Call me impatient but I'm having a tough time waiting for Family Ski to come out here in the UK. It's due on June the 13th but I don't quite understand the logic in that Wii Fit was launched in the UK before the US yet We Ski has been available across the pond since May 13th and as far as I can tell, it's the same game.

So if you're in the UK and really can't wait, you could consider spending a few pounds on Datel's Freeloader for Wii and then buying the US We Ski. Freeloader's basically a utility that will allow a PAL Wii console to play American NTSC games so unless you've imported your Wii from the US you're going to need Freeloader to play We Ski and other US games. Be aware however that this is an unofficial utility but since it doesn't require any console modifications, you can't damage your Wii. Something else to bear in mind is that future Wii firmware updates may stop Freeloader from working but since this little utility is helping to sell more Wii games, I don't really see why Nintendo would want to disable it.

So you got your shiny new Wii Balance Board home and played it until the batteries died. If only you had a rechargeable battery pack. Fortunately, those guys at Mad Catz have only gone and sorted it and released a battery pack that will give you up to 20 hours of continous balancing fun. The battery pack also comes with a USB cable, compatible with both Wii and PC for convenient charging.

The Mad Catz Rechargeable Battery Pack for Wii Fit will be available in the UK at gamestation and in the US from GameShark.

As always, Mad Catz are quick off the mark, announcing the release of a range of Wii Fit compatible accessories on the same day that Wii Fit launches in the UK. The Wii Fit range includes:

• The Wii Fit rechargeable battery pack which plugs neatly into the Wii balance board and provides 20 hours of continuous play.
• The Wii Fit Travel/Storage Case with room for the Wii balance board, software and accessories.
• The Wii Fit Exercise Mat which provides stability and protection when playing on potentially slippery surfaces.
• The Wii Fit Protective Silicone Cover which will help keep your Wii balance board in mint condition.

The Mad Catz Wii Fit Accessories will be available in the US from GameShark and in the UK from retailers like gamestation.