HP TouchSmart PC, $1,299.99Wii Fit (Wii)
Manufacturer: Nintendo Part number: 90108
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- User reviews
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Gamespot editors' review
Wii Fit (Wii)
price range: $144.95
- Reviewed by: Randolph Ramsay
- Reviewed on: 05/08/2008
- Released on: 05/19/2008
Wii Fit takes the whole concept of games as exercise to a new level with the inclusion of a balance board peripheral that can tell you on the fly exactly how well--or how poorly--you're doing with its various activities. As such, Nintendo is heavily marketing this innovative title as a mixture of fitness and fun, and for the most part it works. It's a decent alternative for those bored with the repetitiveness of going to a gym or too self-conscious to join a yoga or aerobics class. Unfortunately, Wii Fit is hamstrung by some odd omissions (such as not being able to create your own program from the available exercises) and questionable health advice, limiting its effectiveness both as a fitness tool and as a game.
At the core of the Wii Fit experience is the new balance board, an elegant-looking yet surprisingly sturdy peripheral which features several internal scales that can detect changes in weight and pressure as you're standing on it. The board--which is also quite hefty at roughly 8.8 lbs (4kgs)--interacts wirelessly with the Wii, and takes four AA batteries (which are included). The board has four rubber feet to help prevent it from slipping on smooth surfaces (and even comes with four extra feet that can be used to raise your balance board higher should you have thick carpet on your floors). Like the Wii Remote before it, the balance board is intuitive to use once you get into an exercise or game in Wii Fit, with its extreme sensitivity allowing it to pick up even the most minute shifts in weight. Its sensitivity only goes so far, however, with the board able to take only 330lbs (150kg) maximum weight, locking out the particularly robust from joining in on the Wii Fit fad.
Not that plus sizes need worry that they're missing out on a prime weight-loss opportunity. Despite its moniker, Wii Fit isn't a total fitness solution, with its included exercises focusing more on improving muscle tone and balance than on cardio and weight loss. What it does offer is a better way to track your weight, body mass index (BMI), and time spent exercising both within the game itself and from any other external activities, giving users a clearer picture of how their health is progressing over time. It's no more going to make you super-fit than Wii Sports is going to make you a tennis pro, but it can provide a strong anchor for a more expansive fitness regime should you have the motivation.
As a title focused on health, Wii Fit makes some fairly significant judgments about its users' fitness. This happens right from when your Mii is first registered with the game; after inputting a date of birth and height, you're asked to step on the balance board for a weigh-in (all guided onscreen by a cartoon version of the board). From the height and weight data, a user's BMI is calculated, with the user tagged as underweight, ideal, or overweight depending on the BMI score. A simple balance test then occurs (usually involving having to shift your balance to certain areas within a time limit) before your Wii Fit Age is displayed in large numbers on the screen. Only one Wii Fit Age result can be recorded daily, although you can practice the variety of balance tests as many times as you want.
It's here where Wii Fit could possibly become problematic for some. Judgments such as BMI and fitness levels usually come from doctors and health care professionals, not cartoon versions of a computer game peripheral--and Wii Fit frankly doesn't do a good enough job of explaining the science behind its measurements. While BMI, for example, is a well-established tool for measuring a person's ideal weight, Wii Fit fails to make players aware that variables such as muscle mass and age can significantly affect a score (giving an otherwise healthy person with more muscle an overweight rating, for example). The title also throws the term "metabolic syndrome" around quite often, stating people with poor balance and low health can suffer from it without ever explaining what it actually is. Although most users of Wii Fit will probably not take the game's BMI or fitness age calls too seriously, but there's bound to be some overanxious player who does.
In structure, Wii Fit is most reminiscent of the various Brain Training games on the Nintendo DS, with the title broken down into a series of exercises that players can do regularly to improve their health. These exercises are split into four different categories: yoga, muscle, aerobic, and balance. The yoga and muscle categories feel the most like traditional exercise, with 15 yoga poses and 15 muscle-toning moves to work through. Yoga poses range from the absurdly simple (standing still and breathing--yep, that's all) to the quite difficult and possibly lawsuit-in-the-making shoulder stand. It's a similar situation with the muscle-toning section, with basic lunges mixed in with more strenuous activities such as the parallel stretch and push-ups. Virtual trainers (you can choose from either male or female) guide you through the yoga and muscle exercises, offering praise or criticism depending on how well you're doing.
