Nintendo Wii gets physical with new workout game

Nintendo is up to its market-taking tactics again. The Japanese game console manufacturer has unveiled the "Wii Fit" game that encourages physical activity instead of sedentary thumb-pressing and alien-destroying movements. From the outset last November, it seems that Nintendo's market intention was to price its game console hardware lower than both Microsoft's Xbox 360 and way below the Sony PlayStation 3 and engage its players with more than visual and technologically-advanced eye candy.

Recent unit shipment numbers confirm that Nintendo's strategy is working, if not for the lower price alone. The Wii's "Balance Board" comes with the game and features sensors that detect weight and balance as the player moves and gyrates to simulated physical activity on the television in front of them. For a nation filled with obese kids (and adults), something like this is a very innovative way to turn a regular video game situation into a space-saving complete body workout.

Why aren't we seeing this kind of strategy from Microsoft and Sony Corp. (ADR) (NYSE: SNE)? Well, it's too late for both of those consoles, most likely. I'm sure Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT) will have similar game titles that encourage physical activity and movement, but with the early lead and consumer reputation the Wii has built in less than a year, I'm not sure the competition will make any dents. Now, if Microsoft drops the Xbox 360 price to a Wii-matching $250, we may have some competition. However, I don't see that happening since the company is already losing money selling the Xbox 360 for $400.