The Nintendo Wii will soon be able to brand its console and certain games with the American Heart Association logo, meaning the AHA considers the games to be a healthy choice.
In a press conference today, Nintendo and the American Heart Association (AHA) have announced one of the more unlikely team ups in recent days. Realizing that traditional methods of getting kids to exercise was failing, the AHA came to Nintendo and proposed that some of the Wii’s more active games will officially become approved ways to stay fit and healthy. As part of the deal, Nintendo will donate $1.5 million to the AHA and all Wii consoles sold from now on will feature the AHA approved sticker.
“It’s a first-of-its-kind strategic relationship between a video game company and the American Heart Association. The two organizations come from different worlds but share the common goal of helping consumers discover how active-play video games contribute to healthy living.” The statement read.
With 70 percent of Americans not involved in any regular physical activity, it could be a huge boon to both groups. The AHA can reach a new audience, while Nintendo can continue its remarkable headway into fields that have generally not been open to video games.
The Wii console itself will feature the logo, as well as two games: Wii Fit Plus and Wii Sports Resort. Expect more games to target the fitness minded, possibly to be announced as soon as E3.
