When Nintendo first announced Wii Fit and the Wii Balance Board accessory at this year’s new-look E3, reports suggested that third parties (gaming and non-gaming) were clambering over the device with ideas of how to use it in upcoming titles. However, no word of this has been mentioned since - until now. Namco’s Family Ski will be playable with the weight-scales-alike accessory.

The discovery was made in an advert or magazine scan uncovered by Wiiz, one in which the Wii Balance Board is clearly pictured. Skiing, snowboarding and skateboarding titles are amongst the first ideas that spring to mind when wanting to incorporate the Wii Balance Board into games, so we’re not too surprised - that said, we are pleased at the news and excited to see how it might turn out.

Not a whole lot is known about Family Ski at present, other than that it is being worked on by the same team responsible for Ridge Racer. In addition, similarly themed titles Jockey Family and Family Stadium are also said to be in the pipeline. Will these also be Wii Balance Board-compatible? We shall see.

Family Ski is currently penned down for release on January 31 2008 in Japan.

What are your thoughts about the Wii Balance Board? Would you love to use it in games like Family Ski or prefer to stick to buttons and some Wii Remote wizardry?