Well, today the Wii Fit controller is released in Japan (well technically it’s released on December 1st, 2007, but they are a day ahead of us). For those who don’t know, the Wii Fit looks to be a controller in the shape of an “aerobic step” and it can sense pressure and weight. Some of the demo videos show people playing games like ski jumping, hula-hooping, dancing etc. The whole purpose is to help gamers become more physically active and to promote a healthier lifestyle. Nintendo’s message seems to have gotten through to Japanese consumers since a reported 300,000 Wii Fit units were supposedly preordered at various retailers. If those numbers are indeed true, then the initial release of Wii Fit would outsell the recently popular Wii game, Super Mario Galaxy on it’s opening release.

Though I’ve yet to try the Wii Fit (or have actually seen one), I can definitely see this further promoting Nintendo’s message of gaming for the whole family. I guess only time will tell if this peripheral will be as successful as the widely popular Wii pack-in game, Wii Sports. For North American gamers, who cannot wait for the New Year’s release domestically, there are plenty of import gaming sites where you can buy it (at a premium). I’m honestly thinking about buying one of these for my Wii so I can actually get some exercise in during the winter.

-Stephen