Nintendo targets fitness as growth area
By Matthew Price
THE NEXT LEVEL
While some may criticize video games for encouraging sloth, Nintendo is attempting to give gamers a chance to play while improving fitness.
“Nintendo has really tried to reach out to a new gaming audience,” said Libe Goad, editor in chief at GameDaily, www.gamedaily.com. “They’re reaching out to moms; they’re reaching out to women … people who aren’t necessarily the hardcore gaming crowd.”
Wii Sports, which came packaged with the Nintendo Wii, encourages gamers to move around and play virtual sports. The upcoming Wii Fit takes it to yet another level. The game, which has been a hit in Japan, is a workout program done via the Nintendo Wii. Wii Fit is set for a May 19 release in North America.
“I think Nintendo is reaching out to that other market, people who play Wii Sports and really got into that, will have a chance to really get fit while playing Nintendo Wii,” Goad said.
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