Virtual running with Wii
One way that thousands of youngsters are getting their exercise is through a game for the Nintendo Wii called Wii Fit. The Wii Fit website advertises that you can “place the Wii Remote controller in your pocket and go for a jog around a virtual island.” Who needs a treadmill when you can jog in place and watch a TV version of yourself run laps around fantasy land?
Seriously though, although it may seem laughable that a video game could be marketed as a fitness device there are plenty of stories of kids and adults who have lost weight and improved their health by using Wii Fit. Personally I’ve always wished for a more immersive running experience on the treadmill and perhaps the Wii fits the bill. With a fan blowing in my face and a Wii-mote in my pocket I could sail around the virtual island and lap all the Miis while cranking the treadmill up to 9mph.
For those of you who were gamers back in the 1990s you may remember Nintendo’s first foray into virtual running games. World Class Track Meet for the Nintendo made use of a “Power Pad” where players jumped up and down to control the game. Unfortunately World Class Track Meet wasn’t a big hit at the time, mainly due to the wonky Power Pad performance. In contrast, Wii Fit seems to be well received by most players (er, virtual runners) so perhaps it’s worth a try…
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