The Wii Fit is finally here

In general, Wii Fit was not granted the initial "wow" factor afforded Wii Sports based on the initial reviews and hands-on experiences. Nonetheless, the reviews are still very good.

Here are some main points to know about Wii Fit before making the $90 plunge:

• It comes with the wireless balance board. Batteries included (don't hear that too often).
• Games including an exercise program that tracks the user's development.
• Ability to track weight, body mass index.
• Allow for aerobics, strength training, and yoga.
• Games for the little ones.
• POTENTIAL USES for the balance board to be paired with future games - UNLIMITED.

There are more specifics about Wii Fit but those are what's important to know.

PERFORMANCE

Essentially, Wii Fit isn't going to turn the user into an Olympic-class athlete (unless he or she already is one). What it is is a fun stay-at-home fitness program with a lot of entertaining elements thrown into it for the family.

From the demos and official Nintendo videos, there is a little of everything for everyone. Balance games, exercise games, hula hoops, body toning, and even jogging. There is supposedly more than 40 different activities. Not bad really. Like Wii Sports, Fit is a fitting game to introduce what the balance board is capable of.

It's just that Fit does leave you wishing for a bit more flexibility. For example, it doesn't allow you to create your own exercise regiment. The game play and user interface is simple and doesn't get in the way of the user. Overall, it works well enough for a majority of the casual gamers and people who want to use Wii Fit to start a fitness schedule without having to go to the gym.

But it doesn't replace having to go to the gym or leaving the house. Sorry, guys. No six-pack solution provided.

BALANCE BOARD

What's more interesting is the balance board. There is not a lot about what forthcoming games will take advantage of it nor was there a lot written about the board itself. However, the wireless board worked as advertised. The technical magic Nintendo put in there to work with the Wii is simply a great leap from using merely the hands to control the game play. Already, Nintendo's legendary Wii Nunchuks broke from the simple hand controllers and the balance board with the nunchuks has take the game to the next level.

REVIEWS

Here are the game reviews available online so far:

• Gamespot: http://www.gamespot.com/wii/sports/wiifit/review.html?sid=619054 (7 of 10)
• IGN: http://wii.ign.com/articles/869/869467p1.html (8 of 10, but more critical than Gamespot)
• Wired: http://blog.wired.com/games/2008/03/me-and-wii-fit.html (hands-on, one month later, a bit of a review)
• CNET: http://reviews.cnet.com/wii-games/wii-fit-wii/4505-9993_7-32513029.html (7 of 10)
• N4G: http://www.n4g.com/wii/News-90139.aspx (85 of 100)

The potential for Wii Fit lies in the peripheral, the balance board, and the games that coming out for it. Fear not, Wii Fit is only a demonstration of what the balance board is capable of. There are sure to be more exciting and flexible games.

Just like more sophisticated tennis games than the one in Wii Sports came out, for those who are looking to use the board for more strenuously exercise, there are likely more sophisticated workout programs in development.

Now, the question is: Is the balance board with the Fit games worth the admission price of $90? You bet. What you're getting is an excellent exercise program with Nintendo-approved fun added. Beyond that, the user is buying potential. Forthcoming games. Multiplayer features. Downloadable materials.

Some developers have announced their plans for the balance board. More details from Nintendo surely come very soon. And it's a given that Nintendo has games ready to come out in support of their exciting new peripheral and their games are usually among the best of the lot. Expect Mario and Company to make appearances for the board.

Update

Great news! Wii Fit is hours away from being released into the wild. But only for those quick and fortunate enough to have pre-ordered. Even better news. If you don't already have a Wii, you don't have to worry about the Wii Fit because you can't find the Wii anywhere. How's that for a twist?

That't right, folks. Wii is still in short supply, will be in short supply, and will only be available from time to time as bundles.

Also look for retailers to start bundling Wii and Wii Fit together in the near future. You just know that it't going to happen. That stimulus check from the government that't going out to certain people will now come in quite handy.

And if you really want, some of the big retailers do have Fit or Fit accessories pages up. It’ll give you a feel for what Nintendo has planned for the balance board.

Note: Ebay has it (standalone with no bundle) available for "Buy It" at $200. Bidding has reached $157.50 with 6.5 hours to go. Let us know if you've got a winning bid.



May 21, 2008 Wii Fit Update:

Early morning recon has show that Amazon is very optimistic about fulfilling it¢s promises of getting out all the Wii Fit its customers have pre-ordered. Below is a direct quote from Amazon¢s Wii Fit product page:

Attention "Wii Fit" Pre-order Customer: Please note that we are in the process of receiving all "Wii Fit" product from Nintendo and are working to ship out your orders. We anticipate that all orders will ship on or before May 21. As we begin to ship products, your delivery estimates will be updated. Check your order status for the most up-to-date information. Also, please note that Nintendo officially changed the release date of "Wii Fit" to May 21 a few weeks back. For those who have been unable to order "Wii Fit," we are actively seeking more of this product from suppliers. Please, check back soon to see if more are available.

Best Buy and CircuitCity (and Walmart, Kmart, & Target) are both sold out online but it is possible the Fit was provided with a placeholder page and has not been available for online ordering. A cursory check with different California zip codes as of 8:30am PST showed that Circuity City has the Wii Fit in stock in store only.

Supplies are likely to be limited so maybe it¢s a good idea to go out take that coffee break around 10am when most stores open.

Here are the numbers to call:

Best Buy1-888-BEST BUY (1-888-237-8289)

Circuit City1-800-843-2489

Walmart1-800-WALMART (1-800-925-6278)

Target1-800.591.3869

Kmart1-866-KMART-4U

Gamestop 1-800-883-8895

Toys 'R Us1-800-ToysRUs

KB Toys1-877-5KBTOYS

Another option is to go to the websites and find a local store and give them a call.

If you know of any other places where the Fit is available, drop us a line. Your input on the best way to get the Wii Fit is greatly appreciated so that we may share this information with other readers. Remember, sharing is care!