04/01/2008 - 05/01/2008

Home » Archives for 04/01/2008 - 05/01/2008

4.30.2008

Nintendo re-stocking Wii Fit "weekly"

If you're a European consumer trawling the High Street for a copy of the seemingly illusive Wii Fit, the advice from Nintendo is to keep your spirits up, because they're doing their best to deliver.

After Wii Fit became the sixth-fastest selling videogame in UK history and shot to the top of the software charts last week, Nintendo has told GamesIndustry that "stock is coming in all the time on a weekly basis."

One in ten UK Wii owners snapped up a copy of Wii Fit within its first two days on sale.

Best Buy starts Wii Fit pre-orders

Best Buy, North America's largest speciality retailer of electronic goods, has this week started taking pre-orders for Wii Fit, which launches in North America on May 19.
Customers can bag themselves a guaranteed copy of the game with a deposit of $5 USD, while pre-orders are also being taken on Wii Fit accessories such as a non-slip mat for the Balance Board and a Travel Bag.

Wii Fit and the Balance board will cost $89.99 in the US.

Let us know in the Wii Fit Chat forums if you've already placed a pre-order.

Aussie trams used for Wii Fit ads

Nintendo's marketing push for Wii Fit is getting everywhere. Not content with television and print adverts, in Australia the product is being shown off on the side of public transport.

in Melbourne, reports Kotaku, trams have been re-decorated in a Wii Fit design - the irony being that an game that promotes exercise and fitness is being advertised on the side of a vehicle that offers the exact opposite.

Still, it's very imaginative. We like.

GameSpot gives away free Wii Fit DVDs

Still undecided on whether to shell out for a copy of Wii Fit when it arrives in North America this May? Let your local GameStop help you make up your mind.

The giant retail chain, reports GoNintendo, is giving away free promotional DVDs to take you through the ins and outs of Wii Fit, in the hope of tempting you to pick up a copy from them.

We say: grab a free DVD, then get a discounted pre-order in somewhere else. Shop around!

4.28.2008

Wii Fit breaks UK sales records

Despite its hefty £70 GBP price tag, Nintendo's Wii Fit has become the sixth fastest-selling UK release of all time, with 1 in 10 Wii owners in Britain snapping up a copy within its first week on sale.

The exercise-based title raked in an estimated £16.3m GBP in sales, making it the third largest release (in monetary terms) for a videogame product ever - behind only Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and Halo 3 for the Sony PlayStation 3 and Microsoft Xbox 360 respectively.

Wii Fit's sales also trounced those of Mario Kart Wii, reports MCV, replacing it as Nintendo's fastest-selling title ever in the UK.

Did you help Wii Fit's meteoric first week of sales? Let us know in the comments section below.

Chucklesome Wii Fit demo - pull your trousers up!

With Wii Fit now released in Europe, videos of gamers working out with the new title are already beginning to flood onto the Interweb. One young player demonstrates a session of long distance jogging to us, and there's only one thing to say: pull your trousers up, son!

If you're feeling brave enough to share with us your Wii Fit routines in video form, let us know in the Wii Fit Chat forums.

Nintendo: Wii Fit and outdoor exericse go together

Speaking to The Times newspaper at the launch of Wii Fit in the US last week, its designer Shigeru Miyamoto explained that the game is causing a social revolution in Japan; something he'd like to see happen elsewhere too.

"In Japanese households suddenly new conversations are springing up between fathers and mothers, fathers and daughters, talking about Wii Fit," he said. "We would love that to happen in Britain."

He also added that, despite its benefits, Wii Fit is no substitute for proper exercise.

"Spending too long, staying in and playing any video game is not good," he admitted. "I always tell my children to get out on a sunny day and I, myself, went jogging in Central Park yesterday. But I do my stretching on Wii Fit. They work together."

Wise words from Mr. Miyamoto.

4.25.2008

Wii Fit: the experts' round-up

With Wii Fit launching across Europe today, a number of fitness experts have been drafted in by the media to give the software a proper going over. Here, Wii Fit Chat has compiled the latest verdicts from five different personal trainers. Despite quite a lot of scepticism, overall they seem very much in favour of Nintendo’s efforts:

James Mitchell - Esquire Magazine (for IGN)

"If someone has a use for it and uses it in a responsible, educated manner, then it's definitely worth it, " says James, "after all, it's cheaper than an exercise bike and, frankly, a lot more fun".

