Wii Fit feels the burn, sells 1 million in Japan

by Alexander Sliwinski { Jan 9th 2008 at 11:30AM }

The Wii Fit ~~exercise machine~~ pressure pad has sold one million units in Japan since its Dec. 1 release. And just like the millions of gym memberships left hanging each year, we have to wonder just how many of these things have actually inspired weight loss.

Wii Fit still doesn't have a US or European release date yet (we're guessing Nintendo has to figure out how to support more than 300 lbs. first), but given Wii's broad demographic, once westernized, Wii Fit could easily become the system's must-have impulse buy – and the first 'game' to actually give us guilt trips.

[Via MCV]

Gallery: Wii Fit

Read - Nikkei Net (subscription required)

Tags: sales, wii-fit, wiifit

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

Jason @ Jan 9th 2008 11:34AM

"Nintendo has to figure out how to support more than 300 lbs. first"

This is so sad.

They should release it here as is. If you're more than 300 lbs, you should be outside running or something, not inside playing video games.

Undead Priest @ Jan 9th 2008 11:53AM

The Wii Fit board already supports up to 330 pounds.

Cyro @ Jan 9th 2008 12:08PM

Consequences of a "Supersize me" country.

VampireHunter Z @ Jan 9th 2008 12:57PM

LOL, if this thing could sell as well in the States they would be doing the country some serious service. Unfortunately the people who should be using this won't.

Matters @ Jan 9th 2008 6:39PM

Also Wii Fit isn't designed to make you lose weight and crap. If you weight over 330lbs (and you're not super tall) then you would be better off going for a jog or bike ride every morning.

Wii Fit is probably more of a light workout like a few sit ups in the morning. It'll help tone you but won't shed a hundred lbs.

Mark @ Jan 9th 2008 11:35AM

"(Nintendo has to figure out how to support more than 300 lbs. first)"

That made me LOL.

KushielsScion007 @ Jan 9th 2008 11:36AM

VERY NICE!

Congrats Big N!

Its almost orgasmic to think how ridiculously well this will probably sell in the US.

elmersglue @ Jan 9th 2008 12:24PM

It's not orgasmic, it's sad. People are retarded. This thing is the definition of gimmick.

Fernando Rocker @ Jan 9th 2008 12:26PM

Just like The Eye of Judgement? At least WiiFit is selling...

Matt B @ Jan 9th 2008 11:37AM

If you weigh more than 300lbs., you'd need a lot more than wii fit.

Noshino @ Jan 9th 2008 11:39AM

one for each leg?

Nigeria @ Jan 9th 2008 11:41AM

Wii demand games.

Robotochan @ Jan 9th 2008 11:47AM

I'll buy it when it comes out, I'm really unfit and have a good (few) handful(s) of fat needing shifting this year so any help is great :)

Slaziman (B-B-BRUSHED WITH FAAAAME) @ Jan 9th 2008 11:55AM

BAWWWWWWWW PEOPLE WILL BUY ANYTHING WITH NINTENDO BRAND NAME ON IT!!!

FidliousWong @ Jan 9th 2008 12:09PM

This won't help. WiiFit will work as an extension to an exercise regiment, not the regiment itself. Add in strength training and cardio and THEN you'll see some difference. Just expect muscle pain for your first four weeks, and yes, that's IF you're doing it right. If you have no pain during strength training, you're not getting any benefit.

Robotochan @ Jan 9th 2008 12:22PM

I already have an exercise regime :) Currently walking and jogging for an hour a day to improve my stamina before moving on to other activities.

And yes my legs are in agony :(

Namssorg @ Jan 9th 2008 12:05PM

I wonder if that little mole from Animal Crossing (the one who yells at you if you shut off without saving) will make an appearance to guilt trip us (one again!) in Wii Fit.

That little bastard yelled at me, broken record style, for like 10 minutes once.

Vegeta (aka Ska Oreo) @ Jan 9th 2008 11:53AM

nice Job Nintendo!!

Also in before: "BAWWWWWWWW PEOPLE WILL BUY ANYTHING WITH NINTENDO BRAND NAME ON IT!!!"

Jerk Face @ Jan 9th 2008 12:02PM

BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!

Superstar90 @ Jan 9th 2008 11:53AM

LOL 300lbs! LOL! Is that true or just a joke? If so, that is very sad.

GunForHire @ Jan 9th 2008 11:56AM

I really don't see how wiggling around on a board in front of a TV even comes close to doing some real exercise, like running, but hey it'll sell by the truckload here anyway I'm sure.

Fernando Rocker @ Jan 9th 2008 11:58AM

Some people like to pretend playing guitar too... and it's very fun.

Same with the people who will buy WiiFit.

WiNG @ Jan 9th 2008 12:07PM

Although it's not the most strenous excercise it's also lower impact, can be done in your house, at a minimal cost and with a video-game fun factor that "staring at the wall as I do lunges" doesn't have.

FidliousWong @ Jan 9th 2008 12:12PM

As boring as those "stare at the wall" lunges are, they actually have a benefit. Nothing about WiiFit promotes cardio or strength training. Essentially it's 1/3rd of an exercise program.

Frankly, EyeToy: Kinetic was much more complete. But it only had a 12 week program built in. Should have been scalable.

GunForHire @ Jan 9th 2008 12:20PM

People who play Guitar Hero aren't believing they're actually playing guitar for real though. Most people who buy Wii Fit probably believe it gives them enough of a semblance of exercise to not bother doing the real thing. And maybe it is low cost - then again, running, or any other type of cardio, is even cheaper.

Crono (NDF - Knight of the Old School) @ Jan 9th 2008 12:00PM

This game will be purchased when it comes out by me. I'm starting a workout routine to include push ups, sit ups, excercise bike, and anything wii-fit wants to add to the party.

Fuzz @ Jan 9th 2008 12:03PM

Thats means over 1 in 5 Japanese Wii owners bought it. Pretty good attach rate, and it is still selling fast.

cold school @ Jan 9th 2008 12:06PM

....and now back to gaming news.

xFenixKnightx @ Jan 9th 2008 12:07PM

Vote me down or whatever (I dont care about that anyway lol) but this is so damn stupid. THIS and that retarded ass "AIR" Guitar Hero belt buckle.

But it will sell here in the states which is very very sad.....*frown*

Wheres the Nintendo "Seal of Quality" these days? Out the damn window I guess.