"Okay for most, unusable by some."

I recently bought Wii fit to help get my wife and I into shape. Many internet reports preceding the release stated that the Wii balance board was designed to accept 330 pounds per scale for a total of 660 lbs. This is incorrect. If you are in fact anywhere near 300-330 pounds, the software will tell you that you have exceeded the game's weight limit and it will reset the game back to the beginning menu. I even tried having someone else stand on it for the initial evaluation, but the minute I stood back on it, the software gave the error and rebooted. I called Nintendo about this and they have stated that there is no workaround nor do they intend to release a patch to correct it. The box only mentions the weight limit in a tiny blurb on the top corner of the top side of the box and in the inside instruction booklet. Interested in a quick sale and despite a call into my local gamestop, the employees have not been warning larger people about the limits on the software, looking to make a quick sale.

My wife, being a good bit lighter has been using the software for several days and observing her, the games are somewhat amusing and some of the exercises at least moderately useful, but you only get them in 1-2 minute stretches and the software scores you points on how well it thinks your weight shifted during the game. To that end, I have another quibble with the software: It is not designed to help you lose weight directly, just to align your balance and posture. The software even says something to that end when you load it. The scale is also somewhat inaccurate, weighing you within the same stretch as 5-10 pounds differently and in a hurry to label you overweight or obese. The software is also GROSSLY inaccurate with children and labeled my child who is not at all overweight as obese. Not that our children have enough trouble with companies seeking to lure them in with labels at an earlier and earlier age.

I imagine that some people out there may get some use out of the software as a diversion akin to Brain Age, but I think it falls far short of the fitness product that was hyped and over-hyped before release. Better luck next time Nintendo.

Reviewer's Score: 5/10, Originally Posted: 05/27/08

Game Release: Wii Fit (US, 05/19/08)