Robert Crampton - The Times

"I like it... it gets harder and harder the better you get, so it really does become a proper workout, which is really interesting. As an addition to your [exercise] routine, it's fantastic."

Tim Jones - Daily Mail

"To really get the best out of it, I think it needs a personal progression function to put together a programme that is tailored to your personal goals - then it could be valuable. At the moment it's just not quite there.”

Matt Roberts - Matt Roberts' Personal Trainer (for London's RTV)

"I love it, it's really good and I have to say at first I was slightly sceptical with the concept, thinking that another gadget or gizmo would just be exactly that, or would be a short term fad, and just literally after a few days of trying it out I was totally won over by it."

Jim Stubbs - Daily Telegraph

"There's no continuity between the exercises as you would get in a class or with a trainer...It doesn't replace real sports but it encourages people who are completely sedentary to being more active...if you are serious about exercise, I don't think this is for you."

Cheer up, Stubbsy, it's only a bit of fun!

Woolies: Wii Fit selling at 90 units a minute

Nintendo's Wii Fit launched to a frenzy of eager consumers in the UK today, and, according to high street store Woolworths, is being snapped up at a rate of 90 units per minute from their hundreds of outlets.

"This is a revolution in computer gaming. For a game not targeted at gamers to sell in numbers like this is unheard of and is genuinely changing the market," said Woolworths games trading manager Gerry Berkley.

Woolworths and other stores, writes WebUser, have reported queues around the country as Wii owners attempt to pick up the hottest Wii title of the year so far.

Wii Fit rival emerges - the Power Stepper

Wii Fit has a rival, and Gamercize claims the Wii Power Stepper is all you'll need for your videogaming exercise needs.

It looks just like a normal mini-stepper, but connects to the Wii console and, as long as you keep-a steppin', the game'll keep on playin’. The machine is compatible with any Wii title; the idea being that the fun of gaming will distract you from the pain and boredom of exercise.

It's already been used in gyms and schools across the world, but we reckon Gamercize has another thing coming if it hopes to compete with Wii Fit. It'll set you back a cool £120 GBP.

Wii Fit launches across Europe!

After months of waiting, frantic pre-ordering and hoovering up every last morsel of information available about it, gamers across the UK and Europe finally had the chance to get their hands (and feet) on Wii Fit.

Digital Spy reports that the great British sport of standing politely in an orderly queue was seen in action across Britain today, while London's Metro newspaper features a full cover-wrap promotion for the title.

Let us know if you managed to bag a copy (and crucially, what you think of it) in the Wii Fit Chat forums.

4.24.2008

Wii Fit is for your pets too!

When questioned as to whether there were any differences between the Japanese and North American versions of Wii Fit in New York last week, its inventor (through his translator) revealed that, interestingly, there is, reports NewsWeek.

The US build (released on May 19) allows players to weigh their pets! Players will receive a message telling them that if they stand on the Balance Board while holding their furry companion; weigh themselves separately, then subtract the two amounts, the difference will tell them how their little Fluffy or Rex is shaping up.

Well, you learn something new every day.

The Sun: Wii Fit is amazingly innovative

British tabloid newspaper The Sun has named Wii Fit its Game of the Week and described its creation as something amazingly innovative.

Scoring an impressive 93 percent and chirping positively about its accessibility to both children and adults, the red-top concludes:

"The Wii has changed the face of gaming, and I've no doubt Wii Fit will be the first in a long line of titles that prove there's more to this entertainment form that guns, bullets and racing cars."

And being The Sun, they did, of course, point us to pictures of beauties Nell McAndrew and Sarah Harding demonstrating Wii Fit at its London launch yesterday.

Personal trainer: Dance mat games more useful than Wii Fit

Ahead of its release in the UK tomorrow, British newspaper the Daily Mail has been putting Wii Fit through its paces, the help of the head of a personal trainer firm, Tim Jones.

The detailed articles goes into all aspects of the game, and overall it appears that Jones is critical of the £70 GBP piece of kit, particularly in terms of its benefits in weight loss and muscle toning, even going as far to say that dance mat-based games such as Dance Dance Revolution would offer more of a physical benefit:

"I actually think that the Tennis and Boxing games on the existing Wii Sports, or one of the Japanese mat-based dance games, are far better for aerobic exercise. They're more interesting, more fast paced and demand more energy."

