Wii Fit U

Last updated
Wii Fit U
NA Wii Fit U Boxart.jpg
North American packaging artwork
Developer(s) Nintendo EAD
Ganbarion [1]
Publisher(s) Nintendo
Director(s) Hiroshi Matsunaga
Hirofumi Irie
Producer(s) Tadashi Sugiyama
Chikako Yamakura
Programmer(s) Minoru Sudo
Composer(s) Takayuki Kobara
Series Wii
Platform(s) Wii U
Release
  • JP: October 31, 2013
  • NA/EU: November 1, 2013
  • AU: November 2, 2013
Genre(s) Exergaming
Mode(s) Single-player

Wii Fit U [lower-alpha 1] is an exergaming video game developed by Nintendo for the Wii U console, and is the successor to the Wii games Wii Fit and Wii Fit Plus . Wii Fit U utilizes both the Wii Balance Board and the Wii U GamePad in gameplay, and is bundled with the newly introduced Fit Meter, an activity meter accessory. It was released in Japan on October 31, 2013, [2] followed by North America and Europe one day later. It is also the only game on the system to support the balance board.

Contents

The game was later succeeded by Ring Fit Adventure on the Nintendo Switch which includes two new accessories, the Ring-Con and Leg Strap.

Gameplay

Like its predecessors Wii Fit and Wii Fit Plus , Wii Fit U focuses on engaging the player in physical activities, including yoga and strength training, through use of the Wii Balance Board, a platform peripheral upon which the player stands during play that measures the player's weight and center of balance. Wii Fit U introduces additional activities that add the Wii U GamePad into gameplay. Owners of Wii Fit or Wii Fit Plus can transfer all saved data into Wii Fit U. [3] Exercises are organized by category and by the amount of requisite exertion, measured in numerical values called "MET". [4]

Wii Fit U can display output on a television screen or only use its GamePad touchscreen. All retail copies of Wii Fit U are bundled with a foldable Wii U GamePad Stand and an activity meter (pedometer) called the Fit Meter, [5] also available separately, which is carried while jogging or otherwise moving. The concept and overall design of the device are similar to the Pokéwalker released with Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver. [5] [6] When the Fit Meter is placed near the GamePad, its data is transferred via infrared connection to the Wii U. [7]

Wii Fit U has all the exercises from Wii Fit Plus except the following:

As well as merging the regular and Plus versions of Table Tilt, Balance Bubble, and Basic Run into single entries.

Wii Fit U adds the following exercises:

Release

The game became available for purchase, in standard and Wii Balance Board bundles with Fit Meters, in December 2013 in the PAL regions and on January 10, 2014, in North America. [8] In Japan the physical copy became available on February 1, 2014, although it had been released previously on the eShop than in North America and the PAL regions.

Reception

Critical reception

Wii Fit U, overall, is well received by critics, having a score of 72 out of 100 by 19 critics on Metacritic. One Metacritic review described it as being "friendly" and not "as hardcore as some fitness buffs may like." [9] Nintendo World Report praises the game for revolutionizing the exercising genre of video games by building upon its predecessor Wii Fit with "robust and customizable routines" and the gym community for motivation. [14] Gaming magazine Polygon criticizes Wii Fit U as "too light-weight to be a contender" for actual exercise. [15] Lifewire called it an "[i]nteresting use of the Gamepad [with] clever new mini-games [and an] improved fitness routine setup [compared to Wii Fit]". [16] PC Magazine rated it 4 out of 5 or "excellent", calling it engaging and fun with many activities, as a worthy sequel and fitness tool. [6] The New York Times described the game and its physical setup as efficient, unobtrusive, and motivating—concluding that "it’s cheaper than joining a gym and it beats sitting on the couch and playing video games". [17] US Gamer said that "[b]alance exercises are the most 'game-like' of all the activities", and that the game has solid integration with Nintendo's now-defunct Miiverse social network. Giving it a 4.5 out of 5, US Gamer concluded "Wii Fit U is a very solid package that achieves its primary goal of making you more aware of your fitness, how your body works and what you might need to do to make it work better. Its game-like nature and Nintendo charm keeps it interesting, enjoyable and never demoralizing." [4]

Benefits studies

Wii Fit U, unlike Wii Fit , has been used for treatments in physical therapy and not just for basic exercise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has used games that involve light to moderate activity in those with brain damage to aid in the patient's recovery. [18] Research has found that users feel a better sense of balance and upper body motion, initiating a healing for those with brain injury.

