Mr. Universal's Blog

With Nintendo's industry-maligned (but public supported) Wii Fit dominating sales charts and selling millions around the world, it was only a matter of time before one of the world's biggest publishers wanted in on some of that sweet fitness action, and with EA's recent announcement of their appropriately titled EA Sports Active, that's exactly what the public at large is going to get...and most likely lots of it, as the company has plans to introduce an entirely new brand to their famous EA Sports line-up...

Keep reading for all the sweaty details!

Speaking to Gamespot EA's current (and Microsoft/Sega's former) go-to mouthpiece Peter Moore drums up the excitement levels for his company's latest product launch for Nintendo's Wii console, and explains just how different EA Sports Active will be from Nintendo's considerably more 'eastern' approach.  While Nintendo's version was less about active training and more adjustments, EA's game will instead focus on specific training levels and more accurately represent the 'western' approach to fitness - at least that's the game plan.

Unlike Wii Fit, EA Sports Active won't come with any new hardware to speak of, although it will come with two pouches designed to holster both the Wiimote and Nunchuk to specific parts of your body.  In this way its expanding the workout experience without expanding the peripherals, although the trailer above mentions 1:1 accuracy - no mention if Nintendo's upcoming Wii Motion Plus will be involved in that claim.

All this for the suggested retail price of $59 - which is ten bucks more than your standard Wii game, yet 20 less than Nintendo's own Wii Fit.  Moore likens EA Active as less competition to Nintendo's version, and more complimentary (i.e. it'll use the Balance Board).  EA's going right for the jugular as well, even roping in Oprah's personal trainer Bob Greene to officially endorse the product as well.

Actually quite an interesting read, as the company has invested quite a bit in the financial success of Nintendo's waggle-machine, and given the recent trend towards fitness and health, it will certainly be interesting to see how the world's largest sports publisher can manage to ease their way into a world of athletics that doesn't involve touchdowns and penalty goals.

For the full interview (and the standard industry digs at Wii Fit) check out Gamespot and get ready to feel the burn...or at least waggle to it!