Let us know if you agree with Jones' thoughts in the Wii Fit Chat forums.

Ex-Playboy model - Wii Fit is perfect for me

Girls Aloud pop group member Sarah Harding and ex-Playboy model Nell McAndrew both turned up to promote Wii Fit at its launch on London’s South Bank yesterday - and both, unsurprisingly, came away with nothing but praise for it.

Speaking to the Daily Star, sexy Sarah Harding (pictured) explained that she was using it to get ready for Girls Aloud's latest tour. She said:

"Me and the girls will have no excuse not to keep fit while we’re on tour...This is really great. I’m really getting into it.”

Model and fitness fanatic McAndrew added, " “Wii Fit encourages you to have fun doing fitness which is just perfect for me.”

We've no doubt both women will have encouraged a lot of 'lads mags' readers to indulge in a bit of hot and sweaty Wii Fit action too.

4.23.2008

Wii Fit accidents and the media backlash - what we've got to look forward to

Following the Wii's launch at the tail-end of 2006, the videogames and mass media alike were abound with stories of gamers smashing windows, televisions and other gamers' faces. The game's inventor, Shigeru Miyamoto, recently admitted that there'd been "relatively few" similar incidents with Wii Fit. Here, Wii Fit Chat takes a tongue-in-cheek look at the potential for injuries using Nintendo's newest piece of kit.

Knocked out toddlers

The ferocity at which we can see gamers across the world attempting to beat their high score in Wii Fit's hula-hooping exercise means that we're sure that dozens of little 'uns will waddle unsuspectingly into the firing line of a circulating arse cheek, knocking them out and sending them firing torpedo-like across the living room.

Stubbed toes

With millions of Balance Boards sitting on the floors of households across the globe, the risk of stubbed toes from the bulky hardware is greatly increased. This type of accident always occurs when you least expect it, and delivers the type of short, sharp pain that induces a torrent of expletives in even the most placid of individuals. Keep your wits about you, fellow gamer.

Locked limbs

Those people on the advertisements performing various yoga poses sure do look easy (and impressive) now, but when an innocent Wii Fit session ends up with your left leg bent and locked against your right knee, having to face the world in situations like, y'know, hopping for a bus or explaining to your doctor what happened won't be quite as cool.

Broken Jaws

One of Wii Fit's most simplistic exercises could also be one with the most potential for an accident to occur. Jogging on the spot might seem safe enough, but for those who haven't run for years, lifting those knees too high and enthusiastically could result in busted lips, cracked teeth and even broken jaws.

Wii Fits of rage

You've stuck to a low GI diet all month, been fighting the urge against sneaking downstairs for midnight snacks like never before and still Wii Fit insists that you're gaining pounds and are, in terms more polite, a fat flubber. We predict Balance Boards through windows, Wii Remotes through televisions and the sacrifice of Miis as frustrated gamers lose their cool once and for all.

Are you worried about how Wii Fit might in fact be damaging to your health as well as beneficial? Let us know in the Wii Fit Chat forums.

South Africa takes Wii Fit launch seriously

As well as Wii Fit receiving its own official launch event in the UK today, a similar shindig was also put on in South Africa, organised by the Core Group.

Looking like a much more formal affair (lots of shirts and ties and less scantily-clad women) than its London counterpart, El33TOnline reports, nevertheless, that the event ran very smoothly indeed.

A total of seven Wiis were set up to show off the game, while a gaggle of Nintendo representatives were on hand to demonstrate its ins and outs.

And is it just us, or is that comedian Harry Hill touching his toes in the second image over at El33T?

Nintendo builds a house for UK Wii Fit launch

As Wii Fit Chat reported last week, Nintendo held its official press launch for Wii Fit today, on London's South Bank. In attendance were sports presenter Gabby Logan and model, Nell McAndrew.

BlueHeroGaming reports that the traditionally rainy British weather (especially so when any important outdoor event is taking place) made itself welcome, meaning that members of the public turning up to experience Wii Fit weren't able to. Journalists, meanwhile, were huddled in a swanky marquee.

