You know, I'm a *huge* Mario Kart fan.  I could turn on any version of Mario Kart I wanted to right now (Super Mario Kart for the SNES, Mario Kart: Super Circuit for the GBA, Mario Kart DS, Either one of my two copies of Mario Kart:Double Dash for either one of my Game Cubes (or both, if I want to use the LAN mode) or, of course, Mario Kart 63 (on either my N64 or my Wii through the Virtual Console).  One of my favorite games ever.

And I'm *almost* looking forward to Wii Fit more than I am Mario Kart Wii.

I can't wait for the chance to try the game out.  It looks like great fun.

Joe or Tif, has Wal*Mart/Sam's given thought to hosting some "World of Nintendo" days at the stores/clubs?  Due to the unique nature of the Wii, we don't get to see demos of it in stores very often - and WiiFit is one of those titles that people need to try out.  Picture setting up 5-or so Wiis (Demos of Wii Sports, Wii Fit, Brawl, Mario Kart and the new Dr. Mario - or some such variation) and some special DS Demo Stations (perhaps through in some special DS Download Stations as well).  Stores/clubs selected to host these events (although I *know* there's no way my store would be picked, in my tiny little town) could get extra shipments of Wii, DS and Games/Accessories to sell and prizes to give away (perhaps hold mini-contests/tournaments as part of the event).

Could be fun!

Way to go Wal*Mart bloggers. Four of your last 5 blogs concern video games. Is this the revised mission given to you by Lee Scott?

I'm pro-Wal*Mart. However, I don't like the recent hyping of products.  Isn't Check Out supposed to be a blog where you seek the opinions of Wal*Mart shoppers and promote products from time to time? 

Vic...As for what Check Out is supposed to be, there are not parameters nor guidelines.  It's anything we feel like writing about and I felt like writing about Wii Fit.  I truly enjoyed the experience and wanted to share and will continue to do so when I come across games or anything else that is exciting that I have first hand knowledge of that the general public doesn't get to experience until later.  The point of a blog is that sometimes there isn't a point, it's just someones opinion on whatever they feel like having an opion on.

Jerry...we have been toying with a demo event idea, but nothing solid yet.

I for one one enjoy the Wii system. It is a revolutionary system which engages movement and incorporates those who are not hardcore gamers. Recently Best Buy announced a limited Wii open house to invite female players into the realm of video gaming. I think this was a great way to promote store traffic and include a broader customer base of video gamers. I think it would be a wise example to follow as well. If you ever spend some time in the video game aisle you always see an aunt,grandmother or mother talking on the cell phone asking someone about systems and games. This to me equates to an untapped customer base which needs to understand video game functions and may potentially be gamers as well.

I stumbled upon this idea after one of our small town movie theaters created a Halo: Tournament. Individuals were entered into a bracket system and the played for the grand prize. I think as invested as Walmart is in small rural and suburuban communities it needs to sponsor Wii Tournaments. These tournaments could raise funds for local organizations or even add to a general fund. Eight machines running single and/or team Wii Tennis matches and the grand winner gets a gift card to Walmart.  Not only will this promote traffic, but generate publicity for Walmart.

That's a great idea Tex...thanks for the input

Hi Tifanie,

I just found your blog and love it.  I am in Fayetteville and have started a Wii focused blog commenting on middle age fitness, or lack thereof.

 Attention Wal*Mart Shoppers!! Wii Fit is almost here!

The Wii Fit (to me) looks like another home run for Nintendo. I am going to be one of the first @ my store tomorrow (5/21/2008) to purchase my Wii Fit (if possible). The thought that I can at least be tempted to work out again (and have fun!?!?! What a concept!) will no doubt help my family and I trim the fat around our bellies (along with the pool at our apt. complex). There's no telling how much laughter will be heard from our apt as the evenings stretch longer and we all gleefully jump (not literally I hope!) on the board to the tunes of We Ski (why is it not called Wii Skii??) or the hula hoop (we have a 7 year old). I look forward to being a part of the Revolution (that was a great name Nintendo!). I have been sitting on the fence for awhile now, trying to decide if I should spend my hard earned dollars on such a "gimmic". I decided that I could have purchased a yearly membership @ the local gym, but then I'd have to listen to the snickers from the local Ahnold (yes that is a typo) wannabes as I attempt to NOT break every bone in my body. Don't get me wrong, I'm always ready to be the butt end of jokes (pun intended), but I'd rather the laughter be from people I know rather than total strangers.

Once the Wii Fit is in full swing I'm sure more games will come out for it that will take full use of all the new sensory delights that the Wii brings with it. We Ski looks like a winner too, but I'll wait to purchase that until we move downstairs (electric bill is crazy high here in Texas - living on the 2nd floor with 16 foot vaulted ceilings doesn't help any!).

I'm glad that Nintendo has upped the weight limit to 330 lbs. as my fiancée is a little bigger than I am and she really wants to lose weight before the wedding next year. I think this is going to help her get motivated and the rest of us to get back to where we want to be and actually do something about it instead of wait for something to miraculously happen to each of us.

That's inspiring from both Caroline and D...thanks for the comments.