Nintendo's Wii video game console has been a hot item since it debuted a month ago, but the company has announced a recall of more than 3 million straps on the game console's controllers. The reason? They can break, turning the controllers into flying projectiles.
Part of the problem stems from the way the controllers are used. Users don't simply hold them, feverously pushing buttons. The controllers intuitively follow body motion, so that by mimicking the movement of swinging a tennis racquet, they control the racquet on the video screen.
You can see how that might be a problem if the controller slipped from the player's grasp. Damage has reportedly occurred to windows, lamps and TV screens. There has been at least one report of a minor injury.
Nintendo said it started to get complaints soon after the game was released last month. It now says it will provide thicker straps for Wii controllers free of charge.
The company had been on record in urging plays to show some restraint in their hand movements with the controls.
"Players do not need to wave the Wii Remote vigorously to enjoy the games,” Nintendo had advised in a press release accompanying the rollout of the widely anticipated video game. We ask them to hold the controllers tightly."
The cords on the wrist straps included in this program are 0.6mm in diameter. The replacement cords are 1.0 mm in diameter (see photo below).
Sold by: The Wii video game systems have been sold since November 19, 2006 for approximately $249. The Wii Remote has separately been sold from November 19, 2006 for approximately $39. All Wii video game systems purchased after December 11, 2006 should have the new 1.0 mm cord. All individually sold Wii Remotes purchased after December 18, 2006, should have the new 1.0 mm cord.
For more information, contact Nintendo toll-free at (800) 859-4519 between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. PT, or visit their Web site at www.support.nintendo.com.
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