User reviews
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CNET's Review is Right on the Money!
by flashfriday on June 17, 2008
Pros: Strength and Aerobic exercises
Cons: No ability to modify workout, balance games gimmicky
Summary: I thought the CNET review was very accurate and expressed a lot of the complaints I had about Wii Fit. The big drawback for me was the inability to create ...
Summary: I thought the CNET review was very accurate and expressed a lot of the complaints I had about Wii Fit. The big drawback for me was the inability to create my own workout program or to extend the length of some of the exercises. For example, I'd love to just set the Step exercise to run for 30 minutes but you can't.
Another drawback for me was the balance games. While they are a bit fun at first, they quickly get old and I don't think they really improve your balance. In fact, I'd say that some of the Strength exercises are much more effective in this regard.
There are also a few games/exercises that will frustrate you beyond belief. For example, no matter how perfectly I do the Rowing exercise it always says I'm out of the box and chastise's me.
Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy a lot of things about the Wii Fit but I think that it could've been much, much better. I love many of the Strength exercises and I find myself usually sticking to those for the most part. I have toned quite a few muscles in the process and I am pleased with this. However, once I memorize all the Strength exercises I'll probably sell the Wii Fit.5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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No more guilt playing a game console
by tenshon on May 24, 2008
Pros: Best thing since WiiSports, great use of Miis, lots of fun, burns calories
Cons: No multi-player board games, could get repetitive, custom music would be nice, takes too long to switch profiles
Summary: Used the fit for a few days now (unlike others here who review the thing without even trying it!!) - and I do think it's a lot of fun. ...
Summary: Used the fit for a few days now (unlike others here who review the thing without even trying it!!) - and I do think it's a lot of fun. It certainly shows the ability to make me sweat and out of breath, but maybe I'm just really unfit. It's great family fun, especially the ability to use the Miis that your family probably spent lots of laughs creating. The biggest problem is that other family members have to wait until you're done because there's no way to use more than one balance board at a time. Only the 2 player jogging lets you play head to head, and that doesn't use the board at all. Saying that, the jogging is a lot of fun and feels quite realistic. The other problem is, while there are quite a few exercises, after a few weeks you may get bored of them. But then again it beats running on a treadmill that's for sure. Few other complaints: Would be ideal if you could plug in an SD card to listen to your own MP3s while you workout. Family play would be smoother if you could switch profiles more quickly. Also, would be nice to have a screen where it just plays music and shows your balance - without a time limit - so you could, for example, do other yoga exercises that it doesn't support. Would love to see a WiiWare Tai Chi in the future. Great start though, this really has tons of potential. At last now I don't feel guilty when I go to play on the game console!
4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Have a Wii? Buy this.
by rastafria on May 23, 2008
Pros: Quality hardware. Polished Software. Motivational. Excellent range of activities. Future game support. Weight tracking.
Cons: Lack of customized or premade routines.
Summary: I have a strong background in fitness, through a competitive D3 university team, and continuation beyond the college level. I was somewhat dubious about this product when I first heard ...
Summary: I have a strong background in fitness, through a competitive D3 university team, and continuation beyond the college level. I was somewhat dubious about this product when I first heard about it, but having tried it, I was an instant convert.
1.) The tracking feature alone is excellent. Keeping track of your weight is a wonderful motivational factor for making healthier lifestyle choices outside of the Wii Fit software.
2.) The game will be quite helpful for sedentary users, and should provide a FULL workout for a beginner to intermediate routine. Augmenting this with outside activities could certainly result in more dramatic results, but the benefits from these activities should not be misconstrued. They WILL help you lose weight and tone your muscles.
3.) For a user who is already fit, and has a regular routine already, this provides an excellent augmentation. Personally, I love the weight tracking and plan on utilizing the yoga and strength training activities before my regular workouts.
If you have any interest whatsoever, this will probably be well worth the investment.
And that's not even taking into account the multiple games (including an EA skate game) already in development using the board.4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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GREAT IDEA
by modelboy on May 21, 2008
Pros: you can really feel it
Cons: sound could be more interesting
Summary: I LOVE WII FIT! I got it abuot 3 hours ago and i have been playing it pratically the entire time. I can really really feel the burn and i ...
