Nintendo Unveils New Hardware including “Wii Fit”

The other day I got to attend a video game test with two of my associates. Just when I thought video games couldn’t get any more innovative, Nintendo unveiled the next phase of its Wii initiative with “Wii Fit.â€?

“Wii Fitâ€? is a game for guys and girls that is operated through a Balance Board that is pressure sensitive. This modern equivalent of the Power Pad (remember that?) allows players to do a variety of exercises like aerobics, yoga, muscle stretches, and the hula-hoop. As time goes on, “Wii Fitâ€? will measure your progress and you might even lose some weight in the process– Nintendo does not guarantee that, though.

While my associates were enjoying the “Wii Fitâ€?, I had the pleasure of testing out the latest incarnation of one my favorite games, “The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglassâ€? for the Nintendo DS. To play the game, all you need to do is drag the DS stylus across the screen to move your character. And to fight the enemy, just tap them with the stylus. It takes some getting used to but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be hooked. However, beware of the puzzles, they can be a bit difficult.

I was just getting into “Zeldaâ€? when it was time for me to test out “Metroid Prime 3: Corruption.â€? For “first person shooterâ€? fans, this game will be a gem. The Wii remote acts as your arm cannon and any movement you make, the game will make, too. You actually feel like you’re carrying an arm cannon, which makes aiming more accurate. Unfortunately, just as I was getting into the game my test time expired!

I do not have a next generation console, but this experience has certainly helped to sell me on the future of Nintendo and the possibilities of buying a Wii. One thing is certain: it is an exciting time to be a gamer.