Concerning basic exercise, one study found that Wii Fit U is not fit for intensive exercise but rather moderate exercise and conditioning. The study concluded that the ability of the game's diverse exercises to increase physical growth is unknown. [19]

Notes

  1. ↑ Wiiフィット U (Wī Fitto Yū) in Japanese

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wii</span> Home video game console by Nintendo

The Wii is a home video game console developed and marketed by Nintendo. It was released on November 19, 2006 in North America, and in December 2006 for most other regions of the world. It is Nintendo's fifth major home game console, following the GameCube and is a seventh-generation console alongside Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's PlayStation 3.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pedometer</span> Portable device that counts steps a person takes

A pedometer, or step-counter, is a device, usually portable and electronic or electromechanical, that counts each step a person takes by detecting the motion of the person's hands or hips. Because the distance of each person's step varies, an informal calibration, performed by the user, is required if presentation of the distance covered in a unit of length is desired, though there are now pedometers that use electronics and software to determine how a person's step varies automatically. Distance traveled can be measured directly by a GPS receiver.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fitness game</span> Video games that are also a form of exercise

Fitness game, exergame, and gamercise are terms used for video games that are also a form of exercise. Fitness games rely on technology that tracks body movement or reaction. The genre has been used to challenge the stereotype of gaming as a sedentary activity, and promoting an active lifestyle among gamers. Fitness games are seen as evolving from technology aimed at making exercise more fun.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wii Balance Board</span> Accessory for the Wii and Wii U

The Wii Balance Board is an accessory for the Wii and Wii U video game consoles. Unlike the usual balance board for exercise, it does not rock but instead tracks the user's center of balance. Along with Wii Fit, it was introduced on July 11, 2007, at the Electronic Entertainment Expo.

<i>Wii Fit</i> 2007 exergaming video game published by Nintendo

Wii Fit is a 2007 exergaming video game designed by Nintendo's Hiroshi Matsunaga for the Wii home video game console, featuring a variety of yoga, strength training, aerobics, and balance mini-games for use with the Wii Balance Board peripheral. Matsunaga described the game as a "way to help get families exercising together". It has since been adopted by various health clubs around the world, and has previously been used for physiotherapy rehabilitation in children and in nursing homes to improve posture in the elderly.

<i>EA Sports Active</i> 2009 video game

EA Sports Active: Personal Trainer is a video game developed by EA Canada for the Wii console. It was released on May 19, 2009 in North America. The game ships with a strappable pouch to hold the Nunchuk and a resistance band.

<i>Wii</i> (video game series) Simulation game series

Wii is a series of simulation games published by Nintendo for the game console of the same name, as well as its successor, the Wii U. After a seven-year hiatus, the game Nintendo Switch Sports, described officially as "a new iteration of the Wii Sports series," was announced, the first game to drop the "Wii" from its title. These games feature a common design theme, with recurring elements including casual-oriented gameplay, casts consisting mostly or entirely of Miis, and control schemes that simulate real-life activities.

<i>Get Fit with Mel B</i> 2010 video game

Get Fit with Mel B is a fitness video game developed by Lightning Fish and released for all three major seventh-generation consoles: the PlayStation 3, Wii and Xbox 360, utilizing each console's advanced motion control accessory for fitness gameplay.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wii U</span> Home video game console by Nintendo

The Wii U is a home video game console developed by Nintendo as the successor to the Wii. Released in late 2012, it is the first eighth-generation video game console and competed with Microsoft's Xbox One and Sony's PlayStation 4.

