Nintendo spotlighted Wii Fit Plus this week which expands on the original Wii Fit software. Gamers should not be confused since this is not a sequel to the original, but is more an expansion pack. With Wii Fit Plus, Nintendo has responded to fan requests by updating the original Wii Fit with tweaks here and there, adding six new exercise routines and adding some creative and somewhat outlandish games. A changed aspect of the game that fans will most appreciate is how the software has been streamlined to make it easier for you to go from a 30 minute exercise routine to the rest of your day. Where a lot of time was spent wading in and out of menu systems in the original, the Plus version has cut down ceremonies, presentations and waiting time.

Wii Fit Plus has a new focus on burning calories and targeted fitness routines that achieve specific results (like reducing arm flab, trimming tummy fat, etc). This feature is very useful for day-to-day use and long term exercise goal setting. They arrive in the form of Wii Fit Plus Routines where pre-made groups of exercises have direct benefits to specific areas of the body. There are 4 categories available:

1) Lifestyle which focuses on reducing stress

2) Health which reduces tummy fat

3) Youth which helps with hips and developing lower body muscles

4) Form to tone up your body

Wii Fit Plus also provides gamers with a new motivation to exercise. Whereas the original Wii Fit emphasized your Body Mass Index (BMI) as a means for setting weight loss goals, the new updated version focuses on burning calories to drive commitment to exercise. After each time you work out, you receive 2 counters – one displays your work-out duration and the other provides the amount of calories you’ve burned. These are displayed on a graph and a Food Guide will show you what the equivalent would be in snacks and food items. (For example, 50 calories is equal to one tablespoon of mayonnaise or 1 ounce of avocado.)

Plus also allows profiles to be created for users who are 3 years of age or under known as “Baby Stats.” There’s no Body Test or any of those steps for these ultra-young users. You simply need to record their weight on the Balance Board. When the user turns 4, the profile evolves to a regular one and all the other usual options are made available. Nintendo’s goal for creating this feature is to make sure the whole family can enjoy Wii Fit Plus and participate in the fun.

Thus, even pets have their own section now in the expansion. You likewise weigh your pet on the Balance Board and the game can keep track of changes in your pet’s body due to real world exercise, diet, etc. You also have the opportunity to create a “Mii” version of your dog or cat. Though they can’t use the Balance Board to perform exercises, you will occasionally see your pet pop up and run beside you in-game as a means of added support. In the Mii plaza, you will see the pet Mii’s interact with their owner Mii’s.

In terms of new exercises, there are 3 new yoga poses (a Spine Extension, Grounded V, and Gate) and 3 new strength training exercises (the side lunge, single-leg reach, and bridge). They are all available in the advanced section of their grids.

For games, there is a massive amount of creative and interesting choices. Choose from juggling, skateboarding, cycling, and a driving range to practice your swing. More quirky games are a rhythm challenge with Kung Fu moves, a snowball fight, and one where you flap your arms like a chicken to land on Island targets.

Wii Fit Plus is being sold for $25.

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