Wii Remote Wrist Strap Replacement

Tipstaff · Dec 15, 2006, 05:38 AM

See, you're not an idiot for impaling your TV with the Wiimote, there really is an issue:

Japanese games firm Nintendo is recalling more than three million straps for its new Wii console. The announcement follows scores of complaints about the wrist straps breaking during use.

The strap recall affects all Nintendo Wiis sold worldwide and almost all units currently on shelves in shops. Nintendo has targetted sales of four million Wii consoles by the end of 2006.

Request your new straps via this page.

Source: VE3D

***Zardon*** · Dec 15, 2006, 05:46 AM

oh boy.

***temeteus82*** · Dec 15, 2006, 06:00 AM

Yeah they should use Kevlar on the straps. 10 or more strings combined with the normal material.

riles9262 · Dec 15, 2006, 08:13 AM

Ya, or aircraft cable. How strong do these things really have to be? What are people actually doing with them?

***temeteus82*** · Dec 15, 2006, 09:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by riles9262

What are people actually doing with them?

What I've seen on the net they are just playing games and they move the wiimote over long distance with maximum force they are capable of. And some times the force when they move the wiimote is too much them to handle. And then the wiimote goes projectile.

Judas · Dec 15, 2006, 11:12 AM

People letting go + strap made to withstand typical use NOT a few hundred pounds of force jerking on it = Flying wiimotes at tv's or other living beings.

ZzzombieBunny · Dec 15, 2006, 11:49 AM

According to Nintendo they only had about 20 requests from customers wanting their wiimote strap replaced. Its still good that they replaced it with a stronger one on the next batches.

I think its mostly new gamers breaking stuff with their mote, people who dont realize how the game mechanics work. That you really dont have to swing the mote like your life depended on it, although I guess some might find that the enjoyable part of the Wii in the first place. How long till we start seeing excersize games for the Wii?

Tipstaff · Dec 15, 2006, 07:07 PM

Little bit of an update. Seems that Nintendo isn't recalling the straps, and infact are disputing the issue with them:

Update:

Nintendo is not recalling any of the Wii wrist straps for its motion sensitive Wii Remote. 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.

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.
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.

Consumers who break their wrist straps through excess usage or who are worried about their wrist strap should contact their nearest Nintendo Service Center voluntary exchange programme has been provided where consumers can replace wrist straps free of charge upon request.

Ok, now if there is no issue with the straps why have a replacement request page in the first place? AND why would they have, in their own words, "..offering to replace the original version of the wrist straps for the Wii Remote with a newer version" if there was no issue with the old ones? Pardon the pun, but your busted, Nintendo.

Judas · Dec 15, 2006, 07:21 PM

well..

theres typical use duty straps and apparently the demand for heavy duty, overly powerfully strong straps...

i've yet to figure out how anyone break the strap without actually taking a good amount of time to try and break it, i've yanked the shit outa of the straps and they are tough little suckers.

Dark Lord · Dec 15, 2006, 07:24 PM

yup, sure looks that way.

if i ever get a wii, ill probably make my own strap with some heavy duty wire or something like that.

Mazuko · Dec 15, 2006, 08:29 PM

Nintendo is just covering their butts before someone decides to sue because they don't know how to restrain their use of the wiimote.

pr0digal jenius · Dec 16, 2006, 12:11 AM

Xbox: overheats/melts/catches fire
PS3: controller cuts out/high def busted/other barious problems

Wii: People flailing their arms more then anticipated and a stronger "seat belt" required

go nintendo

as for the "half assed recall".....makes sense to me...no need to pay to replace everyone's, if everyone doesn't throw the stupid thing. THis is just so their lawyers can go "look! we tried!"