Summary: I LOVE WII FIT! I got it abuot 3 hours ago and i have been playing it pratically the entire time. I can really really feel the burn and i feel like i am doing something great for my body. The games are fun and the excersizes feel like they work!Also the Yoga is very close to my yoga class i take once a week. I also enjoy the running. One improvment could maybe be including MP3s or better music. But then again you cant store MP3s on the Wii. O well i dont mind that much!
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Nintendo Hits Another Amazing Homerun!
by SuperJus on May 17, 2008
Pros: Amazing Technology. Promotes Health & Balance. Tracks Progress. Relatively Inexpensive. Most importantly...FUN!
Cons: Wish you could pair more than 1 Fit to a Wii system and have multiplayer Fit activities. Cannot be used by individuals >330 lbs
Summary: With the mega-hype that is surrounding the upcoming 5/19/08 U.S. release of the Nintendo Wii Fit...You can probably imagine how excited I was to get my ...
Summary: With the mega-hype that is surrounding the upcoming 5/19/08 U.S. release of the Nintendo Wii Fit...You can probably imagine how excited I was to get my hands (& feet) on an advanced copy of this technical marvel.
When you open up the box, you get the Wii Balance board, the Wii Fit game disc, board foot extensions (for thick carpets) and a set of 4 AA batteries. For those who don't already know, the Wii Balance Board is an amazing little piece of technology. When you stand on this rectangular white board, it senses real-time shifts in balance and center of gravity based on its pressure & tilt sensors. The board is completely wireless and setup is an absolute breeze. Within minutes, I had the Wii Fit loaded up and paired to my Wii. After selecting my personal Mii character, I was prompted to calculate my BMI (Body Mass Index) which is based on weight & height...The Fit doubles as a virtual scale so if you are one of those who likes hiding your weight like it's your ATM pin #....then you might want to setup the Fit when you are in an environment of solitary confinement. Once setup, you can actually password protect your BMI data & profile if you are so inclined.
The Fit setup also prompts you to calculate your Wii Fit Age...A calculation the program makes based on your actual age, BMI and some initial balance exercises. Since my balance is actually a lot worse than I thought, I screwed up pretty badly on the balance tests and my Wii Fit Age turned out to be 15 years older than my actual age...Kinda sad...but motivating at least.
Since this review is already getting too novel-like for my taste, let's cut to the chase. The Wii Fit essentially offers 4 separate types of activity that you personally can choose to participate in: Yoga, Aerobics, Strength Training and Balance Games.
I have spent my fair share of time testing each category out. I am already addicted to the Aerobics Training and Balance Games. Hula hooping, Ski/Snowboard Slalom, Ski Jumping, Boxing, Soccer Heading and Tilt Board Puzzles are tremendously fun. Besides being an absolute blast, these activities really do work on honing your balance and body control.
After just 30 minutes of using the Wii Fit in my living room, I seriously broke a major sweat. I think that's one of the coolest things about the Fit....You can get a decent amount of physical activity without leaving the comforts of home. I'm not saying it can or should replace traditional gym exercise, but it's definitely great for those times where you just don't have the time or energy to drive to the gym.
I also really like the fact that the Fit has a personalized training program that tracks & saves your BMI and progress over time...Very cool, handy feature.
Wii Fit....If you've got a Wii, weigh less than 330 lbs, and got $90 to spare...It's the perfectly fun tool to help fight couchpotato-itis....Check it out!...Your mind, body, and balance will thank you.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Could End Up Being the BEST
by modelboy213 on December 30, 2007
Pros: game play looks fun and seems to actually work your muscle
Cons: graphics aren't amazing.
Summary: I think this could be the best wii game ever. It's game play looks fun, it introduces a new Wii peripheral that has a lot of potential. I like ...
Summary: I think this could be the best wii game ever. It's game play looks fun, it introduces a new Wii peripheral that has a lot of potential. I like the talk about being able to coompare and track your own progress and compare it with others. I think it will be a great Wii game, i cant wait to buy it!
1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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From reading CNET's Review, you'd think it was a "3"
by tiktok4321 on January 6, 2009
Pros: The Wii Fit program is a very interesting way to get you off your duff and into some activity-focused gaming. It builds on Wii's greatest feature - its interactivity.