And as for our celebrity guests? Well, Nintendo only went out and got them a house (shaped in the form of a giant Balance Board) to themselves.

Let us know if you attended the London event in the Wii Fit Chat forums.

Nintendo: Wii Fit ads not just for women and wimpy men

Nintendo's promotional push for Wii Fit has, thus far, been both huge and widespread - and it’s likely to only get bigger. Speaking about the game's marketing to The Wall Street Journal, Nintendo of America's Nintendo of America's executive vice president of sales and marketing, Cammie Dunnaway, was keen to stress that despite a lot of female-orientated ads, Wii Fit is far from "wimpy."

Asked whether Wii Fit's marketing would alienate men and boys, Dunnaway explained:

"I don't think so at all. The experiences are so much fun on Wii Fit. The soccer is fun, and the strength training is hard to do. There is nothing wimpy about the product. It will challenge everyone in the household, and that will help keep the product's appeal really strong and broad. So you won't see pink advertising that says: "Hey mom, buy a Wii Fit."

Do you think Nintendo's advertising for Wii Fit has been the wrong way to go? Let us know in the Wii Fit Chat forums.

UK'ers - grab Wii Fit at Tesco for £55.71!

If you're still struggling to find a copy of Wii Fit to pre-order anywhere, then supermarket behemoth Tesco might be your knight in shining armour... or skimpy vest covered in sweat patches. From midnight on Thursday this week, it'll be selling Wii Fit for just £55.71 GBP, some £15 GBP less than the game's RRP.

Remember, reports HotUKDeals, that this offer refers to bricks and mortar Tesco stores only (not online) and that there's no option to pre-order, meaning you'll have to be up pretty late if you want to grab yourself something of a bargain.

Let us know if you plan to go down the Tesco route in the Wii Fit Chat forums.

Wii Fit press kit goes all out to impress

Press kits of games journalists often arrive with extra little promotional goodies, but it seems as if Nintendo is going all out to charm reviewers with its Wii Fit package.

BlogWiiFit has taken snaps of what it has received from Nintendo along with the game, including a Wii Fit best, water bottle, towel and an exercise mat.

Very swanky!

4.22.2008

Nintendo plasters Wii Fit into Radio Times

In further proof that Nintendo is expanding the videogames demographic with the launch of Wii Fit more than any title before it, the firm has paid for a double-page advertising feature that has been included in the most recent issue of The Radio Times - sort of the UK equivalent of TV Guide.

With the tagline "Gyml'll Fix it for You" the advert explains that:

"You don't need to have a home gym to keep fit - Nintendo's Wii Fit is the ultimate fitness tool the whole family can enjoy. And with exercise this fun, everyone will want to have a go!"

Very clever marketing, indeed...

Analyst: Wii Fit advertising killing Nintendo hardcore crowd

Analyst Michael Pachter is now synonymous with his predictions of the videogames world, and today the Wedbush Morgan employee has cast his eye over Nintendo's Wii advertising, specifically that for Wii Fit.

He cited the experience of GameStop employees, who explained that after extremely high first week sales, the shifting of Wii software quickly tails off. And in relation to Wii Fit, he inferred that Nintendo is ignoring core gamers in its approach to advertising said:

"Wii Fit is just not aimed at hardcore gamers ... It's definitely aimed at the Oprah crowd. I bet they sell a million units a week for every pound that Oprah says she lost on it."

Nintendo has always been adamant that it is still focused on the established gaming audience as well as new players, but is it living up to its promise?

4.21.2008

Wii Fit back in stock at GAME - quick!

UK gamers on a frantic hunt for Wii Fit - listen up! While many, many sites are completely out of stock, retailer GAME looks to have had a new shipment and is currently advertising the game online.

The best bit is that using the promotional code 'Quidco' you will receive £3 off the order, bringing it down to £66.99. And if you purchase the product through Quidco's own service, you'll receive a whopping 11% cashback, bringing the total below £63.

Gotta be worth a punt, eh? Though if you want in, we'd be quick if we were you – they’re likely to sell like hot Boards.

Let us know if you managed to bag a copy in the Wii Fit Chat forums.

