I don't like playing video games. I know, I'd be shocked, too -- but I just don't have the muscle memory or the dexterity to move a head and body separately, as is needed in first-person shooters like Halo and Call of Duty, nor do I have the patience and physical calm to deal with facing bosses or tough levels, like in the mind-bending Mario Galaxy. And, don't even get me started on timed sequences and countdowns.

But, make no mistake about it, I am a huge video-game fan and proponent. There are few things more fun that curling up on the couch with a notebook, pen and a hot cup of fair-trade coffee and being the RPG navigator while Husband and I discover the latest Zelda chapter, blast through galaxies in Mass Effect or scaring ourselves silly in the beautiful depths of Bioshock. And, in my house, I am the master of solving puzzles. I love Orange Box add-on Portal, and I am absolutely amazing at free XBox-download Hexic, a hexagonal puzzle game similar to Tetris but infinitely cooler.

Alas, every once in a while, it's nice to interact with a game on more than just the intellectual level. Enter the Nintendo Wii -- which, unless you've been living in a hole for the past 2 years, you know as the first system to truly get you up off your butt. The system is currently so popular that its makers can't even guarantee would-be fans will be able to buy a Wii this Christmas -- more than a year after its release -- due to overwhelming U.S. demand. And, now, Nintendo has upped the ante even further with the Wii Fit.

I was one of the first adopters of this completely innovative exercise program, and, though it will surely end up on lost under a couch somewhere gathering dust as it basks in the legacy of being a cool gadgety toy indicative of early 21st century technology -- much like Pong or Pacman -- it's pretty neat right now.

The floor board and a typically Nintendo-cartoony animation leads you through various 2- to 3-minute prop-free activities -- hula-hooping, ski-jumping, jogging beach-side and walking a tight-rope are examples -- made to improve your strength, flexibility, balance and stamina. And, you will break a sweat. It's great to get you or the kids off the couch, and it tracks weight shifts, BMI and goal weight using your predesigned avatar Mii. Granted it's not very good at any of these things aside form the animation and the activities -- according to my Fit, my weight shifted 17 lbs. over 24 hours then back in another 24.

A good fast walk, Sweatin' to the Oldies or a swim will always be better for exercise purposes -- and nothing will ever take the place of a quiet night at home, staying up 'til dawn and blasting aliens on the XBox -- but the Wii Fit is an interesting incarnation of video games that is worth a try if you have the extra cash.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go research the Fall '08-Spring '09 video game releases. We're coming up on the best time of year, and I'll be sure to keep you posted on the best new games as they come out.