Quell has been a staple in my workout gear since I first tested it in May, and now it’s discounted by about a third in the US and UK. So if you’ve been meaning to try it out, now might be a good time to take the plunge.
You can the Quell hardware system for just $199 / £189 instead of its original price of $329/£299. The software subscription (required to play Quell’s games) is now just $4.99/£4.99 per month or $39.99/£39.99 per year (half the launch price).
Quell is what the Wii Fit—or any gamified fitness machine, really—wishes it could be. Using the included sensor and controllers, you’ll need to punch, crouch, jump, and run your way through levels. The included resistance bands make this setup more physically demanding than the other virtual workouts I’ve come to expect (without sacrificing any of the fun).
You connect these sensors wirelessly to a PC via a USB dongle that translates your real-world actions into the game. So far, Quell’s catalog has just one title – a high-fantasy adventure called Shardfall – but there are currently two more in development (one of which has confirmed a multiplayer aspect).
Quell isn’t as intense as going to the gym, but it’s a lot more fun. Plus, it’s very portable and works on many laptops, making it much easier to travel with than weights or a treadmill.
Quell isn’t perfect yet, I have to admit. Since launch, it’s had a few hiccups with glitches, and sometimes the motion tracking can be a little off. However, the team has been working hard to fix issues when they arise.
If you can ignore these minor drawbacks (which the lower price point may help) and have trouble sticking to an exercise routine (I certainly do), then Quell might be just what you’re looking for.