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One million get Wii Fit

Nintendo's latest game for popular console scores big in Japan just over a month after its release.

While gamers in Europe and America will have to wait until an undisclosed time in 2008, Japan has already been getting Wii Fit.

The Nintendo Wii game, which was released in the region on December 1, has proved to be a smash hit--and has sold more than 1 million copies since its release date, reports Nikkei Net.

The Wii Fit game comes with the Wii Balance Board, which gamers stand on. Sensors then detect their movements and translate them into the games. Various types of exercises are available, including yoga, balancing, and calisthenics. Gamers can also use the board to calculate their BMI, as Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime demonstrated at last year's E3.

Wii Fit costs ¥8,800 ($81) in Japan, and includes a Wii Balance Board.

166 Comments

  • Great_Ragnarok

    Posted Feb 19, 2008 1:55 am GMT

    But man is Nintendo smart or what! they managed to manipulate their customers to buying a Weighing scale for 81$ jeez I just hope whoever buys that actually enjoys it.

  • Great_Ragnarok

    Posted Feb 19, 2008 1:46 am GMT

    81$ FOR THAT PIECE OF CRAP!!!!

  • mskittykat

    Posted Feb 17, 2008 6:18 am GMT

    @wiidominance - Exactly. As a matter of fact, there was an article out on Y!News the other day about how Physycal Therapy wards and retierment homes are using them to help their patients/residents.

    A lot of people out there simply don't find exercise fun, what better way to make a console to do just that - make it fun @ a reasonable price.

  • wiidominance

    Posted Feb 7, 2008 1:07 pm GMT

    what most people don't seem to get here is the fact that a lot of people are waiting for that initial spark to motivate them to get their butt up to do some exercise outdoors. Also, don't forget the fact that not all people can practice outside, or in gyms. So Wii fit can be a compromise of that, also, the fact that Wii Fit can actually be Fun !? believe it or not !

  • LordGavo

    Posted Feb 5, 2008 8:50 pm GMT

    Wow... that many people want to exercise on a video game console? Well, if it did that well in Japan, imagine America, where about 27-30% of the population is overweight/obese... Big Sales.
    Also, maybe this is just me... but gamer and fit = oxymoron
    Still, i might pick it up.

  • CBass_1975

    Posted Jan 24, 2008 9:38 am GMT

    It's a sad day in the world if you need this to attempt to get fit...not really exercising much here except your eyes. Get off your butts and go to a gym. This amount of excercise this is giving the body is the equivalent of a midget peeing on a forest fire. You can put a piece of wood in front of your tv and do push ups on that too..or just use the floor. Nice try nintendo...BTW I want my money back from that stupid ROB robot I bought in 1988..another useless peripheral.

  • westcoastwillam

    Posted Jan 13, 2008 6:03 pm GMT

    I will def pick that up

  • blarg_blarg

    Posted Jan 13, 2008 5:47 pm GMT

    Sounds interesting. I might get it. It makes excersize FUN!

  • GOkinaka

    Posted Jan 12, 2008 4:59 am GMT

    This definitely further promotes the Wii as the most family friendly console......

  • Setsa

    Posted Jan 11, 2008 2:19 pm GMT

    Wow... you've got to be kidding me... Yes it's good that people are getting exercise, but WiiFit is basically the same as a treadmill or weights.

  • Superion74

    Posted Jan 11, 2008 12:22 am GMT

    I wonder when it will be released here in the U.S.; I can't wait to get it. Japan always get the good stuff first.

  • painstation2

    Posted Jan 10, 2008 8:31 pm GMT

    Exercise is encouraged by Nintendo which isn't a bad thing.
    This obviously aims to a bigger stream of people who don't play games on a tv. It's pretty much fun for them, and casual/hardcore gamer if they'd like to be encouraged to exercise. So why is there a bunch of people disliking Nintendo, are you angry because they're not aiming in a competitive direction yet they're doing such an awesome job?

