am GMT

    This will be very helpful for exercise and other games that involve balance such as skateboarding or snowboarding games. The wii balance board seems to have amazing technology and potential to me. And reguarding the "tricks" for snowboarding and skateboarding games...who says the balance board is a controller..you could always use a remote or remote w/ nunchuck to do moves as well as be on the board..

  • tastycasey27

    Posted Jul 18, 2007 11:22 am GMT

    RaiKageRyu , how would u no.

  • tastycasey27

    Posted Jul 18, 2007 11:19 am GMT

    ghsacidman ,, ERRM you have it wrong there, it isnt just a pressure pad it can detect tilt as in the hands on gamespot posted on the site, there is a ball rolling mimi game that u tilt your body to move the ball around, a bit like monkey ball i supose. so it could be used for snowboarding but im not shore about special moves though, maybe use the wiiremote as wel. it even detects if you are bending down so it would be good for games like that to pick up speed.

  • RaiKageRyu

    Posted Jul 18, 2007 11:17 am GMT

    People who think this has endless potential for creativity in games are just stupid. They know nothing about technology. The balance board can't do much that is practical.

  • JAREDJR

    Posted Jul 18, 2007 11:16 am GMT

    I'll still buy it, simply because I am a hardcore gamer, and I want to try out this new tech from Nintendo and give it a chance. On a side note: Isn't it funny how Shiggy had his wife in mind when creating the game? It kinda makes it sound like his wife is overweight. Haha. She likely isn't but you know.

  • acole84

    Posted Jul 18, 2007 11:05 am GMT

    @ghsacidman

    The article title stating dues is refering to the product price, not a monthly fee. Most likely Nintendo is just going to charge the $70 and that's it. You have to pay your $70 "dues" to join the "club".

  • ghsacidman

    Posted Jul 18, 2007 11:01 am GMT

    So, here's the thing... The balance board won't work for snowboarding games... How would you do tricks when all it senses is pressure... not angles like the board controls at arcades. Second of all... I would love to use Wii fit, seeing as I'm a fat guy and will only exercise if I enjoy it. But, a monthly fee? I'm not paying that... I already have a monthly WarCraft bill and soon a Pirates of the Burning Sea bill, I'd rather play my MMOs then pay the price to loose wieght. Instead, they should just charge $80 TO $100 a unit. That I'm willing to pay because it's a one time thing.

  • PICHASJAVIER04

    Posted Jul 18, 2007 10:26 am GMT

    i think nintendo will start workin on a new 1080 game that game was pretty good back on the 64 now imagine it on the wii!!!

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