So theres a few good games out there that actually do make a huge impact on cardio and general health. I just wanted to list a couple and talk about them from a boxing coaches perspective. I also have a bachelor degree in game and simulation programming.
Dance Dance Revolution (arcades, consoles, PC at home if you have a pad)
So this one has been around since the 90's and is fantastic for cardio and working on your coordination and timing. It can help with footwork by training you to step quickly, lightly, and accurately in a rythm. Sure its weird to think of an arcade game as a workout but this game is how i got in shape for my wedding 14 years ago and helped me control my asthma. If you are interested in the game but dont have a nearby arcade you can buy a DDR pad made of metal, foam, or other materials that plugs into USB and can download Stepmania to your computer, there is a huge community that makes step patterns for songs on it. Worth it for the cardio and eye-foot coordination.
Thrill of the Fight 1 and 2 (Virtual Reality only)
So if you have access to a VR headset these are probably the best possible way to use a video game for a full body workout. I personally use the Meta Quest 2, but the Quest 3S is usually running around $350 or so i think. There are other VR games that have you do punching and ducking to music and obstacles, but they dont even come close to these if we are being honest. If you have a space of at least 6ft by 6ft or more then you get the full benefit of the games. It has you punch, block, duck, weave, and use your feet constantly, full body workout. The best thing about them is that you can basically shadow box while actually getting to see an opponent. The first game is a little stiff when it comes to the AI but its great to work on proper boxing technique and the basics. Its single player in the first game and each opponent has their own fight style and strengths. You will get tired, playing this game, and sweaty. It also measures punch strength and speed and has varying areas of damage based on how and where you hit them.
The second game started out like a beta. It had only multiplayer and felt kinda flimsy like a general concept. But as of November of last year the full game is released and it has improved all around. It has a full single player campaign and vastly improved AI for the computer opponents for career mode. And you can do multiplayer still if you want to fight against actual people and test your skills. In the sequel, footwork is king. You WILL move, and it will make sure of it. So if you used to blast through 600 calories in a match in the first game, you will blast through 800 in this one. I would still suggest going through the first game if you are a beginner then pick up this one after. If memory serves they were about $15 each. No memberships or anything, just a one time buy. Another reason it beats out almost any other VR "Fitness" app or game, no membership costs.
Beat saber (Virtual Reality only)
This one only helps with 2 things, cardio and shoulder endurance. It does those well though and is a bunch of fun to keep kids motivated in moving around more if you have kids you are trying to get to move around. Its like Dance Dance Revolution mixed with Star Wars because you cut the dirrectional blocks with lightsabers and thats just fun all around.
Ragnarock (Virtual Reality only)
Much like Beat Saber, this one is for cardio and shoulders. The difference is that instead you are on a viking ship and you are playing drums. The better you play the faster you go because you motivated the peope rowing the boat. Just another way to burn some calories and have a good time.
Creed (Virtual Reality only)
You might think, "oh its a boxing game like Thrill of the Fight, it will be a great workout just like that" and you would be wrong. Its a very "cinematic" experience where, while it does have boxing and you punch and move a bit, it is focused on the spectacle and making you feel like you are the guy in the movie and the main character. It is not as accurate or as much of a workout as Thrill of the Fight, but if you want a general boxing workout and are a huge fan of the Rocky movies, then its worth going through for a couple of your workout sessions anyways for if you have a week that you want to have a lighter workout for recovery or something.