Nintendo UK opens Wii Fit microsite

Wii Fit lands on European shores this Friday, so with that in mind Nintendo's UK arm has announced that its official microsite for the fitness title is now open, giving gamers the chance to inspect the software that little bit closer. Says its makers:

"With details on everything from the workings of the Wii Balance Board to the wide range of exercises that await you, the Wii Fit microsite provides a comprehensive breakdown of how the software works with Wii to move you in a whole new way."

As well as a variety of videos, the microsite features a BMI calculator to see how you shape up in anticipation of your Wii Fit workout.

Nintendo: Wii Fit not for single parent families?

In something that probably has relevance to Japan's social structure more than anything else, Wii Fit inventor Shigeru Miyamoto has expressed doubt over how the game will fair in the US, where single parent families exist in much greater numbers.

When CNET asked Miyamoto what he expected from American consumers, he explained that whereas Wii Fit was a family-orientated phenomenon in Japan, the greater number of divorcees with children in North America would throw the game's inclusive appeal into doubt.

We're sure Wii Fit will do just fine, Miyamoto. Let us know your thoughts in the Wii Fit Chat forums.

Amazon targets potential Wii Fit customers

Any regular Amazon customer will know that it’s a site that likes to know your shopping inside habits inside out; always recommending one new product or another to you. And if you've purchased Wii games from them in the past, they're likely to be after you where Wii Fit is concerned too.

The North American Amazon store is targeting those who have purchased Wii games from them and pointing them squarely in the direction of Wii Fit, which launches in the country on May 19.

By our reckoning, this is the first time they've used this tactic for a Wii title, revealing that they also predict it to be a big seller for them.

4.20.2008

Wii Fit... unboxed

So you've already shelled out rather a lot of cash in pre-ordering Wii Fit, but do you know exactly what you're going to get when the game and Balance Board arrives on your doorstep?

For the curious, French website GenerationWii has already bagged a copy of Wii Fit and has snapped pictures of everything that comes boxed with it, as well as giving us a close-up look of the Balance Board.

As you may know, the Board runs on the power of four AA batteries, a set of which Nintendo handily boxes with Wii Fit, so that you can get going straight away.

Have these pics got you even more excited for Wii Fit? Let us know in the Wii Fit Chat forums.

Nintendo shows off Wii Fit at Italian marathon

In an example of direct marketing to help spread the awareness of Wii Fit, Nintendo recently pitched up at the Brescia Marathon in Italy, with what looks like a considerable presence.

Inside a bright and welcoming tent, runners and spectators alike were given the chance to shade from what looks like a searing sun, to test out Wii Fit and the Balance Board.

Looks like reports that Nintendo is pushing Wii Fit like no other title before it is beginning to shift into gear.

Nintendo uses sex to sell Wii Fit at UK launch

Wii Fit launches in Europe on April 25, and if you're in the UK and keen to try it out before it hits the shops, then get yourself down to London's South Bank on Wednesday, April 23, where Nintendo is holding its official launch.

As with its previous launches, Nintendo has roped in the help of a number of famous faces to market the product. At the UK launch will be model Nell McAndrew, as well as sports presenter Gabby Logan and her husband, Kenny.

The event is being held between 8am and 2pm. Let us know if you plan to head down in the Wii Fit Chat Forums.

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4.19.2008

Nintendo World Store has Wii Fit makeover

New York City's Nintendo World Store is gearing up for the launch of Wii Fit by receiving a huge makeover, reports GoNintendo. As well as shedloads of Wii Fit merchandise, its employees have been busy changing the lights over from the Wii's blue glow to the green hue of Wii Fit's logo.

Those Wii Fit t-shirts? Do Want.

Are you lucky enough to be able to attend the Nintendo World Store? Let us know in the Wii Fit Chat forums.

Balance Board to be used for real-life sports training?

To most Wii Fit might seem like a humble videogame, but to Nintendo and a lot of sporting associations around the world, it's a very nifty piece of kit that can be used to benefit real-life sports training.

Speaking to GameInformer, Wii Fit inventor Shigeru Miyamoto explained about the interest Nintendo had received about the Balance Board outside of the videogames industry:

"...The other thing that we’ve found is that in sports training there are devices that are very similar to what the Balance Board does that are used for coaching athletes on their golf swing or while they’re pitching, and what we’ve learned is that these devices are running around $20,000, even though their technical capability is pretty much on par with what the Balance Board can do—which with a price point of about $100 is much cheaper."