<i>Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS</i> and <i>Wii U</i> Pair of 2014 video games

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, both commonly referred together as Super Smash Bros. 4, are 2014 crossover platform fighter video games developed by Bandai Namco Studios and Sora Ltd. and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U video game consoles. It is the fourth installment in the Super Smash Bros. series, succeeding Super Smash Bros. Brawl. The Nintendo 3DS version was released in Japan on September 13, 2014, and in North America, Europe, and Australia the following month. The Wii U version was released in North America, Europe, and Australia in November 2014 and in Japan the following month.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wii U GamePad</span> Primary game controller for the Wii U

The Wii U GamePad is the standard game controller for Nintendo's Wii U home video game console. Incorporating features from tablet computers, the GamePad has traditional input methods, touchscreen controls, and motion controls. The touchscreen can be used to supplement a game by providing alternate, second screen functionality or an asymmetric view of a scenario in a game. The screen can also be used to play a game strictly on the GamePad screen without the use of a television display. Conversely, non-gaming functions can be assigned to it as well, such as using it as a television remote.

The Nintendo Network was an online service run by Nintendo which provided free online functionality for the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U systems and their compatible games. Announced on January 26, 2012, at an investors' conference, it was Nintendo's second online service after Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Former president of Nintendo Satoru Iwata said, "Unlike Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, which has been focused upon specific functionalities and concepts, we are aiming to establish a platform where various services available through the network for our consumers shall be connected via Nintendo Network service so that the company can make comprehensive proposals to consumers."

<i>Nintendo Land</i> 2012 party video game

Nintendo Land is a party video game developed and published by Nintendo as a pack-in launch title for the Wii U home video game console in 2012. The game was first announced at E3 2012 during Nintendo's press conference.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wii U system software</span> Operating system for Nintendos Wii U home video game console

The Wii U operating system is the official firmware version and system software for the Nintendo's Wii U home video game console. Nintendo maintains the Wii U's systemwide features and applications by offering system software updates via the Internet. Updates are optional to each console owner, but may be required in order to retain interoperability with Nintendo's online services. Each update is cumulative, including all changes from previous updates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Off-TV Play</span> Feature of the Wii U GamePad

Off-TV Play is a feature of Nintendo's eighth-generation video game console, the Wii U. Like all video game consoles, the Wii U uses a console and a controller to manipulate an image on a television screen. The Wii U's unique feature is that its controller, the Wii U GamePad, has its own built-in screen for displaying images. It can display an entirely different image, or duplicate the television screen into the Wii U GamePad. Off-TV Play is the term used for when an entire game is played strictly on the controller, without the use of a television. The GamePad also features two speakers that can be used for Off-TV Play. There is no standardized way to activate Off-TV Play and how it's implemented depends on the game.

<i>Wii Sports Club</i> 2013 sports video game published by Nintendo

Wii Sports Club is a sports simulation video game, developed by Nintendo and Bandai Namco Studios and published by Nintendo for the Wii U throughout 2013 and 2014. It is the third entry in the Wii Sports series, a part of the larger Wii series. As an enhanced remake of the 2006 Wii launch title Wii Sports, it includes five minigames that replicate Tennis, Baseball, Bowling, Golf, and Boxing, and are controlled with motion controls that replicate the sports. New to the game is additional control schemes using the Wii U GamePad, online multiplayer, and Wii Motion Plus support. Players are organized into clubs that represent different regions, and scores and stats are tracked on Nintendo's social network Miiverse. Players could also communicate with each other during and after online matches using Miiverse. Each sport can be purchased individually or rented for a certain amount of time via a pass.

<i>Fitness Boxing</i> 2018 fitness game for the Nintendo Switch

Fitness Boxing is a fitness video game developed by Imagineer for the Nintendo Switch. The game was released on December 20, 2018 in Japan by Imagineer, December 21, 2018 in PAL territories and January 4, 2019 in North America by Nintendo.

<i>Ring Fit Adventure</i> 2019 video game

Ring Fit Adventure is an exercising action role-playing game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch. The game comes with two physical components: the Ring-Con, a Pilates ring that the user holds and one Joy-Con slots into, and a Leg Strap, a piece of fabric affixed to the user's leg that holds the other Joy-Con.

