Wii Fit - hands-on report

Forget Brain Training, this year's big new game is called Wii Fit. Nintendo’s fitness board add-on to the hugel successful Wii console is out at the end of the month. But is it worth 70 quid and will it make you "fit"?

The good news is that the board itself - it connects wirelessly to the Wii - is well built and sturdy. Assuming you are 23 stone or under then you can use the Fit. The board works by measuring pressure from the soles of your feet. This allows it to gauge your position and weight. It is remarkably sensitive, picking up small shifts in balance very effectively.

First up you choose your Mii and then your weight and Body Mass Index measure. Then you get to set a target – lose 7 pounds in 3 months etc – and then you’re off. Much like the Brain Training games you get a chance to do a daily test to measure your Wii Fit age. Don't worry if your initial age is way older than your real one. Give it a week or two and watch as your balance improves and the age comes down.

Once the test is done you can get stuck into the meat of the game and choose between strength, cardio, balance and yoga events.  The combination of on-screen instructor - you can choose mail or female - and the board itself make most of the workouts enjoyable, although it may not always feel like it at the time! The only occasional niggle involves events such as press-ups and stomach crunches – the latter done with your foot on the pad – that take your eyes away from the screen.  For these events a handy whistle marks when to start and stop the rep, but it will take practice to properly co-ordinate.

For weight loss the cardio events are required. These involve running, step and the like. Hula Hoop – stand on the mat and wiggle those hips - is the easiest to play and perfect for parties. Step is as confusing as the real life version, although those who go to classes will find it easier. Jogging is hit and miss though - you run on the spot off the board - as you grasp the wiimote in your hand or pocket.

 

The game is packed with nice touches. For example potentially sensitive weight and BMI data can be password protected – ideal if you want to dig the game out with your friends and hide your vital statistics. 

Nintendo have included plenty of more traditional games in the package. Most involve balance – guiding your Mii across a tightrope – while the slalom event sees you veering your body side to side down the virtual slope. The football heading game is the easiest to pick up and play and points at a potential future for new standalone games that use the Wii Fit board. 

Clearly you shouldn’t ditch that gym membership just yet – the cardio events are not strong enough. But as a well made fitness tool with some entertaining minigames Wii Fit is hard to beat. Tempted then? Or is this just a gimmick?