Revolutionize Your Workout Routine: The Ultimate Guide to Gaming Consoles and Exercise in 2023

Exercise can be a daunting task for many individuals, proving to be a significant obstacle despite meticulous planning or personal motivation. However, for gamers, there is some solace in the form of exercise games, accessories, and even consoles.

Seeking advice on combining exercise and gaming from online forums can be frustrating, while browsing through various retailers can overwhelm players with countless options to choose from. Our website simplifies this process by narrowing down the choices, providing gamers with a clear pathway towards a healthier lifestyle, all without the monotony typically associated with traditional exercise.

Nintendo Switch

Best Overall Gaming Console for Exercise See at Amazon

Ring Fit Adventure

Best Overall Gaming Accessory for Exercise $88 at Amazon

Wii

Best Budget Gaming Console for Exercise See at Amazon

Switch Sports 14-in-1 Accessories Bundle

Best Budget Gaming Accessory for Exercise See at Amazon

Meta Quest 3

Best Premium Gaming Console for Exercise $499 at Best Buy

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Best Premium Gaming Accessory for Exercise See at Amazon

What Makes A Gaming Console or Accessory Good for Exercise?

When using gaming consoles and accessories for exercise purposes, it is important to consider the following factors in order to achieve health and fitness goals:

- Consistency: Maintaining a consistent exercise regimen is crucial for progress and results.

- Compatibility: Ensure that the chosen consoles and accessories are compatible with the desired exercise activities and routines.

- Versatility: Look for consoles and accessories that offer a wide range of exercise options and activities to avoid monotony and keep motivation high.

- Functionality: Prioritize consoles and accessories that are durable, reliable, and provide accurate tracking of progress and performance.

- Safety: Consider consoles and accessories that have built-in safety features to prevent injuries and promote a safe exercise experience.

By considering these factors, users can make informed decisions when choosing gaming consoles and accessories to support their health and fitness journey.

Multiple Uses: A common reason for people to stop using exercise equipment quickly is that they only engage with it for a small portion of their day.

Affordability: While some may be driven by the amount of money they have spent, it is generally recommended to begin with small and affordable purchases when acquiring new exercise equipment.

The Best Gaming Consoles and Accessories for Exercise

Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch is a versatile and reliable gaming console from the well-known brand, Nintendo. It offers a hybrid design that combines portability with high-quality visuals, making it the ideal choice for gamers who want the best of both worlds. The console is lightweight and compact, measuring 13.7 x 7.8 x 3.66 inches and weighing just 2.65 pounds. With its impressive features and functionality, the Nintendo Switch stands out as the best overall gaming console for exercise.

Tons of exercise games available, with more on the way

Joy-Cons are top-notch motion controls

Available in multiple styles

Cons Games tend to be more expensive than on other platforms

Discover on Amazon.

Considered the ultimate fitness gaming console, the Nintendo Switch surpasses expectations in every way. With its competitive price among current-generation consoles, it offers an extensive library of games that incorporate physical movement to some extent. Nintendo's remarkable Joy-Cons are unrivaled motion controllers, and the Switch maximizes their capabilities to deliver an unparalleled gaming experience.

Plus, unlike other brands, Nintendo truly prioritizes fitness games. They showed their commitment in 2023 by introducing an updated version of Fitness Boxing 2, which now incorporates elements from the beloved anime Fist of the North Star. Additionally, in 2022, the much-anticipated return of the Wii Sports series, now revamped for the Nintendo Switch as Nintendo Switch Sports, delighted fans. The Switch offers a plethora of other fitness games as well, one of which is the upcoming game WarioWare: Move It. It's worth noting that even standing-to-play motion games, like the renowned Mario Kart, can have a significant positive impact on one's health.

Ring Fit Adventure

Ring Fit Adventure, a role-playing game for the Nintendo Switch, proves to be the top gaming accessory for exercise. With its accompanying accessories, the Ring-Con and Leg Strap, players can engage in immersive workouts as they conquer dungeons and defeat monsters. Developed by Nintendo EPD and published by Nintendo, this game provides a great user interface that promotes consistency. It was released on October 18, 2019, and falls under the Sports genre. Rated E10+ for Everyone 10+ due to Fantasy Violence.

Exercise can be done in a short amount of time

Features a wide variety of quests and challenges

Cons Not ideal for players who are already very fit

See at Nintendo eShop See at Best Buy $88 at Amazon

Ring Fit Adventure by Nintendo is one of the top exercise games available. It includes a resistance ring and athletic straps for holding Joy-Cons, allowing players to engage in activities such as running, jumping, and ducking through various courses. What sets Ring Fit Adventure apart is its ability to promote consistency, enabling players to invest as little as five minutes at a time while also encouraging longer workout sessions.