<i>Your Shape: Fitness Evolved 2013</i> 2012 fitness video game

Your Shape: Fitness Evolved 2013 is a fitness video game developed by Blue Byte and published by Ubisoft. The game was released on November 18, 2012, in North America, and on November 30, 2012, in Australia and Europe for the Wii U. The game is the sequel to Your Shape: Fitness Evolved 2012 for the Xbox 360.

References

  1. ↑ McFerran, Damien (2013-10-04). "Pandora's Tower Creator Ganbarion Is Co-Developing Wii Fit U". Nintendo Life. Archived from the original on 2013-10-05. Retrieved 2013-10-04.
  2. ↑ Brian (2013-08-07). "Wii Fit U dated for Japan". Nintendo Everything. Archived from the original on 2013-08-09. Retrieved 2013-08-09.
  3. ↑ Andrews, Nate (5 June 2012). "Wii Fit U Preview". Nintendo World Report. Archived from the original on 19 November 2013. Retrieved 13 June 2012.
  4. 1 2 Davison, Pete (January 2, 2014). "New Year, New U: Wii Fit U Review". US Gamer. Archived from the original on March 14, 2018. Retrieved March 12, 2018.
  5. 1 2 Thomas, Lucas M. (6 June 2012). "E3 2012: A Closer Look at Wii Fit U's New Peripheral, The Fit Meter". IGN. Archived from the original on 14 June 2012. Retrieved 13 June 2012.
  6. 1 2 Greenwald, Will (November 27, 2013). "Wii Fit U (for Nintendo Wii U)". PC Magazine. Archived from the original on March 14, 2018. Retrieved March 12, 2018.
  7. ↑ Davidson, Pete (November 4, 2013). "Wii Fit U Quietly Releases for Free". US Gamer. Archived from the original on March 14, 2018. Retrieved March 12, 2018.
  8. ↑ ""Wii Fit U" Confirmed to Make You Sweat at Retail Next Week". Crunchyroll . January 3, 2014. Archived from the original on January 3, 2020. Retrieved January 3, 2020.
  9. 1 2 "Wii Fit U Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on January 22, 2014. Retrieved November 18, 2014.
  10. ↑ "Review: Wii Fit U". Destructoid. Archived from the original on November 29, 2014. Retrieved November 18, 2014.
  11. ↑ "Wii Fit U Review". IGN. Archived from the original on November 11, 2014. Retrieved November 18, 2014.
  12. ↑ "Wii Fit U review: Some assembly required". Joystiq. Archived from the original on November 29, 2014. Retrieved November 18, 2014.
  13. ↑ Watts, Martin (2013-11-09). "Wii Fit U Review". Nintendo Life. Archived from the original on 2021-04-16. Retrieved 2021-04-16.
  14. 1 2 "Wii Fit U Review". Nintendo World Report. Archived from the original on November 29, 2014. Retrieved November 18, 2014.
  15. 1 2 "Wii Fit U: Glass Joe". Polygon. 20 December 2013. Archived from the original on 29 November 2014. Retrieved November 18, 2014.
  16. ↑ Herold, Charles (October 18, 2016). "Wii Fit U - Game Review". Lifewire. Archived from the original on March 14, 2018. Retrieved March 12, 2018.
  17. ↑ Schmidt, Gregory (December 31, 2013). "Exercise Game Tracks Your Fitness All Day". The New York Times. Archived from the original on December 11, 2019. Retrieved March 12, 2018.
  18. ↑ Putnam, Cynthia; Cheng, Jinghui (September 2013). "Helping Therapists Make Evidence-Based Decisions About Commercial Motion Gaming". ACM Sigaccess Accessibility and Computing (107). DePaul University: 3–10. doi:10.1145/2535803.2535804. S2CID   10071704.
  19. ↑ Miyachi, Motohiko (26 August 2014). "Prevalence of Behavior Changing Strategies in Fitness Video Games: Theory-Based Content Analysis". Journal of Medical Internet Research. 15 (5). US National Library of Medicine: e81. doi: 10.2196/jmir.2403 . PMC   3650924 . PMID   23651701.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.