Question 1

Can you use the balance board with a Wii Console instead of a Wii U?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The balance board is compatible with either console, as long as the game itself is compatible. So you can use with Wii Fit, Wii Fit Plus, Shaun White Snowboarding, etc on Wii, and Wii Fit U on Wii U.

I'm not so sure about the Fit Meter though- that may be exclusive to Wii Fit U.

Question 2

If I do not have any WII products, is Wii Fit U a stand alone product?  Do I need to have anything beyond the Wii Fit U to get started?

Accepted Answer

Wii Fit U is a "game", so to speak, for Nintendo's newest home console called the Wii U. The Wii U is the successor to the original Wii that launched back in 2006. The Wii U is about $300 for the 32GB console which includes a game, and all Wii U consoles have a special Gamepad controller with a 6.2 inch touch screen on it. The Wii U console has it's own games separate from the original Wii, but is also backwards compatible with Wii games. You will need a Wii U console to play Wii Fit U. This bundle comes with the new game that just released, a balance board (which will be needed and is no longer sold new except for in this bundle), and a Fit Meter which tracks your calories burned.

There is an 8GB white Wii U model that comes with a kid's game, Skylanders I believe, for only $250. I would strongly recommend spending the extra $50 and getting the Deluxe Model though if you can, because you get so much more for your money, and the 8GB of the smaller model will go VERY quick. Though I should mention you can connect ANY external hard drive to expand your memory, up to 2TB. So perhaps the cheaper 8GB model would be a good option if you plan to expand the memory. Just keep in mind the cheaper, 8GB model comes with a game meant for a younger audience, while the $300 deluxe black model comes with either Zelda: The Windwaker HD (award winning game heralded as one of the best of all time) or Super Mario Bros U (plus the DLC content New Super Luigi U). Both games are superb. You really can't go wrong either way, although the Zelda bundle has a limited edition Zelda themed Gamepad controller, while the NSMBU just has the normal black Gamepad.

As for Wii Fit U, I just got it and it's excellent. Worth every penny, and the Wii U is a fine console with an excellent selection of Nintendo games, with more on the way. Pikmin 3, Super Mario 3D World, Zelda Windwaker, New Super Mario Bros U, Rayman Legends... all top notch. Donkey Kong Country Tropical Freeze comes out next month.

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