Wii maker pushing weight-loss games to women
By icyorchid
@icyorchid (2564)
United States
April 24, 2008 6:39pm CST
Nintendo is rolling out a console attachment that lets users do yoga or push-ups and measure body mass. A company executive says the goal is expansion of the Wii's market without alienating core gamers.
Nintendo's Wii gaming console introduced sedentary gamers to the idea of moving off the couch. Now Nintendo (NTDOY, news, msgs) is coming out with the Wii Fit, an add-on to the gaming system designed to appeal to women looking to lose weight.
The $90 attachment, dubbed the "Balance Board," expands the range of games that can be played on the Wii to include activities such as yoga and push-ups. The Balance Board -- which resembles bathroom scales -- also tracks a user's weight and body-mass index.
The Wii Fit is a daring move for Nintendo, aimed at broadening the gaming market -- dominated by younger men -- to women.
To get their attention, the company plans a massive marketing campaign ahead of the product's release in the United States on May 19, including a public-relations effort now under way. Television, outdoor and print ads begin the week the product becomes available. Ads via Omnicom Group's Goodby Silverstein & Partners will carry the tagline: "How will it move you?"
For the rest of the article:http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Investing/Extra/WiiMakerPushingWeightLossGamesToWomen.aspx
3 people like this
4 responses
@wickedangel (1636)
• Dominican Republic
27 Apr 08
Oh dear, what happened to old fashioned exercise!?
I really don't agree with all these sorts of gadgets. I really would prefer to see our future generation learning how to amuse themselves without damaging property and by making friends (i.e. playing!). It is all well and good that they are at home (safe) and entertaining themselves but there is no real substitute for getting out into the fresh air and running around. That's what kids are supposed to do.
Thanks for sharing this with us, icy.
@icyorchid (2564)
• United States
8 May 08
Yep when my daughter was younger and when I was younger, it was outside to play on a nice day. Now I think parents are afraid to let their kids play outside. lol
My daughter is 25 and is hooked on her boyfriends WII system. lol I am thinking of getting one around Christmas if I can afford it then. :)
@Rosekitty (19368)
• San Marcos, Texas
25 Apr 08
This sounds great!...love WII..and now this will make it even better!
@wisconsin26 (3859)
• United States
12 May 08
I am just replying from the title of this subject... Wii may have different games and programs for it's system but isn't pushing anyone to lose weight or do anything they do want to do.. Wii doesn't stand before you at the store and say buy this product cause you can lose weight.. I know that may sound funny but really and come on.. It's a game and it's meant for people to move instead of sit and push buttons all day to get where they want... I think this system is great not just because others think it's a good way to lose weight but because you are MOVING non stop... This is one of the best system that anyone has ever come out with.. Good thing they made the straps on the controls cause there's been a few times where I've let it go... ...Giggles...
@reene0225 (351)
• United States
12 May 08
I personally like the idea. I'm 20 and female, but I think it'd be great. I'm not overweight but would like to tone up. I would get the attachment just to see if it will help me tone up and if it does then I'd keep it. If not then I'll sell it on ebay. I used to do yoga and would like to get back into it. I think it's cool that it does track the user's weight and body mass index. It should be a pretty good sell. Especially since a lot of the people that play are younger kids whose parents bought the Wii so they could get off the couch. I think the parent would get a benefit of using it while they're away at school or something.
