Wednesday, February 14, 2007

IT Tidbits: A new style of "Adult Games".

Originally I thought I would try to pick one up for Christmas but, as you know, the funds simply ran out. I have been thinking about it since but, besides funds, held off because of the flying controller issue (strap was recalled) and was waiting to see if other issues cropped up. Well, nothing seems to be cropping up and the Nintendo Wii is gaining popularity everyday. The not-so-secret to its success is the fact that of the three currently available new-gen systems (Microsoft's Xbox 360, Sony's Playstation 3 and Nintendo's Wii), this system makes the player move the most. In a continent full of jelly-bellies like myself, this can only be a good thing.

In fact, one guy (no doubt to hawk his upcoming book and to start a new fad) was on TV claiming of a new exercise regime. He allegedly lost 18 pounds since he bought his Wii simply by playing the games included with it; he says he did not change his diet in any way which includes fast food, pizza and the usual dieting no-nos. Many reports back up the claim that the player can work up quite a sweat with some of the games played (uhm, bring your own sweaty controller please and thank you). Note, this has been attempted before; melding exercise to a "fun" activity on a connected TV screen. The only thing that has been remotely successful has been the Dance Dance Revolution craze that still goes on today. All manner of bikes, rowers, elliptical runners and other assorted devices connected to computers and displays and "games" have failed miserably on the market due to a lack of "fun" and/or extremely high prices. If this guy's claims are true, and his book is cheap and simple to follow, he is going to make millions.

For under $300, and a major fun factor included, the Wii could become hotter than one's thighs after playing around with Suzanne Sommers' Thighmaster(tm). Imagine getting little Johnny and Janey a Wii and negotiating a two to one ratio of game playing; two physical exertion games to one player's choice. The couch potatoes will be still in front of the TV but now off the couch. The machine can still babysit the kids while you cook or work on the car, but now it will do some good for a change.

Naturally, I am not saying we should make the kid into more of a house dweller; I believe in outside activity for everyone. I am just saying that if they are going to play something, and they are stuck inside (i.e. rain, snow, bitter cold, tornado, etc.), why not have them play something that will help their health, possible educate, and cost less than a car lease payment (hear me Sony)? I'll post about the true ability of the Wii in the exercise department as soon as I acquire one for my household.

Ciao.

Wii is guest of honor at new genre of parties | Tech News on ZDNet



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1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Good luck finding one. Cory's friend has been tryin for weeks.