Game Controller Accidents Forces " Wii"call

Nintendo announces a major recall for a popular video game console.<br/>On Friday 3.2 million straps for the Wii game system were recalled. The company says the small strap on the remote has caused some

Friday, December 15th 2006, 6:38 pm

By: News On 6

Nintendo announces a major recall for a popular video game console.
On Friday 3.2 million straps for the Wii game system were recalled. The company says the small strap on the remote has caused some big problems for users.

In a consumer report, News on 6 anchor Omar Villafranca went to find out if it's effecting any local gamers.

Believe it or not, Jack Padgett's plays the Wii. He loves the bowling game and admits he gets into it.

"Yeah, I do, I put the body language into it you know and the twists and turns, and stuffâ€¦you know, yeah you get the same thing," the gamer said.

This remote controls the movements of the game. When the player moves the characters on screen move. A small strap is suppose to keep it attached to your wrist, but some players are a â€œWiiâ€ bit enthusiastic when it comes to playing. A few energetic players say the remote slips from their hands, breaks the strap and causes some carnage usually in video games.

So many gamers have accidentally launched the remote, they decided to launch a website dedicated to the accidents. On Wiihaveaproblem.com, you can see pictures of damaged TVs, bloody hands and busted windows.

"They're getting a little too into it. If you're breaking a sweat playing your Wii, you should probably calm it down a little bit," Target assistant manager Nikki Noel said.

The Wii's are so popular that at Target, they're actually sold out a few days before Christmas, but the new shipment will have the new straps for the remote.

Retailers don't expect the recall to hurt sales. And Jack says flying remote or not, he's still playing.
It's a fun game. My grandson really enjoys it, I enjoy it, in fact, the whole family enjoys it," said Padgett.

If you have a Nintendo Wii and want the new strap you can call Nintendo America at 1-800-859-4519. Nintendo says they'll replace the strap, but not any damage a flying remote might have caused.