By Mark Stephan
Kansas State Collegian
There is a new craze taking hold of the unused space in front of the television in many living rooms across the U.S.: Behold, the Wii “Fit,” the latest gaming trend sweeping the industry.
The world is changing, and technology is consuming the American lifestyle. Now, people only need to turn on their TV to start a customized fitness program complete with the latest technology.
According to Nintendo.com, Wii “Fit” is an innovative peripheral device for the Wii gaming system that’s simple, fun and a great way to get you off of the couch and into action. A hyper-sensitive balance controller works with the Wii console. However, the Wii has more to offer than just Nintendo games. Wii “Fit” offers a variety of games for fun and exercise.
The Wii “Fit” was first released in December 2007 in Japan, and later in the U.S. and other countries in April and May 2008, according to Nintendo.com. Because it has been so popular, the Wii “Fit” has been difficult to find. The product is selling out faster than it can be delivered to stores.
According to the sales department at the Manhattan Best Buy, the Wii “Fit” and games will only stay on the shelves for a maximum of two hours after they are delivered. Best Buy’s sales representatives also said the Wii “Fit” costs $89.99, and the price includes the Wii “Balance Board” and the Wii “Fit” game.
Leigh Davison, senior in hotel and restaurant management, had a difficult time purchasing her Wii “Fit” but was able to track one down.
“When I went in to buy the Wii ‘Fit’ there were six available at the store, and I got one of them,” Davison said.
She also said she has owned the new Wii attachment for about a month.
“I’ve only had the Wii ‘Fit’ for a short while, but I already know it’s fun to use for myself and fun to play with groups and parties,” Davison said.
According to Nintendo.com, the Wii “Fit” weighs an individual and calculates his or her body mass index. The “Fit” even has an option to set up a weight-loss program with the input of a person’s body weight, and can give a projected weight loss. The Wii “Fit” offers balance, yoga and strength and aerobic training for people of all ages.
Sunday evening, Davison, along with her roommates and a couple of friends, congregated around the console to try out the latest levels and games. The group played everything from Wii “ski jumping” to Wii “jogging.” Melissa Coultis, senior in secondary education and Davison’s roommate, did her best to show the rest of the group how to work out on the Wii “Fit.” As the evening progressed the group became louder and more rambunctious, and the small group engaged in a Wii “Fit” competition.
“It’s almost as if I have my own personal trainer in my living room,” Davison said. “I have a friend who paid $250 for five sessions with a real trainer, and so the cost of the Wii “Fit” is completely worth it.”
The Wii “Fit” also allows players to set their own difficulty level to help pace themselves. The further a person progresses in ability, the more games the Wii “Fit” unlocks for its players.
Davison said she is content with her purchase and plans on getting plenty of use out of her Wii “Fit” in the future.
“I don’t regret this purchase at all, and I think everyone should own one or at least play one,” she said.