You can get the next Wii U fitness program for free

By Adam Rosenberg Published September 18, 2013

Wii Fit U won’t be released in stores until December 13, 2013, but Wii U owners will be able to download it for free starting November 1 from the eShop, Nintendo confirmed in its latest Direct livestream. Anyone who downloads the personal fitness software – which, it should be noted, requires a Wii Balance Board if you want to use all features – between November 1 and January 31, 2014 will receive a month of free access to the full release. Trial participants will then have the option of keeping Wii Fit U if they purchase and sync Nintendo’s $20 Fit Meter, which also launches on November 1.

In other words: download the full Wii Fit U trial between November and January and sync a newly purchased Fit Meter, and you get the software for $20. You’ll probably want to have a Balance Board as well, but those that do are still looking at saving $40 on the $60 Wii Fit U package that launches on December 13 with a Fit Meter in the box. Wii Fit U will also be available for purchase as a full game download in the eShop starting on February 1, 2014.

Former Gaming/Movies Editor

Previously, Adam worked in the games press as a freelance writer and critic for a range of outlets, including Digital Trends…

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