Nintendo Wii Fit

The Wii Fit moves the home exercising genre from the cheesy eighties into the sleek 21st century, move over Jane Fonda, here comes the Nintendo exercise board! As I am more accustomed to pounding pavements, I was a bit hesitant in reviewing this product at first. It looked to me as a never too far from the couch concept.

There were a couple of questions running through my mind. Would it give me a workout? Would I break a sweat? All was not lost, I did break a sweat and there were some minor aches and pains the next day. There were moments where I was a bit frustrated in using the product due to my lack of familiarity in using the console and the controllers. But I would highly recommend it as it is a fun way to exercise for family and friends. There are some minor negatives with the programs but this will be fixed by the upcoming release of the Wii Fit Plus in fall of 2009.

Positives:
The console utilizes a simplified, blunt approach to fitness assessment and tracking. Its controller design offers over forty motion-sensitive exercise options (from yoga to strength training, aerobics and balance games).

1) Yoga starts off with deep-breathing exercises and offers 15 poses to choose from (tree pose, half moon, warrior, downward facing dog, sun salutation, etc.)
2) Strength training has 15 options to choose from which includes lunges, push-ups, side planks, leg extensions, torso twists and much more.
3) Aerobics have 9 activities to choose from, including jogging, basic and advanced steps and even hula hoping!
4) Balance games offers 9 options. Even though they are not strenuous, they are extremely entertaining (Skiing a slalom course, Soccer heading or even Table tilt with multi-colored balls).

The Wii Fit provides incentive to stick to a routine by providing easy to use body tests and training routine. It gives rewards tokens, which can be used to unlock newer exercises. It also promotes physical activity for the entire household. Up to eight profiles can be created and linked to our Mii avatars. The Wii Fit can also be password protected if you do not want to share your BMI information…

Hardware:
The console comes with a built-in Wi-Fi that offers free online services and games. It is also compatible with all GameCube games and controllers. And it has a built-in SD slot for storage and photos viewing.

Negatives:
The game’s structure is one of its weakest points, as at first you may take the same amount of time maneuvering through the menu choices as you would exercise. The console is sometimes limiting as it does not allow you to create customized strength training or yoga workouts. The downside to this is that you do not get a chance to increase your heart rate, thus you do not get the full benefits of an aerobic regime.

The game is also brutally honest in its initial assessment of an individual. If you are sensitive to critique you may have an issue of being told that you are overweight or obese. And the BMI assessment is not always very reliable. The console has miscalculated my index when I first started using it. After entering my age and height (40, 5ft), my BMI was far higher than the reality and after two days of use, the unit gave me an “Wii Fit age assessment” of 25. A far cry from 40!

Hardware:
As a first time ‘single’ user, you will have to invest in a Wii console and all the accessories and it may look expansive. But if you compare to a gym membership and clothing options, it is a far cheaper option. The controllers are not rechargeable and tend to consume a tremendous amount of batteries. It takes a bit of time to get familiar with both the program and the controllers. The graphics and sounds are not as advanced as some others game consoles (e.g. Xbox 360 and the PS3). You are limited on the location and use as the wired console needs to be placed near the TV to interface with wireless controllers.

Final assessment:
The bottom line is that even though it may lack sleek graphical prowess and media features as other games, the Wii Fit is stylish and offers fun for the whole family and friends. Moreover, it may motivate you to change your eating and exercise habits.

Software and Hardware Updates:
After its initial release in May 2008 in the US, Nintendo is planning to release its Wii Fit Plus (fall of 2009). The Wii Fit Plus which addressed the problems of creating customized workouts, etc., and provides more flexibility for first time users to mix various levels of workout. It also allows you to set personal goals, focus on certain targets areas, specialized routines. There are an additional 15 new balance games and six new strength training and yoga activities (Skateboarding and Rhythm Kung Fu).

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Nintendo Wii Nunchuck Controller

The Wii entertainment system continues to be the most easily picked up, quickest to learn, party favorite in America. The system is designed with attachment slots so you can customize your gaming experience to your liking. If you want to take your Wii to the next level, the most obvious choice is the Wii Nunchuk.

At first, the idea of using a second controller seems awkward and unnecessary. As you become accustomed to this intuitive controlling system however it seems more natural and adds to your gaming experience. Suddenly boxing becomes more of a fight and reeling in that fish on the open lake has a realistic feel to it.

The Wii Nunchuck is absolutely necessary for some games. It’s almost like the “A” and “B” buttons on the classic Nintendo you used to own. For some reason, Nintendo decided to package it separately from the main console. No big deal, as you can pick one up for around $20. It’s definitely worth the investment if you want the most out of your Wii.

If you want to buy one or learn more about the product please visit our sponsor’s website at http://www.digitalfotoclub.com/product-features.asp?id=964690983

Releasing this week is the third-generation Nintendo DSi.  It’s as great as ever, especially with new additions like a SD card slot that stores photos taken with the new handheld console’s built-in cameras. With a wider screen for improved game play, audio enhancements, and a redesigned stylus, the Nintendo DSi is trying to indentify itself as the new “it” portable gaming console.

And they might just have done it. Games can now be downloaded with the DSi Web Browser which provides access to over 850 Nintendo DSi titles. But if that’s not enough, you can send and post photos from your console directly to social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace.   Nintendo has made it clear you won’t be out of touch while gaming.

Music playback, photo editing, and more make this a more dynamic console than previous versions. Lastly, color choices of matte white and matte black make for a slick clean look.

Thanks to our sponsor, Digital Foto Club, for sending this product for us to review.  To get the product yourself, just visit their website: http://www.digitalfotoclub.com/product-features.asp?id=964788159