Nintendo denies recall of "whiplash" Wii straps

NINTENDO called to say there isn't a recall of the wrist straps, contrary to reports. A representative said Nintendo will replace the existing straps if they're broken, or if owners are worried, but that the percentage of broken straps represents a tiny amount.

Replacement straps will, however, be thicker than the existing straps, the representative said.

The firm released the following statement:

Q Will you be issuing a recall?
A No. There is no problem with the wrist strap as long as the Wii Remote is used sensibly and properly in accordance with the guidelines provided by Nintendo. However, we will be providing replacement wrist straps free of charge to consumers who request them. Consumers who break their wrist straps and consumers who are worried about their wrist strap should contact their nearest Nintendo Service Centre on 0870 6060247 [UK number only, Ed.].

Proper Wii Remote™ Usage
Nintendo is confident that by using the Wii Remote and wrist strap in compliance with the guidelines provided by Nintendo, people will fully enjoy their games without causing injury to other people or damaging surrounding objects. Nintendo is continuing a dialogue with its customers about the proper and safe use of the motion-sensitive Wii Remote controller when playing Wii Sports. The following tips are advised for safe play:

• 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.

Other things to keep in mind include:

• 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.

These tips complement efforts that are underway to reinforce proper Wii Remote use.

• Nintendo will replace broken straps free of charge for consumers who have requested them.
• All new Wii hardware shipments include enhanced wrist straps.
• Links about Wii safety are being added to various Nintendo Web sites
• Games include on-screen advisories about proper wrist strap use.
• The Wii operations manual and the manual for Wii Sports will be updated with additional wrist strap cautions and specific game advice.
• Nintendo will update on-screen wrist strap advisories to include additional messaging.

If you have any questions about your Wii Remote wrist strap please contact your nearest Nintendo Service Center 0870 6060247. (UK number)

WII STRAPS for the wee Nintendo Wii will be replaced by the firm after multiple reports of the device flying off the handle.

According to Associated Press, the remote controls started snapping because the wands were being waved too vigorously.

New straps twice the thickness will provided to people but there's no clear indication how Nintendo will do the replacing, as yet. µ