If you have children -- or simply don't live in a cave -- you've undoubtedly heard of the Nintendo Wii Video Game Console. Launched last year, the Wii has exploded on to the gaming scene, crushing it's Sony Playstation 3 opposition.
Normally, video games are associated with couch potatoes and blamed as one of the causes of our rising childhood obesity problem. But, the Wii changed things up with their innovative, action-packed technology.
Not only did they add a physical element to their system, but they made it extremely easy to learn and use, opening their market up to everyone from children to grandparents and everyone in between.
The thing that makes the Wii so different is the controller. Instead of simply pressing buttons and not needing to move anything other than your fingers, the new Nintendo controller allows you to move your entire body to affect what you see on the screen.
For example, in one of their most popular titles, Wii Sports, you need to swing your controller to hit a virtual tennis ball just as you would swing a real tennis racket on the courts. This allows users to get actual physical exercise right in their living room while playing a video game and having fun.
With such a fun and new way to get sedentary people up and moving, some gyms have even begun setting up full Wii rooms where members can play and burn up to 125 calories per game.
Nintendo is going to take this trend one step further with their upcoming game, Wii Fit. Wii Fit will incorporate a "Wii Balance Board" that will sense the player's full body motion, allowing for jumping, leaning, and endless other possibilities.
The game will be releasing in Japan in time for Christmas, but we'll have to wait until early 2008 in the US. That doesn't mean you can't get a Wii now though and enjoy the Wii Sports games and other titles.
Having a "Wii Night" at home is a great way to spend some fun family time, while helping to keep everyone healthy and fit at the same time.
Of course, with all these benefits, the Nintendo Wii is still in high demand and will only get harder to find as the holiday season progresses. So, keep your eyes peeled next time you're at Wal Mart or doing some Christmas shopping, and snag one up to get fit and fun!
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