Will the 'Wii workout' cure couch potato-itis?

Just a week after the launch of Nintendo's new Wii video game console, players are already noticing its distinctive motion-sensitive remote controller is causing aching backs, sore shoulders and other exertion-related pains. That, according to a Wall Street Journal article quoting gamers who compare playing Wii games to working out.

So long as the injuries are temporary and not serious, bloggers are saying the marriage of video game playing and exercise is a good development, particularly for those kids (and adults alike) who need more physical activity in their lives.

They're also anticipating Wii injury lawsuits.

Blog community response:

"With the rate of obese children skyrocketing worldwide, you'd think people would be congratulating Nintendo for combining gaming and exercise, not complaining. Oh well. Grab another Big Mac and wait for the next generation of gaming consoles to come out. Maybe they'll feature 'mind control ' so you don't even have to lift a finger to play.""
--Agency Insider

"Now that many hospitals are getting game systems for kids in need thanks to Child's Play, could the Wii also have some rehabilitative benefits? That would be exciting to hear about. As long as it gets my big ass off the couch, I'm more than satisfied. Countdown until the first 'I lost 60lbs. playing the Wii' begins??now!"
--YouNEWB.com

"My first thought was that anything that will get Americans--we seem to be getter fatter by the hour??-to exercise is a plus. However, as Warren listed some of the injuries suffered by players, I asked myself: 'How long before some sharp plaintiff's attorney files a lawsuit on behalf an injured player and seek class action status? "
--The Technology Free Press