Nintendo brings 'exergaming' to the DS via Walk With Me!

by Stevie Smith - Dec 16 2008, 13:31

Having already pulled supposedly sedentary videogames players off the couch through the hugely popular motion-sensing Wii Fit package, Nintendo is now looking to give DS handheld owners a route into the current hybrid trend of exercise and entertainment.

New Nintendo DS software gets players walking for fun. Image: Nintendo.

Specifically, the Japanese gaming titan is preparing to unleash its new Walk With Me! software for the world’s best selling console in the hopes of giving DS gamers a little more incentive to remain fit and active while keeping the DS truly portable.The package comes complete with two distance-measuring Activity Meters (pedometers) so that ‘players’ can create their own personal walking routines, or even slap a meter on a friend, member of the family, or even a willing pet in order to improve their get-up-and-go.Walk With Me! enables users to set daily walking targets and then simply go about their day while the equipped Activity Meter wirelessly transfers data back to the Nintendo DS. Stored on the Nintendo DS for seven days, the software is capable of monitoring activity information for up to four users.And, given that Nintendo’s brand name is associated with the software, Walk With Me! isn’t merely based around simple exercise and has various mini-games to further boost appeal and get users working their feet in the name of fitness and fun.Steps amassed during the mini-games allow users to unlock fitness trivia, create images, and also learn how much electrical energy has been generated through usage – though the delivery of such knowledge is unlikely to inspire a purchase.Finally, as if sharing the walking experience with local friends and family is still not enough motivation, Walk With Me! players can also utilise the wireless connectivity of their Nintendo DS to compare and compete with others all around the globe.The Walk With Me! software package is expected to hit European retailers on February 20.

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Richard Coshott (Gamercize)Dec 16th, 2008 - 14:01:48

Hi Stevie

You should be aware that both gamercise and gamercize are registered trademarks.

The normal phrase for fitness gaming is exergaming in the US or Active Gaming in the UK, either of these can be used in correction.

Great article, fitness technology is certainly on the rise in both public awareness and delivering health results,

Regards
Richard Coshott
CEO & Founder
Gamercize

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EditorDec 16th, 2008 - 14:05:55

Corrected.

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