Nintendo to gamers: "Do not let go of Wii Remote"
Summary: Apparently the innovative Wii controller is so immersive that games are getting a bit out of hand, literally. Dozens of reports of overzealous gamers and flying remotes have been cropping up since the new console from Nintendo went on sale. Nintendo has even issued a safety bulletin warning players to "hang on".
Apparently the innovative Wii controller (or Wii-mote as it's affectionately called)
is so immersive that games are getting a bit out of hand, literally. Dozens of reports of overzealous gamers damaging TV's, stereos, walls, and innocent bystanders with flying remotes have been cropping up since the new console from Nintendo went on sale. Here's a typical account:
"I got a little too much into WiiSports Bowling. One wiimote plus a set of butter-fingers plus a weak strap equals one busted stereo display. Wiiiiiiiiiiiiii."
Bowling and Tennis games seem to be the most "dangerous". Don't believe it? Here's a YouTube video showing someone caught in the act. More evidence can be found over at IGN. It's amazing how much damage an airborne Wii-mote can cause:
Not every report of "remote rage" is truthful, however. For example, this picture is being widely circulated under the heading "Wii Remote Blows Out Window". However, I downloaded the file and look at the EXIF header, which showed the picture was taken back in January 2006. The legitimacy of this bloody picture (warning - mildly graphic) has also been called into question."OMG same exact thing happened to my brothers TV.. Bowling and strap broke and went straight through the screen. Just FYI it is a design flaw..look at your remote close...tiny string and pointed edge instead of rounded. Laugh if you like but the wii-mote took out a 2,500 dollar 65inch HD TV."
So what can you do to protect your household appliances, kids, and other small animals? In response to the reports, Nintendo has issued a customer safety bulletin on their home page. I'm not making this up. Here's an excerpt:
2. Hold the Wii Remote firmly and do not let go. Even while wearing the wrist strap, make sure you don't let go of the Wii Remote during game play and do not use excessive motion. ... If you are having so much fun that you start perspiring, take a moment to dry your hands. If you use excessive motion and let go of the Wii Remote, the wrist strap may break and you could lose control of the Wii Remote. This could injure people nearby or cause damage to other objects.
If you just can't control yourself, you might want to consider a Wii Controller Glove, (for the Wii-mote) or a Skid Proof Glove (for your hand).
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Talkback
To Nintendo: Two Words--> Hand Strap
The strap broke
Who were the testers
I bet they never even tested the strength of the contact point within the wii-mote. If it wiiars out that fast then perhaps they should have thought about wiiere they were going to sell it, and who wiire going to purchase it.
Take it EASY people!!!
Does Nintendo put warnings behind the shipping box about using the Wii Remote? If not, I won't blame Nintendo but I'd favor Nintendo to do that when releasing Wii to the public. This will let everyone know in advance when buying Wii. Plus an additional warning when buying additional Wiimotes for Wii.
I'd like to mention that I'd make controlling the amount of motion a first priority, with hands holding firmly.