EA Sports Active 2.0 Adds New Control System, Platforms

EA Sports announced EA Sports Active 2.0 (working title), a follow-up to its popular Wii fitness game, releasing this fall on Wii, PS3, iPhone, and iPod Touch with a new wireless control system, a heart rate monitor, and online hub. While the first EA Sports Active game featured a pouch that players used to strap Wii Nunchuk to their leg and track their movements, the sequel's new wireless control system (pictured) is designed to give players "complete freedom of motion" by using new leg and arm straps with motion sensors. The original EA Sports Active, which sold at least 1.8 million copies and earned EA $125 million, was released only for Wii. The company hasn't disclosed any details on the differences in controls across the consoles/mobiles. EA Sports Active 2.0 also includes a heart rate monitor that will help users monitor the intensity of their workouts. The accessory provides constant on-screen monitoring as players exercise with the game, which EA Sports says will help them track their user data over time to optimize performance. The sequel provides a three-phase, nine-week program with a fitness roadmap that looks to keep users motivated to reach their fitness goals. Mini-programs are also available to add some variety to workouts. A virtual personal trainer walks users through their workouts and provides encouragement and feedback while players exercise. EA Sports Active 2.0 features an online hub that allows users to track and share their workout data, as well as discuss their fitness experiences, interact with workout groups, and send messages to other EA Sports Active 2.0 users. The hub offers new downloadable workouts and exercises on the PS3, too. "The launch of EA SPORTS Active 2.0 will define a new era of interactive fitness with the use of innovative motion sensor peripherals and a heart rate monitor that provide users with a fitness experience delivering real, measurable results," says EA Sports executive producer Tarrnie Williams. He adds, "As the number one rated fitness program for the Wii, EA Sports Active proved itself as the industry leader and provided the foundation for our fitness franchise. The success stories we’ve received from our users show that EA Sports Active is changing lives and we’re so proud to be part of it."