  • Kcube

    Posted Jan 10, 2008 3:53 pm GMT

    Jeesh green goblin... excercise isn't a bad thing

  • GreenGoblin2099 posted Jan 10, 2008 11:12 am GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    GreenGoblin2099

    Posted Jan 10, 2008 11:12 am GMT (hide)

    Ha!! To all the people saying that this "game" will help on the weight issues to everybody: C'mon!! if you will excercise just because Nintendo tells you to and because it's Nintendo it's fun... that just tells me that you're just a bunch of mindless lambs and how much a joke this Wii Fit is. "OMG!! I'm so excited, now I can workout at home" Give me a break. pff.

  • cadester12

    Posted Jan 10, 2008 9:15 am GMT

    rock on syrik22

  • syrik22

    Posted Jan 10, 2008 8:26 am GMT

    The Wii is awesome! For the first time in my life I have played games with my mother. I visited her over the holidays and my little brother has a Wii. It was a nice moment in my life. I got to do one of my most favorite things with my mother. Something I never would have imagined. And she didn't do it because I asked. She was asking all day when we were going to play.

  • Generic_Dude

    Posted Jan 10, 2008 8:22 am GMT

    Fit gamers? BALDERDASH!

  • dartingd

    Posted Jan 10, 2008 8:04 am GMT

    I've owned all the Nintendo systems minus the Gamecube. I stick with Nintendo, not because the Wii is so innovative, but because Nintendo, personally, has always had the most "fun" games. I had a PS2 back when, and still have one (kinda at my parents house). When I moved out I bought an XBOX, but couldn't afford Live, so that was a waste. I felt that Nintendo had the best selection of games that appealed to my tastes, but I'll by no means bash the other systems. To me, a true gamer doesn't bash any system period. A true gamer is so widely vested in gaming they they can find the good points of every system. I love Motorstorm on PS3, and think PS3 is a graphical masterpiece. If I had a 360, being almost 24 and having money now, I'd definitely tear up the online play. I have the Wii, though. Nintendo just has a spot in my heart I guess.

  • thewwwyzzerdd

    Posted Jan 10, 2008 6:12 am GMT

    i dont know where everybody is getting this "nintendo forgot about the longtime gamer" crap... ive owned every major nintendo system, and am extremely impressed with the wii as a next gen experience... i have a 360 at the risk of getting flamed ill say it anyway. call of duty for while being an excellent game from a technical standpoint was just another fps on a console completly saturated by the genre. and assasins creed was a weak attempt at a potentially groundbreaking game. except for guitar hero (which i just happened to buy for the 360) i almost never play any of my 360 games... but i have good old mario, and fire emblem, and metroid to keep me company when i get hopelessly bored with microsofts stale line up of games

  • theKSMM

    Posted Jan 10, 2008 5:31 am GMT

    I don't think all the complaints about the Wii are motivated by jealousy or fanboyism. I think some of them are motivated by preference, which is perfectly legitimate.

    For some people, controlling games through motion is truly engaging. And there's no doubt that it opens up gaming to entirely new audiences and brings new styles of gameplay to the table. But for many gamers, it's hard to get past the feeling that you're essentially playing on PS2-era technology, and that the games are never going to rise above that level. Depending on which one affects you more, you'll either like or dislike the console.

    Many longtime Nintendo supporters in particular think that Nintendo has forgotten about them as they ride the wave of success created by minigame compilations and "activities" like Wii Fit that are hard to classify in the same category as traditional videogames. A longtime gamer who owns only a Wii may have a great time with it, but I'd have to think that at some point he would think "Man, I would love to play Call of Duty 4 or Assassin's Creed."

    Anywho, it's fundamentally about preference. I can certainly understand how people could have great fun with a Wii, but I can also understand why it doesn't appeal to everyone.

  • gin_rummy89

    Posted Jan 10, 2008 1:46 am GMT

    I love the Wii but I don't jog three miles a day to exercise while trying to relax. but that's just me.

