And if Kevin is worried about his media image he can take heed from Cammie Dunaway, an Executive Vice-President of Sales and Marketing at Nintendo who said that  there's "nothing wimpy" about Wii Fit, saying it will "challenge everyone in the household".

The new title will come with an interactive wireless Wii Balance Board that can read and record your weight. Don't like what you see? Jump on the game board and follow the on-screen action. Depending on your fitness goals, you can perform muscle-strengthening exercises, work up a sweat during an aerobic workout, practice soothing yoga positions or play balanced-based games, such as "Soccer-Heading," "Snowboard Slalom" and "Tightrope Walk." As you work (and play), the program will track your progress and let you know when you've met your goals and are presumably ready to hit the beach.

Or at least that what's Nintendo would have us believe. A new device, with the lofty aim of getting people fitter in the comfort of their own home, will be launched here today, with the computer giant confident it will prise Irish couch potatoes off the sofa.

Wii Fit is a new exercise game for the Wii console and will see players use the Wii Balance Board -- a wireless, pressure-sensitive board that is placed on the floor in front of your television and console, and designed to give gamers a proper workout.

With obesity, not least among children, now a major issue, the developers maintain that the Wii Fit may provide people with an alternative to the gym.