The much anticipated US release of Wii Fit is soon approaching, and for some May 19th can’t come quickly enough. With over 1.8 million copies sold since Japan’s release in December 2007, Wii Fit is expected to be in high demand, and possibly hard to find.
In a July prediction, GameStop Online listed the Wii Fit to be priced at $70 (of course, it also listed a January 2008 release date),however, it has been officially announced that the game and balance board will ring in at a one time fee of $89.99.
So why the sudden price increase? As we all know, the US economy has seen better days, and unfortunately, the US dollar is decreasing in value. In July 2007, 8,800 yen was the price of Wii Fit in Japan, and equivalent to approximately $75. Today, that same amount has gone up to $86.75.
Now the question is, will the high price tag effect sales? I do not think it will. If buyers originally anticipated spending $70, the extra $20 is really not that big of a deal. The game is appealing to all ages, family and non-gamers, and being fit is definitely trendy these days. Most people will also be receiving their little rebate from the government in May as well, which may make it easier to spend the extra money.
Plus, when it’s all said and done, $89.99 is about the same price you would pay to join a gym, you can “workout” in your own home, and there’s no monthly fees or binding contracts! Hey some exercise is better than nothing, right?
April 15th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
That’s too much imo and the fact that it has a weight limit of 200 pounds I think? Really fat people can’t even use it.
April 15th, 2008 at 8:24 pm
I don’t think it would benefit “really fat people” anyways.. seems its mostly balance stuff.
April 15th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
Someone told me Wii Fit outsold Mario Galaxy 10 to 1 at some point. Wow. If only they would make a Wii game that simulates the silliness of getting hit in your privates in the Japanese game show from the Geek Zen thread , that’ll be awesome…
April 16th, 2008 at 12:32 am
I was at GDC this year and some guy was told he was too heavy to use it. In front of about 30 people. How embarassing!
April 16th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
Yeah, I remember seeing that guy at GDC…I figured the people running the station would let him know and save him the embarrasment!
April 16th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Yeah Ghinto, The Wii is Japans wet dream. It’s simple and cute.
While the 360 is America’s wet dream. Violent games featuring guns! hehe.
April 16th, 2008 at 5:54 pm
I know I was all ready willing to drop the 70 for it, so when I heard that it was going up to 90, I figured aw hell why not. Besides, my wife is really wanting this one, and she rarely wants a game this badly, so I figure it is the least I can do.
April 16th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
^^^ EXACTLY. I have a feeling that’s how most people who already wanted it will be. Now, for those who aren’t sure (like me), the $90 might be a bit much.. but I hadn’t already invested my head in $70 either.
April 16th, 2008 at 9:21 pm
My plan is to use this to lose weight after I have the baby in Oct. If things keep going the way they do, by the time I have the baby the game will be $150.00. LOL! Regardless, I totally agree with orionsaint here…
Violent games featuring guns!
FTW.