  • kavadias1981

    Posted Jan 10, 2008 12:32 am GMT

    I personally dont understand how anyone can badmouth the Wii. I have been using it constantly since I got it in December 2006. For me I think it is a refreshing new way to play games. I am so bored with the standard controls in games that I just dont enjoy them anymore. I know it seems stupid that something as simple as the controls make a difference but when you have been playing videogames since 1986 you tend to get a little bored of the same old control scemes.

  • andy7985

    Posted Jan 10, 2008 12:29 am GMT

    lionheart they're not bad mouthing it cuz its on Wii, they bad mouth it because it sucks. And i know the Wii has many better excellent games too. It was like a slap in the face though when Wii Fit was their big announcement.....

  • Arkk_Angel

    Posted Jan 9, 2008 10:31 pm GMT

    Our nation isn't exactly the healthiest nation in the world. Why not stimulate people into getting fit by added a bit of fun factor to it. Exercising seems like more of a task and that's probably why a lot of people don't do it on a regular basis.

    I'm buying it if it comes to the states.

  • death919

    Posted Jan 9, 2008 9:42 pm GMT

    It's not the fact that this game is coming to Wii that bothers me, it's the fact that this was their "big announcement" at E3... well I know I won' t be buying this software, seems dumb IMO.

  • higgs64

    Posted Jan 9, 2008 9:32 pm GMT

    I was actually surprised that Wii Fit was so popular honestly. I thought the idea sounded kind of dumb. However, it seems that with the newer gamers (young, old, female) an idea like this makes a certain amount of sense. You won't see all the 18-25 year old college guys rushing to Gamestop to buy it, but it seems to me you'll a healthy sprinkling across all the demographics going in to buy this thing.

    A large reason people can't commit themselves to exercising regularly is simply because it's quite boring and repetitive. If Wii Fit makes people exercise and people have fun, then I can't see any reason to complain.

  • slionheart_8

    Posted Jan 9, 2008 8:52 pm GMT

    I think the only reason people bad mouth the games released on WIi, is because they don't have the Wii and think the only good games are on the consoles they have.

  • sacatash

    Posted Jan 9, 2008 8:22 pm GMT

    I dunno why some people are complaining about the Wii Fit and Wii Board. Look at this way, fanboys, this is a good excuse to ask your mom or wife that you need to buy a video console(if you find one). Once they found that videogames are not a waste of money you can finally have an excuse to buy a videogame such as Mass Effect or GTA which is suited to your liking. Think of the possibilities!

  • MattJCorcoran

    Posted Jan 9, 2008 7:54 pm GMT

    I have to agree with it being a good idea to do something new and different. What would have happened if game developers had never waded into the waters of 3-D? Sure, 2-D gaming was great, but look where it's taken us. Gaming used to be just for the "hardcore" gamers, but now gaming has become a lifestyle. Think of how we now connect to the adventures and the characters as friends who we've endured these journeys with. Now Nintendo has brought gaming into the realm of family. Instead of only having the option of board games, you can bust out the Wii for family night. Sure, there have been some shoddy party games released, and more and more party games are constantly being released, but they're helping to (in my opinion) bring families back together. Now Nintendo has released something that will also help people stay conscious about their health and will hopefully help to make exercising a little more enjoyable. What's wrong with that? No offense to Sony and Microsoft, but while they're still targeting the more "harcore" gaming audience and only focus on "couch potato" media, Nintendo is attempting to do something to get people more active. Kudos Nintendo. Kudos.

  • jakob_187

    Posted Jan 9, 2008 7:21 pm GMT

    First off, for all the people that want to complain about the Wii having "no games", then you obviously aren't playing a lot of the games on the console. I have a library of about 20 already, and they aren't just first-party titles. Yes, some of them are rehashes, like RE 4 and PoP Rival Swords. HOWEVER...you need to realize that these developers are dealing with a technology THAT ONLY ONE CONSOLE HAS, and it's something they HAVE NOT DEVELOPED BEFORE! Therefore, stop QQ'ing about there being no games, and be happy that some of these companies are willing to jump up and at least make the games to test the tech.

