YouTuber makes gaming app that lets you exercise to move characters as you play

YouTuber, Twitch streamer and TikTok creator Super Louis 64 developed an app that lets players move their characters in-game by exercising.

To use this app, you’ll need a Bluetooth adapter and a pair of Joy-Con controllers for the Nintendo Switch 1. If you’ve ever played Ring Fit, you’ll know that these controllers track motion fairly well, even when placed inside the leg strap accessory, which you’ll also need.

Players must first tie the leg strap around their thigh and place one Nintendo Joy-Con inside it. Louis’s program, appropriately named ‘Joy-Cardio,’ will then pick up players’ movements above a certain threshold, translating those movements to the ‘W’ key within your game of choice.

Both Joy-Cons must be connected to players’ PCs to work. It’s a fairly simple process that transforms gaming from a sedentary activity into an actual workout, with Louis saying he works up a sweat using his exercise bike to play Mario Kart World.

Players can use two different types of cardio equipment with Joy-Cardio; a stationary bike or a treadmill. No other equipment is currently available with the app, but Louis says there’s more to come in its next version.

Users can even increase their exercise level depending on how hard they want to ‘work out’ while playing. The higher the level, the faster you’ll have to walk, run, or bike in order for the app to pick up your movements.

Players can exercise to move their characters with YouTuber-created app

Right now, Joy-Cardio only works on Windows, with no support for Mac or Linux. Players can use the app on consoles, but it takes some doing, and you’ll need an input converter to translate the PC inputs into your console. Joy-Cons for the Nintendo Switch 2 are also not compatible with the app, but Louis has made this a goal for future patches.

Ideally, Louis wants Joy-Cardio to emulate XBox controllers instead of a PC keyboard. He also has plans to create a fully-functioning ‘boxing mode’ for fighting game players who want a bit more immersion than their arcade sticks can offer.