Wii and Wii Fit make their way to Sports Authority

The Wii is coming to...Sports Authority?

(Credit: Nintendo)

You might be used to buying your video game consoles only at an electronics store, but all that will soon change. National sports retailer Sports Authority announced Tuesday that it will start selling the Nintendo Wii and Wii Fit Plus in its stores.

Aside from being able to pick up a Wii and Wii Fit Plus, consumers will also find Sports Authority stores that boast a Wii "interactive fitness experience." The section of the store will have "knowledgeable fitness trainers allowing customers to try Wii and Wii Fit Plus before they buy."

While it's certainly interesting to see a Wii being used by a fitness instructor in a sports store, Sports Authority said it believes that it will help set it apart in the marketplace. According to the company, users will now be able to "satisfy their fitness- and sports-gaming needs under one roof."

But just how much of a benefit Wii Fit actually affords its users is up for debate. Sports Authority might claim that it helps users "achieve better health," but a recent study (PDF) from the American Council on Exercise found that the game offers a "very, very mild workout."

That could throw a wrench in Sports Authority's plans as it attempts to make the case that the Wii and the Wii Fit Plus make sense next to other products designed specifically to improve the health of its users. As appealing as it might be to some, Nintendo's game might not be able to stand up against fitness-focused products.

Regardless, Sports Authority has thrown its support behind Nintendo's console. The Wii and the Wii Fit Plus will be available in 102 stores starting on Thursday. It will be rolled out to remaining company stores by spring 2010.

[tismeinaz]

The thing about the Wii fit is that it gets couch potatoes off their butts and moving and that can lead to bigger things. If you are older and out of shape - you aren't going to be running a marathon the first week. Some people end up getting hurt by being totally unhealthy and going gung ho. This gets them moving and makes it fun. Nothing wrong with that.

[jeeves86]

It only does offer a very, very mild workout. LOL. Pretty much saying you'd be better off actually briskly walking to the store for a supersized bag of potato chips. The thing about the Wii Fit gets shoved under the couch within a week or so, and Mommy and Daddy are upset they paid so much for it.

[solar_plexus]

Please Consider the following: <br />1) If you are someone who works ou tin the Gym, runs Marathons, considers yourself "In Shape" or anything similar, this is NOT for you. But understand that just because you are in shape doesn't mean everyone else is. This product is for folks who want to work out at home. Maybe they don't have time to get dressed and go to the Gym. Or maybe they are too embarrased to go to the Gym. Maybe they just need a little motivation. Maybe they just need a start. The Wii Fit is for those folks. <br />2) The Wii Fit is only the beginning. The balance board can be used with more advanced titles like EA Sports Active. I challange the American Exercise people (or whatever they are called) to go through THAT title and say its a mild workout.

[rfelgueiras]

Considering a lot of retail sports chains in this city (and I'm sure others) sell poker sets, why wouldn't the wii be considered at least a physical recreation tool? <br /><br />@ jeeves86 - the same thing can be said about a treadmill. I can buy it and not use it again after the first week, does that make it less worthy of being in Sports Authority?

[NervClaX]

@rfelgueiras - Most people stop using the Wii after the first week of ownership. Maybe it really IS sports equipment!

[rfelgueiras]

I got the Wii the day it came out and I got the Fit last christmas and I still use it three times a week to change up my workout... though I admit - I may not be an average example