    Second, I'm looking forward to picking Wii Fit up. I'm a bit husky, not super fat. My pudge is developing though, and if this means I can get a workout without having to go to the gym (there is only one 24 hour gym in my town, and the trainers are jerks), then I'm all for it. I think it's a great thing that Nintendo has created a console that reaches beyond just gaming and actually works into your life as a whole. I hope they can continue on this line and make gaming something better than just doods in trenchcoats with guns.

  • mhder

    Posted Jan 9, 2008 6:25 pm GMT

    I know a couple of rotund people and one reason they don't go out to the gym etc is that they are a bit embarassed to go out it seems. While the Wii Fit won't likely make them lose a lot of weight, it might get them to do some exercise and become active in a setting they are comfortable in. Making this interactive in a video game form, it "fools" people into doing something that is good for you. It's like when they say "make learning fun so kids will do it." Make being active fun and trick the kids into being active becaise there are a lot of kids~anyone that won't get off their butts these days. Besides exercise though, the snowboarding, sports and other gaming possibilities are endless. The Wii balance board itself could become a vehicle while you use the Wii Mote as a separate controller of.. let's say a weapon.

  • Karjah

    Posted Jan 9, 2008 5:50 pm GMT

    "Nintendo didn't create Street Fighter 2 (Capcom), Chrono Trigger (Square), Breath of Fire (Capcom) or Final Fight (Capcom again). So you can't blame Nintendo if games of those ilk don't show up on Wii. And there is a Wii Mario Kart in development, fyi."

    I know all I'm pointing out is that with third party support they have a very strong machine. Accually speaking of which arn't both Capcom and Square on board with nintendo. Anyway I'm just saying they have proven that with thrid party support they can make a tight system for all.

    It's just a direction that I really hope the 360 could take but they seem to be happy maning it up with the frat boy demographic. Which is great if your into shooters and fighting games.

  • kingtahktahkhuk

    Posted Jan 9, 2008 5:43 pm GMT

    they could really do something cool with the balance board, might be cool to see it be used in other games, although very unlikely

  • Muffalones

    Posted Jan 9, 2008 5:03 pm GMT

    Why does the wii's success piss people off so much? Innovation is important to gaming. At least nintendo makes something new instead of making one FPS after another.

  • chibi-acer

    Posted Jan 9, 2008 5:03 pm GMT

    It might not be targeted towards hardcore gamers, but I'll still get one. It's a cool idea. Who knows, maybe they'll make some sweet skateboarding or other sports games. It might also work well for strafing in FPS games.

  • ScreamDream

    Posted Jan 9, 2008 4:44 pm GMT

    This has the chance to add another big new side to gaming. The big N is just hot.

  • ctg867 posted Jan 9, 2008 4:17 pm GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    ctg867

    Posted Jan 9, 2008 4:17 pm GMT (hide)

    It'll likely (and unfortunately) do just as well here, which I find kinda sad. Though by the time this year is out, don't expect the Wii to have that kinda fuel in the US. Maybe in Japan, but not in the US.

  • Mike0193

    Posted Jan 9, 2008 4:11 pm GMT

    nice !

  • getoconnection

    Posted Jan 9, 2008 3:57 pm GMT

    @ Fumpa


    Rocky-inspired Philadelphian hey_suburbia decided to put Wii Sports to the diet test back in early December. The idea was to see if the game could help him shed unwanted pounds when played with full, exaggerated movements. He continued his normal activity and eating habits only adding 30 minutes of Wii Sports to his daily routine. The results after six weeks? He lost 9 pounds.

    He writes: "According to The American Council on Exercise, I went from being in the 'acceptable' category to being in the 'fitness' category... I lost almost 2% of my body fat by doing nothing more than playing [motion] video games for an extra 30 minutes everyday."

    In terms of which games produced the greatest amount of weight loss, Wii Boxing burned an impressive 125 calories/half hour followed by Tennis at 92 calories/half hour and Bowling at 77 calories/half hour. A lot of husky kids just got some powerful ammunition in convincing mom to buy them a Wii.
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    GETO SAYS -- PROTIP: You need to read more. The Wii has overwhelmingly good press. Right now Nintendo could package poo and people would still buy it.

