Wii Fit U.S. Launch Finally Dated

By Michael Santo
Executive Editor, RealTechNews

Earlier I wrote that Wii Fit was vaguely scheduled to hit the U.S. in the vague Q2 timeframe. But finally, finally we exercise-deprived Americans have a solid date, as Nintendo announced today at the Game Developers Conference that the Wii Fit will release on May 19th in the United States.

Wii Fit is a mega-hit in Japan, where it launched last December. In fact, it has sold more than 1.4 million units since its launch on Dec. 1st. I have speculated (somewhat tongue-in-cheek) that the delay for U.S. release was because Nintendo had to redesign the “Balance Board” for much larger U.S. waistlines.

For those who don’t know Wii Fit is an example of “exergaming” that comes with a new controller called the Wii “Balance Board”. The board is used for “an extensive array of fun and dynamic activities, including aerobics, yoga, muscle stretches and games.”

In their press release, Nintendo said:

Wii Fit demonstrates Nintendo’s commitment to gamers of all kinds. It combines fun and fitness for every member of the family to keep active and play together. Wii Fit launches May 19 in the United States and comes with the weight-and-motion-sensing Wii Balance Board that Nintendo representatives demonstrated could hold great promise for future game development as well. Third-party publishers are already working on new games and applications that will make use of the Wii Balance Board. Additionally, Wii Fit includes access to the Wii Fit Channel, an interactive channel that lets users check in each day to track their fitness progress through weight and BMI.

Bring it on!

Nintendo also announced the first U.S. WiiWare games will be available May 12th. The WiiWare service will offer smaller, independent firms a sales outlet without the higher risk of selling through retail channels.