Point: Wii Fit is dumb
by David Hinkle 
{ May 27th 2008 at 12:30PM }
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Okay, so I'm immature. Sue me.
From a business standpoint, Wii Fit is an obviously excellent decision. For me, though, I wonder about what kind of effect the successful venture will have on the future of the Wii. Sure, Wii Fit follows Nintendo's goal of extracting money from the wallet of every person on the planet, but think about this: what big titles have we seen from Nintendo since the introduction of Wii Fit? Actually, what have we seen period from Nintendo since the unveiling of Wii Fit? Any big first-party titles planned? Reggie hinted, but we honestly have no idea!
Aside from that, Wii Fit helps Nintendo distance themselves from the model of actually making games for their games console. Wii Fit is selling like some kind of made-up word, proving to the company that they're less relied on to innovate in the games space and instead should put more focus on expanding the market, luring in non-gamers with a barebones fitness experience and other similar products going forward.
This could put a damper on Nintendo dishing out new titles for their longtime fans who actually crave nothing more than installments in the company's key franchises. Sure, we've all played the Super Mario games, but one thing that keeps us coming back, despite the supposed lack of innovation in each installment (as some say) is that each entry does innovate, if only a tad sometimes. We don't keep playing these games out of some nostalgic loyalty to the characters. We play because the games are good.
Finally, people, the thing is way too expensive. You're talking about a $90 bundle, which is more than a third the cost of the console (given that you can find one), for nothing more than a plastic board and an introductory fitness application. We're not talking Brain Age here, where Nintendo is offering a mass market experience at a mass market price. We're talking the kind of price you see on a monthly electric bill.
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Wii Fit = great |
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
stinkbug @ May 27th 2008 1:17PM
"nothing more than a plastic board"?
that's like calling the wii "nothing more than a plastic box"
c'mon.
Ryan Hartman @ May 27th 2008 3:57PM
I have an inkling as to where all this vitriol aimed at "physical activity" is stemming from, Dave ... but I'll keep it under my hat.
Fact of the matter is that the Wii Fit is the greatest thing ever!11lol1!one!11 and I want to open mouth kiss Reggie. Twice.
NINTENDO FOREVER!1!