Technology is often blamed for raising a nation of couch potatoes, with increased obesity levels sometimes laid squarely at the door of TV and games consoles.

Not only that, but the games have been accused of turning people into little more than mindless zombies, who will lose their ability to think in the real world and be profoundly affected by the games.

But recent developments could see the “couch potato” tag eliminated from gaming. A healthy body and a healthy mind is the noble aim as games developers devise active games that exercise both body and mind.

The Nintendo Wii is the first games console that appeals to casual gamers – those who aren’t already committed players.

The games system uses motion-sensitive controllers to recreate games such as bowling, golf, baseball and tennis through its Wii Sports game.

Personal fitness training
Aside from the fun aspects of the Wii, it also has some practical uses. Last year an English county council was reported to have bought Nintendo Wii consoles for care homes and community support centres in its area, saying that the games could help improve motor skills in those with limited mobility.

And it’s not the only case, with similar ventures reported elsewhere in the UK and the US.

As the console gains fans, personal-trainer style games have been released. Nintendo’s own Wii Fit has a pressure-sensitive balance board and includes games to work on balance and aerobic fitness. Games featuring muscle workouts and yoga are also on the market, while the EA Sports Active Personal Trainer is a more intensive fitness programme.

Now for the science bit
There is some science behind the hype. A study by John Moores University in Liverpool in 2007 found that the new type of active video games can help burn calories, and with regular use, over one year gamers could lose up to 12kg in weight.

While the Wii will never replace a proper exercise programme – and its makers don’t claim it will – increasing activity levels has got to be a positive thing. However, the exercise involved in lifting the price from the wallet might put some off – more than €200.

A handheld console might be a more attractive option for older games users. The Nintendo DS Lite (from €130, depending on where you buy), or its more up to date version the DSi (from €169), is more suited towards mind activity games. But there are one or two on offer to help boost your physical activity levels too.

Walk With Me uses pedometers that can communicate with your Nintendo DS to keep track of how far and how often you walk. It keeps a record of performance over time, so you can track your progress.

Slow down aging
Keeping the mind active is just as important as the body. According to a recent Time magazine report, a team of US psychologists has been given a $1.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation to investigate whether playing certain video games could slow down the effects of aging on the brain – more specifically, cognitive aging. The four-year study is working on the theory that activities involving strategy, memory or problem-solving skills could have further benefits. http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1909852,00.html

To date there is little scientific evidence that these games can restore brains to the level of a 20-year-old, but while the research continues, it can’t hurt to give them a try.

Get super smart
Both the Wii and the DS offer “brain training” games, such as Big Brain Academy (on both DS and Wii). Much has been made of Dr Kawashima’s Brain Training on the DS, while other games claiming to improve your sight are also available.

If you don’t want to invest in a console or a handheld games system, you can take advantage of the brain training games through your mobile phone. Mobile operators often offer game downloads for a fee straight to your handset, with a number of “brain training” games usually included in the mix.

They can also be downloaded to your PC, with sites such as Zylom (www.zylom.com) and Miniclip (www.miniclip.com) offering mini games for download – sometimes even free of charge.