Today, May 19th, is the official launch for the much talked about Nintendo Wii Fit. It’s been a big success in Japan, but is American ready to leave the couch and embrace so called "exergaming"? I think the answer is both yes and no. The Nintendo Wii’s groundbreaking controllers pioneered a new wave of what I call “off-couch” gaming and the success of video games such as “Guitar Hero” and “Rock Band” has solidified that trend on other game consoles. But just how much fun the the Wii Fit?

I still think that, as the video parody of the actual Wii Fit promo video by SarcasticGamer.com above shows, this is still somewhat of a niche product and the marketing seems more geared towards responsible adults rather then kids and hard-core gamers. I bet a lot of mothers will buy a Wii Fit for their most lazy kids in hope that it will make them venture off the couch for another reason then just to fill up on snacks and soda. But is the Wii Fit attractive enough to transform lives and reverse the kid obesity problem in America? Please prove me wrong, but I think the answer is no. It is still just a game and the people who like it will most certainly be the people who have already left the couch.

The Wii Fit is no "Grand Theft Auto 4" or “Halo” but I think that for $90 it looks like an OK game that will help extend the life cycle of the Wii and hopefully break some of the stereotypes regarding gaming (such as that it's not good for you and that it’s all about geeks with big glasses wasting time and getting fat in their parents basement).

Joakim Baage

Poll: Wii Fit Hits Store Shelves — Will You Get One?