Nintendo has published plenty of video games that are just begging for an anime adaptation, but if you asked fans which series they would like to see animated first, chances are Fitness Boxing would not be near the top of that list.
Despite that, Fitness Boxing is indeed the next Nintendo game to get an anime series. As reported by Comics Natalie, the notably story-less aerobic boxing game is being adapted into a 12-episode anime series which will premiere on Japanese TV this October. Fitness Boxing was developed by Imagineer, best known to Western audiences for its work on the Medabots (known as Medarot in Japan) franchise, and published by Nintendo in 2018. A sequel, Fitness Boxing 2: Rhythm and Exercise, was released on the Nintendo Switch in 2020. The games feature customizable exercise routines based around a mix of boxing drills and aerobics. While gamers might be confused why this title was picked for an anime adaptation, it's worth noting that Fitness Boxing was somewhat popular in Japan: its initial print-run sold out completely, leading to shortages of the game in its home country, and it would eventually go on to sell over 1 million copies in total.
The series will also be produced by Imagineer, alongside CG animation studio Story Effect Co. Ltd. The show will feature an all-star voice cast that includes Akari Kito, who played Nezuko in Demon Slayer: Kimetsu No Yaiba; Akira Ishida, who is best known for his portrayal of Kaworu Nagisa in Neon Genesis Evangelion; and veteran voice actor Akio Otsuka, who is best known to video game fans as the Japanese voice of Solid Snake in the Metal Gear Solid series.
The virtual coaches from the game will be the series' main protagonists. The full cast list is as follows:
Akari Kitō as Karen.
Akira Ishida as Hiro.
Rie Kugimiya as Janice.
Saori Hayami as Rin.
Yuichi Nakamura as Evan.
Sumire Uesaka as Martina.
Ami Koshimizu as Sophie.
Atsuko Tanaka as Laura.
Akio Ōtsuka as Bernard.
An international release for Fitness Boxing has not been announced at this time. Both games in the series are currently available for the Nintendo Switch.
Source: Comics Natalie