Nintendo Takes A Page From History: WiiFit

At E3 2007, Nintendo announced WiiFit a fitness game for the now-generation Nintendo home console. Revolutionary? Innovative? Maybe, but not the first... This idea has existed before, way before, in the mold of the joyboard! Nope, it's not a sexual device, although named appropriately for one, the joyboard was an accessory back in 1982 by Amiga. The peripheral was released as a balance board for the Atari VCS.
"The technology was much less sophisticated than Fit, of course. In the place of analog pressure controls for each foot surface, the joyboard simply installed the four directional latches of a joystick on the bottom of the board. Lean to engage the latches and control the game -- hypothetically, to control any game." --watercoolergames
As with technology, much has changes since the joyboard existed. Can the technological upgrades make the Wii board and WiiFit a success story?

The Wii has proven to attract non-gamers, hardcore gamers and softcore gamers so the chance of success on this "novelty" item may increase. Think on this, you own a Nintendo Wii (or may in the future) and you've got a spouse that isn't into gaming. They are, however, into activities that require movement or working out. Tai-Bo is a good example, or other work out related videos; there is a change this type of title could interest them. You already own a Wii, so what's the harm in trying out WiiFit for your loved one in hopes to get them gaming?

The barrier to entry on WiiFit is low considering it comes with the balancing board bundled inside the box and you're already a Wii owner. A few folks may buy the Wii just for WiiFit but the chances are higher if the Wii is already installed at home, right?

Think about how many people bought Dance Dance Revolution just because "my wife wants it."

source: kotaku

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