Video games have been accused of creating a generation or two of couch potatoes, but the popularity of specialized controllers and motion-sensitive gear has created a new generation of fitness gaming titles, perhaps most exemplified by things like Dance Dance Revolution and (more recently) the Wii Fit franchise. Of course, mega-publisher Electronic Arts has been in on the action, and has just announced that its EA Sports Active 2 fitness title will launch this fall on the PlayStation 3 and Wii…along with the iPhone and iPod touch.
“The launch of EA Sports Active 2.0 will define a new era of interactive fitness with the use of innovative motion sensor peripherals and a heart rate monitor that provide users with a fitness experience delivering real, measurable results,” said EA Sports Active executive producer Tarrnie Williams, in a statement. “The success stories we’ve received from our users show that EA Sports Active is changing lives and we’re so proud to be part of it.”
EA Sports 2 will feature a new wireless motion control sensors that will monitor a user’s activity: the system will sport arm and leg straps and monitor a users’ hear rate to capture the intensity of a workout. Users will also be able to take advantage of a new online service that will enable them to track their workouts and fitness progress, as well as share the data with the rest of the EA Sports Active community. The online component will also enable users to download new exercises and workaound. EA Sports Active 2 will also feature a nine-week total body conditioning program that will track users’ fitness goals and help them stay motivated.
EA Sports hasn’t said anything about how the title will work with the iPhone or iPod touch—but we’re thinking the motion sensors and heart rate monitors are for the consoles only. EA also curiously omitted mention of the Xbox 360 platform for EA Active Sports 2.0: given that Microsoft is aiming to launch its Project Natal control system later this year, it would make sense that EA would hold off on announcing news of Xbox 360 fitness titles until Project Natal becomes more official—especially since EA Sports Active 2 isn’t really due to ship until the 2010 end-of-year holiday buying season.
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