The sequel to EA Sports Active , EA Sports Active 2 adds new exercises, workout plans, and brings the series to the Xbox360 and PS3 alongside the Wii. The major inclusion to Active 2 is a wireless heart rate monitor worn on the arm. The player's heart rate is displayed on the screen along with five activity targets giving encouragement to faster rates.
The major change from the previous title is to move away from using handheld sensors (the Wiimote and nunchuck) to track activity. The PS3 and Wii versions include additional wireless sensors worn on the arm and leg ("Total Body Tracking" system), while the Xbox360 version uses only the heart rate monitor and the Kinect to track movement.
Players can choose from three week or nine week programs. These programs are rigidly guided systems that track players through the range of weeks selected. Four exercises are scheduled per week, and the contents of each session are preset by unspecified fitness experts.
The game features various cardio exercises such as running in place, squats, jumping in place, and weight raises. Each workout session has a warm-up and cool down period with a variety of stretches. Floor exercises are also included, ranging from push-ups and sit-ups to yet more stretches. Minigames, including basketball, mountain biking, and boxing, are used as part of the exercises.
The Wii version is limited to one player. The 360 supports up to two players locally. The 360 and PS3 versions include online multiplayer, allowing two players to perform the same workout session at the same time. Players can also join a "Workout Group," tracking and contributing to a total group goal.
EA Sports Active 2 was released on November 16, 2010, for the Xbox360, PS3, and Wii.