I don't think it will be marketed as "another form of exercise" , it will be marketed more along the lines of "something to get you interested in exercise". That's a very subtle distinction and certainly an interesting marketing challenge. The Will balance board can never replace actual physical exercise but it can certainly make people more aware of the need for it, which is the key thing.
Nintendo are going after an entirely separate demographic with this product...much more than they were with Wii Sports and that's turned out pretty well for them. Sure, many core gamers will buy this product to see what it's all about and as a result, other games will be made to use the balance board, it has a lot of potential for that but you're going to see this thing marketed to housewives, mothers and the like more than anything along with phrases like "fitness sensation" etc.
Don't forget, even at worst case scenario this is a total flop; Nintendo have enough room to price cut a Wii + Wii Sports + balance board + Wii Fit for under $200 such is the markup they're making on the Wii at present. I don't expect that to happen but you've got a very compelling package there for most families come fall 2008 if they need to use it.
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I don't think it will be marketed as "another form of exercise" , it will be marketed more along the lines of "something to get you interested in exercise". That's a very subtle distinction and certainly an interesting marketing challenge. The Will balance board can never replace actual physical exercise but it can certainly make people more aware of the need for it, which is the key thing.
Nintendo are going after an entirely separate demographic with this product...much more than they were with Wii Sports and that's turned out pretty well for them. Sure, many core gamers will buy this product to see what it's all about and as a result, other games will be made to use the balance board, it has a lot of potential for that but you're going to see this thing marketed to housewives, mothers and the like more than anything along with phrases like "fitness sensation" etc.
Don't forget, even at worst case scenario this is a total flop; Nintendo have enough room to price cut a Wii + Wii Sports + balance board + Wii Fit for under $200 such is the markup they're making on the Wii at present. I don't expect that to happen but you've got a very compelling package there for most families come fall 2008 if they need to use it.