Bandai RPG Pedometers

By Andrew Liszewski

Since the introduction of the Wii, the video game industry has been releasing more and more titles and peripherals designed to make gamers more physically involved. And now that even Tamagotchi-like devices are getting in on the action, it doesn’t look like this trend is going to stop anytime soon. Come December, Bandai will be releasing these pedometers (about $48 each) that feature a miniature RPG game based on the anime series Space Cruiser Yamato (Star Blazers) and 3000 Leagues in Search of Mother.

Using a built-in 3-axis acceleration sensor you’ll be able to progress in the games by simply carrying the pedometer with you whenever you go for a walk. Each game has a specific goal that will be completed in 90 days, but I guess it really depends on how physically active you are. I can’t imagine you’ll see much progress if this thing gets thrown in a drawer after just a couple of days. But for even more encouragement, users will also be able to login to an interactive website where they can keep track of their body weight and other health stats.

[ Bandai RPG Pedometers ] VIA [ Trends in Japan ]