Will you be recommending the Balance Board to your golf club? :p Let us know in the Wii Fit Chat forums.

The Mirror reflects Wii Fit in positive light

British newspaper, The Mirror, has recently reviewed Wii Fit and very much enjoyed the experience. Their concluding comment is as follows:

For those that are maybe too self-conscious to go to a gym or want to ease themselves into getting fit, Wii Fit is ideal and Nintendo should be applauded for once again taken gaming into a new area.

4.18.2008

New Wii Fit trailer released

Nintendo has released a new, extended trailer for Wii Fit. The calming promo demonstrates a player planning her weight loss regime and performing yoga, while other family members are seen skiing, performing press-ups and heading soccer balls.

Head over to GameTrailers to view it.

Beware: Wii Fit doesn't like thick carpet

You may have noticed that in all of Nintendo's marketing for Wii Fit, players have been standing atop the Balance Board while it is set on a shiny, flat surface. However, what for those whose homes are carpeted throughout? According to a leaked copy of the instruction booklet, there may have been trouble ahead, but Nintendo has thought of a solution.

In order for the Balance Board to work correctly, the sensors underneath it need to be clear of obstruction - so thick carpets might have interfered with it. However, it looks as if the game will come with extensions for the feet of the accessory, lifting it just high enough to avoid any particularly lengthy pile.

Good ol' Nintendo, always thinkin'.

Have your concerns been put to rest? Let us know in the Wii Fit Chat forums.

New Wii Fit accessories emerge

It hasn't even hit the shops yet, but already a number of accessories have been released to capitalise on the predicted popularity of Wii Fit.

Amazon has three new gadgets on sale to make your Wii Fit-playing experience all the more pleasurable: a rechargable battery pack for the Balance Board to stop it eating away at an endless desire for AA batteries; a silicone sleeve for the board to protect it from everyday wear and tear, and a non-slip mat to place the Board on, making sure that you don't fall flat on your behind whilst playing.

Let us know if you intend to invest in any of the above products in the Wii Fit Chat forums.

Nintendo: Wii Fit launch will be massive

Nintendo has announced that it will be pressing the launch of Wii Fit in the UK more than it did for the console itself.

Nintendo’s Rob Lowe, senior product manager for Wii Fit told MCV:

“Overall it’s the biggest and most ground-breaking Wii campaign we’ve ever done – including the launch of the Wii itself.”

Nintendo also revealed that it is doing all it can to meet the huge demand for Wii Fit, even if not everyone who wants a copy of the unique title will be able to bag one on its initial arrival:

“We’re disappointed if even one person can’t get hold of one of our products and we are doing everything we can to ensure we have as much Wii Fit stock as possible coming into the UK and Ireland not just at launch, but continually, to try and minimise any potential disappointment as much as possible,"

Let us know if you've been struggling to find a copy (or were one of the clever people to pre-order Wii Fit early) in the Wii Fit Chat forums.

Wii Fit inventor: It's just a videogame

Speaking to MTV yesterday, Wii Fit inventor Shigeru Miyamoto was asked whether he thought Wii Fit (being touted for its weight loss powers) was a video game or not? Here's what he said:

MTV: Do you consider “Wii Fit” a video game?

Miyamoto: Well, yes, in my mind, I would say it is a video game.

I wasn’t going to argue with him…

Guess that clears that up, then... although we're sure many others would beg to differ. Let us know what you think in the Wii Fit Chat forums.

Wii Fit inventor rumours new Wi-Fi content

In a recent interview with GameDaily to discuss Wii Fit, its creator, famous videogames designer Shigeru Miyamoto (inventor of Super Mario and Zelda to name but two) revealed that there are talks to introduce new Wii Fit content, either through the Wii Fit Channel or sharing data with the Nintendo DS.

Very interesting news, indeed. Let us know your thoughts in the Wii Fit Chat forums.

Wii Balance Board Games List, Games Support Wii Balance Board

Balance Board Blog has compiled a list of all the games that use the Wii Balance Board and games compatible with the Wii Balance Board - or Wii Board as you may know it.

Click below for the handy list and guide, which includes a snippet of information about all Wii Balance Board games, and when they'll be hitting a store near you. Click the title of each game for even more detail.

