With Wii Fit still selling in strong quantities each and every week over in Japan, it was not surprising that Nintendo had to delay the Western release of the new product in order to produce sufficient amounts of the special Wii Balance Board that comes bundled with the title, especially given the need for a board with a higher weight capacity for the US market. Now it is finally coming, though, analysts expect a storm to hit in terms of sales.

Nintendo was initially cautious with the launch of Wii Fit in Japan back in December 2007, with the company only releasing 300,000 units into the market to see what the levels of demand would be like. When in January 2008 the new lifestyle product has surpassed the million mark already, though, it was clear that Nintendo had a new phenomenon on its hands, just as it had previously seen with Wii Sports at the console’s launch in 2006. In fact, so impressive are its sales still over in Japan that last week the game managed to place fourth in the Media Create Top Ten listing:

According to the New York Post this craze is about to sweep across the North American market as well, when the game hits on 19th May, almost a month after its European début. Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter has revealed he believes Nintendo could tap into a previously overlooked market and quickly sell up to four million units this year if it is marketed correctly, “Wii Fit will sell 3 million to 4 million in the US if they market aggressively.” In fact, he thinks that the personal trainer is likely to be one of the Industry’s largest blockbusters of the year, just as Halo 3 on Xbox 360, Wii Play and Call of Duty 4 from Activision were last year, each crossing the three million sales landmark. This will all be thanks to Nintendo pushing the game more than any other title before, giving it the largest marketing launch in the company’s long history, with the budget being around US$40 million.

The article goes on to summarise the main aspects of Wii Fit:

“Wii Fit stresses four main categories of physical activity - balance, aerobics, yoga and strength training - and while Nintendo excutives aren’t billing the game as a replacement for exercise, they are pitching it as a pastime that promotes a healthy lifestyle. Users can track their weight and training progress and receive points for performing tasks using good form and increased intensity.

“The game also comes with an electronic balance board that allows users to measure their weight and body-mass index, and guides them through such activities as yoga poses and muscle-toning exercises. Wii Fit it is the latest in a series of games Nintendo is pushing - a group that also includes last year’s Wii Play - that focus on socialisation and activities designed to appeal to consumers who don’t typically purchase video games.”

But just how well do you think Wii Fit can do in the US? Be sure to air your thoughts by posting below and stick around for further news updates…