Everybody's Nintendo Channel goes inside the Balance Board
by JC Fletcher 
{ Jan 3rd 2008 at 9:45AM }
The Everybody's Nintendo Channel keeps getting cooler, and we still have yet to hear any word about its release in other regions. We'd love to be able to check out interesting Nintendo-related programming on our Wiis. We'll have to settle for watching it on our computers in incomprehensible languages for now.
Josh from WiiFolder.com posted the latest video found on the service: a trip to the Minebea plant where Balance Board components are being made, and a look at the technology insidethe board. It's relatively low-tech compared to something like the Wiimote, but still clever. The Balance Board features an electronic strain gauge in each corner; by comparing the change in force on each strain gauge, the Wii can read the movements of your bulk. Apparently (according to the video) the same kind of sensors are used in robotics to help bipedal robots stand up.
It's a different approach from the Wiimote-on-tennis ball board Mike made, but we suppose it's pretty good. We do enjoy not falling and all.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
crazypenguin @ Jan 3rd 2008 10:21AM
i seriously want to get wii fit mainly to get my mom off of the stupid plastic step and dvd that she got for 40 bucks, and get her more into this, i know i'm going to play it for like 72 hours straight and try to beat every game, and then afterwards, i'll stop, but this is seriously somthing my mom can use.
sn1per @ Jan 3rd 2008 11:00AM
cue the 'yo momma so fat...' jokes...
crazypeng1 @ Jan 3rd 2008 7:26PM
she's not freaking fat, she's a work out a holic idiot, she does like three work outs a day and it drives me nuts. she does stay fit, but its boring and i want to get her more into video games!
Adv2k1 @ Jan 3rd 2008 11:21AM
this just angers me more since neither do we have the game of the Everyone nintendo channel yet. grrrrrrrrrrrrr
Sonic_13 @ Jan 3rd 2008 11:42AM
The Everybody's Nintendo Channel and Wii Fit...oh how I want you both so bad.
When are you guys getting released!?!
Jay @ Jan 3rd 2008 1:05PM
"Apparently (according to the video) the same kind of sensors are used in robotics to help bipedal robots stand up."
Metal Gear?
stinkbug @ Jan 3rd 2008 1:23PM
I'm worried that there's still been no official U.S. release date for Wii Fit. What's up with that?
Is it still selling like hot cakes in Japan? Do they have ample supply of them there? Have there been any quality control issues?
Brandon N. Hatfield @ Jan 3rd 2008 2:08PM
I love Nintendo. Obviously. But you know, I am SO tired of Japanese-Centric business BS from Nintendo headquarters.
We Americans drop billions of dollars into Nintendo's bucket, and Japan is constantly the first stop-shop for all new releases, game exclusives and downloadable channels.
I mean, I KNOW Nintendo is a Japanese-based company, but for pete's sake, I am tired of waiting six or more months for the same stuff that Nintendo of Japan customers have been enjoying already. Show us some love, Nintendo!
hvnlysoldr @ Jan 3rd 2008 3:11PM
Quick translate the part talking about 100kg! Does that mean it can only handle 100kg=220lbs?
NinKenDo @ Jan 3rd 2008 7:15PM
I weigh 215 right now, so I guess I better not gain any weight or I'll be out of luck... maybe the American Wii Fit will be a little sturdier knowing that we're all fatties over here. That's probably why it's not out yet, they're trying to make one that can handle up to 500lbs.
NinKenDo @ Jan 3rd 2008 7:15PM
Is it just me or is that guy giving me the stinkeye?