I don't think it was too long ago that video games were just simplistic things, with even simpler controllers, featuring big bulky consoles, and were only made for the purpose of entertainment. Now there are endless types of consoles featuring many different games, made by many different companies, and catering for many different audiences. I do believe however that video games have evolved to the point that they are beneficial to you rather than detrimental. Studies have proven that newly released video games made for brain training, or to get people to exercise do actually work, and aren't merely wolves in sheep's clothing.

As an owner of Wii Fit myself I can say that the game does require the same effort you would use if you were doing a moderate intensity workout. Therefore, I can say that it does indeed work to help you get fit as it features a variety of exercises that are entertaining and motivate you to keep on playing. I have also played "brain games" such as Brain Age and Big Brain Academy which also features many enjoyable challenges, that help to keep your mind working and become mentally aware. From experience, I can say that newer video games are beneficial, they are entertaining and motivate you too keep playing, which helps you at the same time to become fit or smarter, this may seem too good to be true, but it actually does work. It is true that video games are made to attract users to spend endless hours playing them, but if you think about it, ultimately the user is the one who chooses how much time they should spend playing.

Although, these games may help you to become smarter or get in shape, they should not replace regular exercise or regular learning. These games can only help you to an extent, you should not stay at home playing them all the time. You also need to get out and get fresh air, to go take a jog in the park and enjoy nature's beauty, instead of staying home doing virtual jogging where you are only running in place, and your avatar in the screen is running around a park for you. Also, doing brain challenges do not replace doing homework or reading a good book.

Although, it may seem cool that these games are creating a virtual world where you can get smarter or in shape, you should not forget about the real world. As long as these games only remain a past time and you are not regularly playing them and becoming addicted, you should be fine. These games will help as long as you have a balance between virtual learning and exercising and the real thing.