Cons: As CNET reviewed, the cons include: The lack of changing Mii's without going all the way to the opening screen; lack of guest mode; lack of online-ness, and lack of multi-player.
Summary: When you use Wii Fit, keep in mind the cost. If you can get it for regular retail, the $90 is worth it; it's less than the cost of ...
Summary: When you use Wii Fit, keep in mind the cost. If you can get it for regular retail, the $90 is worth it; it's less than the cost of two "Class-A" games. The value is in its ability to motiviate the user to perform what I call, stupid little exercises. Stupid, 'cause it's leaning this way or that way. Little because you spend about 2 minutes on each. Exercise because you WILL feel the pain when you're done!
Wii Fit also encourages some of the most interesting demographics to step into the computer age. For instance, when I was at Wal-Mart looking for my unit, the associate (a mid-40s lady) proceeded to tell me how she lost 15 pounds in 1 month (while telling me, no it's not available!).
But my best impression came from watching my 8 year old son (who is super hyper) manage to pull a better "Tree" pose and keep balance than I could. As he pinched the quarter-inch skin of baby fat on his belly and proudly proclaimed "I gotta get rid of this," I couldn't help but crack a smile.
Unfortunately, for our family of 4 (cause the 3 year old can't seem to stand still), a work out can consume two and a half hours (you don't get to count the time between exercises!).
Af for the shortcomings, I don't see why Nintendo can't improve on the workout regiment. It should be able to determine where you are lacking and daily change up your routine to include different exercises, budgeting time between Yoga, Aerobic, Strength and Balance. Regrettably, the most fun activities are also the least productive.
Finally, I would like to encourage everyone to not spend more than you have to on this. You can find one, eventually. Please don't give into "bundles" that include a LOT of useless extras. You don't need a mat, special socks, a belly bag, and the visor hat. If you want them, go for it.
OK - you may want the mat, if nothing else than to just keep from wearing a hole in the carpet where you jog in place. :) -
It will get you up & moving
Pros: The game has a little bit of everything. It got me up & moving. My 7 year old even has fun with it.
Cons: It takes to long to move between screens and you can't string your favorites together for one long workout.
Summary: If you want to workout in your home it's a fun game to have. I think it's more fo a beginner like me. With wii fit I can ...
Summary: If you want to workout in your home it's a fun game to have. I think it's more fo a beginner like me. With wii fit I can work out for an hour a day and have a little fun while I do it.
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Great family fun and some exercise, too!
by areynolds65 on December 20, 2008
Pros: Nice selection of games that keep my teenagers interested in exercising and beating each other and their parents. Haven't started them yet but the yoga and strength exercises look good, too.
Cons: Can't really think of any.
Summary: My family is having a GREAT time with the Wii Fit!
Summary: My family is having a GREAT time with the Wii Fit!
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For Fun and Fitness
by maypo52 on December 4, 2008
Pros: WiiFit allows you to set you own goals. Exercises are easy to follow. There are enough different exercises to keep you interested. Great for someone who has been a couch potato for a long time.
Cons: The "Trainers" talk too much. You have to press the button on the wiimote to skip past all the comments. You can't make a linked routine. The WiiFit board should be available in a larger size for those people with larger feet.
Summary: I've had the WiiFit for about 3 weeks now and I am still finding the exercises to be beneficial and fun. You won't become a lean and mean ...
Summary: I've had the WiiFit for about 3 weeks now and I am still finding the exercises to be beneficial and fun. You won't become a lean and mean muscle machine just by using the WiiFit alone, but it will definitely work the muscles you haven't used for a while. I would recommend the WiiFit to anyone who want to start exercising again.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Nintendo
- Part number: 90108
Product Basic Spec
- Platform Wii
- ESRB rating Everyone - Comic Mischief
- Genre Sports
- Number of players 1-2 Players
Game
- Developer Nintendo
- ESRB Everyone
- ESRB descriptors Comic Mischief
- Release date 2008-05-19
Manufacturer info
- Nintendo
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Nintendo products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.nintendo.com/
- Address:
P.O. Box 957, Redmond, WA 98073 - Phone: 1-800/255-3700
- Email: nintendo@nintendo.com
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