AHA gives seal of approval to Nintendo Wii

There has been a long-winded debate as to the health benefits of the Nintendo Wii and its exercise games, but the American Heart Association has decided that the console fits the bill. From now on, the Wii packaging will bear the AHA logo as proof of their approval of the “active” video games.

There has been a long-winded debate as to the health benefits of the Nintendo Wii and its exercise games, but the American Heart Association has decided that the console fits the bill. From now on, the Wii packaging will bear the AHA logo as proof of their approval of the “active” video games.

The AHA prides itself as one of of the most respected brands in the United States, and the logo that will now appear on the Wii packaging has been known to boost sales of whatever product it appears on. On the subject of the AHA integrity on the line with the Wii endorsement, AHA president Dr. Clyde Yancy pointed out that he’d be more concerned “if we don’t engage the millions of people who are physically inactive right now.”

As part of the deal, Nintendo donated US$ 1.5 million to the organization for their heart care programs. If that raises eyebrows, Dr. Yancy clarifies, “The logo’s not for sale. What we’re doing is promoting a message that’s incredibly important.” According to ABC, however, opinions are still mixed between physicians about whether the AHA should endorse a product without concrete proof of its health benefits.

[via ABC News]