The Power Pad Makes A Comeback With Family Trainer

Ah, remember the days running on a plastic pad like a jittery sissy? Those that rocked the NES Power Pad back in the 1980’s should have fond, sweaty memories of looking like an idiot while running in place in their living rooms. Those days are here again, thanks to Namco Bandai.

The Famicom game Family Trainer: Athletic World was released by Bandai in Japan with a mat controller and high hopes. That didn’t get them far, but for some reason they’re trying again with a another Japanese version, this time for the Wii. Importer NCSX has the new version, Family Trainer, available for preorder now.

This new title contains 15 different games and a mat that they say looks a lot like a Konami dance pad (see below). Players can jump over logs and ride mine carts — and still look stupid, all for the price of $85.90. Some wand waggling is also included.

Family Trainer will ship on May 29th.

If you ask me, the whole “get of the couch” gaming movement is already dying. Gamers are still chubby! And how is this pad any better than the Wii Fit board?

[Via Gemaga]