  • getoconnection

    Posted Jan 9, 2008 3:51 pm GMT

    I am so glad I WIi60. My girlfriend is having a blast with RE:UC. She wants to get an "S" ranking in everything. I see where Nintendo is going with the "blue ocean" theory. The 360 and Wii get equal play in my house. This thing is going to create a frenzy for the Wii all over again. Heck, I need it as it's too cold to walk or run outside and a gym membership is expensive. This thing will pay for itself in like two months. Seriously, Nintendo is beginning to make everyone look like armatures

  • Chief_Kuuni

    Posted Jan 9, 2008 2:45 pm GMT

    sweet

  • pikachu01

    Posted Jan 9, 2008 2:32 pm GMT

    I'll probably be picking one up for my girlfriend. I like how Nintendo is releasing these quirky type of games. I like the Wii for the quirky/party games and the 360/ps3 for my core gaming.

  • chakan2

    Posted Jan 9, 2008 2:13 pm GMT

    "This game will be played by the majority of people a few times and then be put on the side much like all the other pieces of exercise equipment that are now collecting dust."


    I think the important thing to remeber here is it's a game. I don't think anyone is really taking it seriously as a wieght loss tool. If you're really serious about losing weight, you're going to have to other stuff on top of this to get results. I think it will be a slick way to track your progress however. I'm going to pick one up for that reason and add it to several other activities related to wieght loss / healthy living (weight loss is wrong for me, I'm going the other way and trying to gain 10 lbs).

  • Fumpa posted Jan 9, 2008 2:09 pm GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    Fumpa

    Posted Jan 9, 2008 2:09 pm GMT (hide)

    People that are serious about losing weight do not think of the Wii. I'm pretty sure that anyone that gets this will not succeed in achieving their goal of losing weight. I mean who has purchased a Wii up to this point and why? Was it purchased by people waiting for this day to come so that they can integrate Wii exercise into their existing regimen? I dont think so. I believe that a lot of people will buy it with the dream of losing weight, much like they did when they purchased the abflex and all those other similar pieces of weight loss equipment. This game will be played by the majority of people a few times and then be put on the side much like all the other pieces of exercise equipment that are now collecting dust.

  • heroofwinds1

    Posted Jan 9, 2008 2:09 pm GMT

    i believe that wii fit is an awesome idea that will go extremely well.it can bring new people to videogames and it surely can attract all the people that already play simply because it is something new and fresh.we have already seen nintendo achieving this with games like wii sports,wii play,big brain academy,nintendogs and a lot others and iam sure that wii fit will achieve great things.

  • kca89

    Posted Jan 9, 2008 1:59 pm GMT

    I don't see why people complain about this. If this gets more people to exercise even just a little bit, its a good thing. I hope it sells just as well once it comes to the United States.

  • Gubitz posted Jan 9, 2008 1:58 pm GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    Gubitz

    Posted Jan 9, 2008 1:58 pm GMT (hide)

    If you're going to play a video game then do it by sitting down and playing not jumping around like you have ADHD or something. I can understand the whole exercise thing but realy i get more of workout walking to GameStop to buy a new game then i do playing my Wii. Mario Galaxy is amazing though.

  • darktomorrow

    Posted Jan 9, 2008 1:48 pm GMT

    Innovation is the way to go people!!! im not hating on no system cause they are all pretty damn good! but tell me this PS same remote 3 generations... so the graphics improve but for how long will it be a priority to gamers? sure they added Sixaxis and whether they imitated nintendo's idea it is obvious that even they know some kind of change must be made! now nintendo with this board isnt creating "gimmicks" or trying to make a quick buck they are seriously trying their hardest to introduce new ideas to current gamers and ofcourse attract new ones, which they are doing a very good job at! i know becuase when i got my Wii and got my dad to play bowling there wasnt a day that passed where he didnt ask "are we gonna play bowling today?" lol and sometimes i wouldnt answer cause i wanted to play other games! (yes i was mean -_- )

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