'Wii Fit' craze set to launch May 19

(Credit: Nintendo)

Rumors have been circulating for several weeks that the upcoming Nintendo interactive fitness game, Wii Fit, which comes bundled with the Wii Balance Board peripheral (pictured), would be priced at $89.99. Well, now that number has become official along with the not-so-secret May 19 launch date.

According to Nintendo's press release, Wii Fit boasts, "A dynamic mix of more than 40 yoga, aerobics, strength training, and balance activities, Wii Fit provides consumers with a fun, easy, and affordable way to incorporate exercise into their daily routines. Using the included wireless Wii Balance Board accessory, every member of the household can step up and stay active, setting individual fitness goals and tracking their progress over time."

If you happen to live in or around New York, it's worth noting that from April 18 through 20, the "first 1,000 consumers who place a $5 deposit for Wii Fit at the Nintendo World store in Rockefeller Plaza will receive a limited edition Wii Fit T-shirt featuring the image and reproduced autograph of legendary Nintendo video game designer Shigeru Miyamoto."

Nintendo says it's already sold 1.4 million Fit kits in Japan and chances are the bundle is going to do very well in North America. Will Fit match the success of Guitar Hero and Rock Band, which also carry somewhat hefty price tags? Hard to say. What do you guys think? Can casual gaming translate into buns of steel?

[adkman1956]

This will appeal to people, like me, who don't care about Rock Guitar heroes. Wii (we) already have the sports and wii play, and this fits nicely. Next I want Big Brain Academy Wii Degree. Now we must wait for Brain Age 3 The Wii Level.

[adkman1956]

I forget to add Flash Focus Wii Sight. Am I setting a pattern here? Some of us want more than just fun and games from our fun and games!!

[marcyu]

Shouldn't Nintendo be using the resources they used to make this crazy add-on towards making enough Wii's?

[Spudler]

I agree completely.

[sammyb33]

I think this is going to be a big hit. There are so many adults who play the Wii and they are going to love having this game. I'm sure Nintendo has made it fun and exciting to play.

Myspace Stuff

[zgreenwell]

I'm going to buy it. I love the idea. I think I'll get my whole family playing it and getting in shape.

[rp6884]

i like it, but am skeptical about how intense the fitness will be.....if its just mediocre, it wont convert the un-fit and it wont keep the attention of the fit

its gotta be good.

[jaycustom]

Cool idea but....I love bowling, baseball, so on and so on.But, working out to me just isn't fun.Seeing as im only 155lbs and 5' 9", I think Wii sports keeps me fit enough thanks.But fat pigs who are too lazy to leave the house may find it helpful...not me tho.

[cmpbllman9]

or for free you can watch PBS and do yoga... go to the gym and workout.... go to the park... and so on. this is a joke.