This game caters to individuals who are not typically inclined towards exercise but want to safeguard against potential health issues associated with sedentary lifestyles as they age. While the game does offer an engaging plot, it is also possible to overlook it and jump straight into the challenges. Regular exercise, as short as 10 to 15 minutes per day, has been shown to improve the well-being of individuals who are not in the best physical shape, making it a convenient and achievable endeavor with noticeable results. Furthermore, the process of putting on the straps before playing the game is simple and seamless, allowing users to easily incorporate a quick exercise routine before diving into popular Nintendo titles such as Monster Hunter, Tears of the Kingdom, or others that fans adore.

The Wii

The Wii, a creation of Nintendo, emerged during the seventh generation as a budget-friendly gaming console for exercise. Designed to rival the highly acclaimed Xbox 360 and PS3, this system distinguished itself with its innovative motion controls and a distinctive collection of games. Consequently, the Wii garnered immense popularity for the renowned tech giant.

Nintendo, a renowned brand, launched the Wii on November 9, 2006. This gaming console came in different hardware versions and had an initial price of $249.99 (USD), €249.99 (EUR), and £179.99 (GBP). Weighing 2.6 pounds, the Wii boasted exceptional motion controls, making gameplay more immersive. Moreover, it offered a wide selection of games suitable for both exercise and entertainment.

Very affordable

Cons Outdated system overall

Available at Amazon, the Wii may be considered outdated as newer console generations have emerged since its prime. Nevertheless, there remains a substantial fan base for the Wii, contributing to the ongoing demand for the system, despite its affordability at less than $100. Similar to the Switch, the Wii offers a remarkable choice for players seeking an interactive gaming experience through exercise games and motion controls.

The Wii and its games are incredibly affordable, making it the top choice for those on a budget seeking a console for exercise. Wii Sports remains a superb game with an abundance of activities and challenges that get players sweating. For a more structured workout, Wii Fit Plus can be used with a balance board. Despite its aging nature, the Wii is still a fantastic console for families, as it offers adults the opportunity to enjoy classic titles and exercise games, while allowing kids to play rough without the fear of causing expensive damages.

Switch Sports 14-in-1 Accessories Bundle

Best Budget Gaming Accessory for Exercise: This bundle of Switch Sports accessories is ideal for Nintendo Switch Sports enthusiasts, offering 14 controller accessories. Compatible with both Nintendo Switch and Switch OLED, as well as all Joy-Con controllers, this bundle enhances the intuitiveness and immersion of each sport. Included in the pack are two golf clubs, two Chambara swords, two tennis and badminton rackets, two leg or arm straps, two Joy-Con wrist straps, and two boxing knuckles. These attachments ensure the controllers remain secure while making it easier to press the SL and SR buttons. Brand: FGBNM Platform: Nintendo Switch Battery: Not applicable Weight: 1.7 lbs. Pros: Accessories suitable for most Switch Sports activities.

Increases ergonomic comfort when holding Joy-Cons

Extremely affordable

Cons Plastic build feels cheap

See at Amazon

While the Joy-Cons excel in motion controls, many adults find the standard controller to be too small or lacking in ergonomics. To cater to this, Ring Fit Adventure provides a resistance ring. However, for those who enjoy other exercise games on the Switch, the affordable Switch Sports accessory pack is a great option.

This pack includes five sets of Joy-Con holsters, featuring golf clubs, tennis rackets, and swords. Although these accessories are still compact, the golf clubs can be adjusted to accommodate different user heights, and the plastic construction minimizes the additional weight of the controllers. In total, the set weighs less than two pounds and is priced at just $20. Whether you're a fan of Nintendo Switch Sports, Fitness Boxing, or Ring Fit Adventure, this simple yet valuable set provides an excellent gaming experience.

The Meta Quest 3 is the ultimate gaming console designed for exercise enthusiasts. Boasting numerous advancements over its predecessor, this cutting-edge mixed-reality headset features higher resolution displays per eye, supporting impressive refresh rates of 90Hz and 120Hz. Powered by the formidable 2nd generation Snapdragon XR2 processor, the Quest 3 effortlessly runs demanding games such as Asgard's Wrath 2. With a vibrant full-color passthrough, enhanced controllers, and a sleeker design, this premium console promises an unparalleled gaming experience.

