Nintendo to replace 3.2M Wii straps
Customers can exchange straps through Nintendo service centers
Image: Wii
Shizuo Kambayashi / AP
A model plays tennis with Nintendo Co.'s new family video-game console Wii by swinging it's controller as a tennis racket during a press conference in Tokyo. The Japanese gamemaker on Friday announced the recall of 3.2 million straps for its popular Wii computer game controllers.
View related photos




TOKYO - The reception of Nintendo's Wii video game console has been enthusiastic — too enthusiastic, apparently, for the straps that are supposed to keep the game controllers in the hands of players.

After widespread reports of controllers flying out of the hands of overly energetic players to cause a Wii bit of damage to TV sets, walls and bystanders, Nintendo is recalling 3.2 million straps to replace them with tougher stuff.

The console's motion-sensitive remote controller can be swung tennis racket, golf club or sword, depending on the game. But soon after the Wii went on sale last month, the excesses of overzealous players became apparent.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16222369/
[Edited 12/15/06 13:05pm]
[Edited 12/15/06 13:05pm]

that's since been rescinded, man.

Handclapsfingasnapz said:

Nintendo recently set out on an internal investigation, to try and figure out a way for calming people down while playing on the Wii, so they wouldn't injure themselves or their loved ones (i.e. TVs), due to improper (i.e. hyperactive) use of the Wii remote. While they were doing that, several more people ended up with their hand all messed up, and even with a black eye. So it seems that a solution is desperately needed, if Santa is to safely walk into our homes this Christmas.

And a solution is what Nintendo has come up with! Contrary to some misleading reports from yesterday, the company won't be recalling any of the wrist straps for its Wii Remote (accused by many for breaking too easily), but they are however offering users to replace their Wii straps, free of charge.

In a special statement issued by the company today, Nintendo says that "there is no problem with the existing wrist strap as long as the Wii Remote is used sensibly and properly in accordance with the guidelines provided by Nintendo. All parts of the wrist strap have passed product testing and quality control." They also give the following tips for "safe play" on the Wii:

- Always wear the wrist strap while playing.
- Keep a firm grip on the Wii Remote at all times.
- Make sure people and objects are out of the range of movement before play begins.
- Players should keep at least three feet/ one meter from their televisions and dry their hands if they become sweaty or wet for any other reason.
- Remember that the Wii Remote is responsive enough to detect minor movements - so excessive and forceful actions are not necessary. Therefore we recommend not to use excessively rapid, violent or wide swinging motions while using the Wii Remote during game play.
If you're the hyperactive type and have already broken your wrist strap - or even if you are simply worried about it being too thin - you are advised to contact your nearest Nintendo Service Center, where you can replace it with a more sturdy (looking) wrist strap, free of charge upon request. You can also use the Wii Remote Wrist Strap Replacement Request Form provided on the Nintendo website, if you live in North America.

If you're from Europe, you can use the following contact informations:

E-mail: wiiwriststrap@codestorm.co.uk

Address:
Wii Wrist Strap,
Nintendo Service Centre,
CoDEStorm House
Walton Road
Farlington
PO6 1TR

Telephone: 0870 60 60 247 (Calls are charged at the National Rate to the caller)
Just make sure your Wii doesn't already have the newer version of the strap before asking for a replacement (Wii consoles shipped starting in early December already utilized it).