All Star Cheer Squad/ All Star Cheerleader (THQ) - Out: October 20, 2008 (US), November (Europe)

Aimed specifically at girls, All Star Cheer Squad aims to propel players into the world of professional cheerleading with the help of the Balance Board.

Babysitting Party (Ubisoft) - Out: October 26, 2008

Babysitting Party gives players the chance to take care of, and teach a group of young 'uns skills to help them develop. The Balance Board will be used in a number of mini-games.

Don King Presents: Prizefighter (2K Sports) - Out: March 2009.

As well as big fight action, 2KSports' boxing simulator takes players behind the scenes, where the Balance Board is used to train in the likes of skipping, sprinting and sparring.

G1 Jockey Wii 2008 (KOEI) - Out: September 26 2008 (Europe)
A horse racing simulator in which players will be able to lean from side to side on the Balance Board to direct their four-legged beast, as well as leap over the course's jumps.

Hula Wii: Minna de Hula wo Odorou (Dance Hula Together) - Out: September (Japan)

A Wii Balance Board game focussed teaching players the art of Hawaiin dancing.

Imagine Fashion Party (Ubisoft) - Out: TBA 2009

Fancy yourself as a budding fashion designer? Imagine Fashion Party gives you the chance to prove your credentials on reality television, using your Balance Board skills to impress the judges while you model your creations.

Jillian Michaels' Fitness Ultimatum 2009 (3G Studios) - Out: October 06, 2008.

Fronted by the star of NBC's The Biggest Loser, Fitness Ultimatum 2009 features a tiered exercise regime at Michaels' fitness camp, climbing ladders, rowing, and hill climbing using the Balance Board.

Kororinpa 2 (Hudson Soft) - Out: Q2, 2009
In a game that sees you rolling marbles across 100 tricky and varied environments from Point A to Point B, Hudson Soft has designed 10 special stages that make use of the Wii Balance Board.

Rayman Raving Rabbids TV Party (Ubisoft) - Out: November 11 2008.

Ubisoft's third Rayman Raving Rabbids title features over 65 mini-games, many of which include Balance Board control, such as the now-infamous ass-controlled ski run.

Shaun White Snowboarding: Road Trip (Ubisoft) - Out: November 17, 2008.

Fronted by the young Californian snowboarding supremo, Ubisoft's simulation allows players to freely explore a giant mountain, using the Balance Board to carve down the piste and perform tricks.

Skate It (Electronic Arts) - Out: November 17, 2008.

A spin-off of EA's Skate franchise, players venture through the city of San Vanelona on their skateboard, a metropolis recently damaged by a series of natural disasters.

Ski and Shoot (Conspiracy Entertainment) - Out: November 11, 2008.

A cross country skiing simulator in which the Balance Board's weight-sensitive measuring will come into play.

Tetris Party (Hudson Soft, WiiWare release) - Out: Autumn 2008

The Nintendo Wii's first Balance Board-compatible downloadable WiiWare title, with a game mode specifically tailored towards the accessory.

We Ski/Family Ski (Namco Bandai) - Out now.

Join the members of Happy Ski Lodge, exploring the surrounding mountains by competing in races, running errands and snapping photos of the natural beauty.

Shape Boxing: Wii de Enjoy! Diet (Rocket Company) - Out: October 30, 2008 (Japan).

Players take part in 28 lessons based on the Kyohei Boxing gym to work at improving both your body and soul.

Wii Fit (Nintendo) - Out now.

Nintendo's exer-gaming title comes packed with the Balance Board. Over 40 exercises get users up and moving, allowing them to track their weight loss progress.

Wii Music (Nintendo) - Out: Holiday Season 2008.

Wii Music makes use of the Balance Board in its drum kit simulator, using the accessories touch-sensitive areas to mimic the bass drum pedals.

Winter Sports 2 (Conspiracy Entertainment) - Out: November 11, 2008.

A sequel to the 2007 effort, Winter Sports 2 adds Balance Board functionality for events such as skiing and bobsleigh.

Yoga Wii - Exercise Your Body, Mind and Soul (JoWood) - Out: Q2 2009.

Software that'll give Wii Fit yoga fanatics much more to do, complete with an on-screen fitness instructor.