Nintendo is trying something a little different with the release of Wii Fit U. If you’ve got a Wii Balance Board, the game will be available through the Wii U eShop as a free download beginning on November 1. Naturally, there’s a catch.
The free download of Wii Fit U includes the full and complete game… all 77 Activities, all the Custom Workout options, and all the Miiverse support. But the download comes with a countdown clock that only gives you 30 days of access after the game is first launched. If you want to continue using Wii Fit U, you’ll have to purchase a separate Fit Meter (for $19.99), which will be available in stores on November 1.
If you’d prefer to bypass this offer and just buy Wii Fit U outright, the game will be available in stores on December 13 (in both game-only and game + Balance Board editions) and as a paid download through the Wii U eShop on February 1, 2014.