Brand: MetaResolution (per eye): 2064x2208

Storage: 128 GB, 512 GB

Connectivity: WiFi 6E, USB Type-C

Battery Life: 2-3 hours

Audio: Stereo speakers

Weight: 515 grams

Refresh rate: 90Hz, 120Hz (experimental)

Processor: Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2

RAM: 8GB

Pros:

- Provides an exceptionally immersive gaming experience

- Offers a diverse range of exercise games

Standalone system doesn't require a gaming PC

Cons Battery life is lackluster

The Meta Quest 3, available at various retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Newegg, is already surpassing its previous versions despite being launched in early October. Priced higher than the Switch, this top-of-the-line gaming console stands out as one of the few standalone VR sets currently available. With a wide range of games to choose from, the Quest 3 has become popular among players who rely on energetic games to maintain their fitness levels.

When it comes to active games, Beat Saber is often the first one that comes to mind for most people. However, there are other options available that involve dancing, sword fighting, and running, which can also give you a good workout.

In addition, the Quest 3 is a fantastic choice for both individuals and groups looking for fun in virtual reality. With enhancements in resolution, memory, and audio, the Quest 3 set provides a more immersive gaming experience than ever before. It's worth noting that the battery life is a bit short, but considering the intense game motions, most players won't be able to keep up for more than three hours straight anyway.

XPACK VR Mat: The Ultimate Gaming Accessory for Exercise

The XPACK VR Mat is an exceptional gaming accessory designed exclusively for VR gaming enthusiasts. With a diameter of 35 inches, this round anti-fatigue mat offers unparalleled comfort and support. It incorporates embossed shapes at its forefront, enabling players to accurately determine their position within the VR environment. The mat's thick cushioning ensures that prolonged standing on hard flooring doesn't lead to discomfort or pain. Furthermore, despite its super smooth surface, the XPACK VR Mat is engineered to be non-slip, granting players the freedom to move or run in place without any concerns.

Type 35" VR MatColor Options BlackBrand XPackWeight 7 poundsPros Large, smooth surface with nonslip finish

Textured front helps players orient themselves

Thick padding adds comfort

Cons Takes up a significant amount of space

Discover the XPack VR mat on Amazon.

Long periods of standing can quickly become uncomfortable, irrespective of battery life. To address this issue, the XPack VR mat has been designed. Resembling the anti-fatigue mats commonly found in cash register areas and kitchens, this cushioned mat provides a much-needed respite for gamers who are weary of the strain caused by hard floors.

The top surface of the texture mat is incredibly smooth, allowing for seamless movement and effortless pivoting without worrying about snagging your socks. Additionally, there is a textured area at the front that assists players in maintaining their awareness of their body's position at all times. Wearing a VR headset can sometimes cause disorientation, but this VR mat provides a simple solution. By utilizing the raised sections at specific angles, players can easily gauge their distance from others and furniture.

Furthermore, this mat is not restricted to any specific VR set. Whether you're using the PS VR2, HTC Vive, or any other VR console, this versatile mat will ensure your comfort, safety, and complete immersion.

How to Choose Gaming Exercise Accessories and Consoles

For newcomers who do not possess a console, opting for gaming equipment designed for physical activity might seem like a simpler alternative. However, the extensive range of game titles and accessories available often makes the decision-making process far from straightforward. To determine the most suitable gaming consoles and accessories for exercise, players can easily discern certain key qualities by simply scanning through the product description.

Consistency

One of the crucial aspects of an exercise game is its ability to motivate players to engage in regular physical activity. The game's effectiveness relies heavily on the frequency of play and consistent participation. Key features such as daily quests, competitive modes, and motivational language should not be underestimated, despite potentially appearing unnecessary. Additionally, the ease of seamlessly starting a workout and completing a quick session holds significant importance for most players. Therefore, it is vital to select a gaming console and compatible accessories that facilitate daily exercise, even if it involves just a few minutes.

Utility

The utilization of the device for exercise by players enables them to better recognize the significance of their workout routine. When selecting a console for exercise purposes, players should consider their overall usage of the console rather than solely focusing on exercise. Opting for the same console for both exercise and gaming facilitates seamless transitions between quick workouts and gaming sessions. Additionally, investing in accessories that are adaptable to multiple consoles or games ensures their longevity and prevents them from becoming idle after a few weeks of exercise.

Cost

In order to stay motivated to exercise, some individuals find it necessary to invest money into fitness accessories. However, it is imperative to acknowledge that this approach may lead to feelings of self-doubt and disappointment for others who perceive themselves as failing to fully utilize their purchase. To ensure maximum value for their money, players should prioritize both the quality and compatibility of the gaming exercise equipment they choose.