Watch out for flying "Wiimotes"
We don't normally watch the video game industry very closely; we tend to leave
that to our colleagues over at the Consumer Reports Shopping
Blog (though we are well aware of the safety risks of waiting
in line for some of the new game consoles). However, we do feel the need to
point out the potential risks to consumers from the remote control used for
Nintendo's Wii console. The wireless controller, which allows players to emulate
such actions as striking a baseball with a bat or rolling a bowling ball, is
apparently to blame for numerous instances of property damage and several
injuries.
According to various reports circulating on the Internet, gamers have allowed the "Wiimote" to slip from their fingers, and have sent it hurtling, projectile-like, across the room. Though the Wii has a wrist strap designed to limit such risks, some reports claim that the strap wasn't up to the stresses of gaming and broke (of course, the player still had to let go of the remote, so we're not entirely convinced Nintendo is at fault here). Most reports cite cracked or otherwise damaged TVs, and injury claims include children getting hit in the head by errant remotes.
As a result, Nintendo has issued a safety warning about the Wii Remote, and the company's president told reporters that Nintendo is investigating the strap issue -- though he clearly placed most blame with consumers, commenting that "some people are getting a lot more excited than we'd expected." Among the safety tips issued by Nintendo: Wear the wrist strap, don't let go of the remote, and stay at least three feet away from the TV. We'd add some advice about parental supervision as well. The Wii is proving to be very popular with young children, who might not have the same level of control as their elders, and could cause considerable damage during an energetic round of Wii golf or baseball. (Nintendo hasn't issued an age-rating for the Wii, though the product's manual does recommend that parents review safety information with their children.)
We've been testing the Wii , and can confirm that the game provides a good aerobic workout. One tester decided to forego the strap, and the Wiimote did indeed fly across the room, though nothing was damaged in the process (other than the tester's ego). We also tested a $10 glove (the Switch 'N Carry Controller Glove) that's designed to improve your grip on the remote. It did work as advertised, though we found it difficult to put on, and it also made it harder to push some of the remote's buttons.
Once you've secured your remote, be sure to check out the Consumer Product Safety Commission's latest safety tips for safe usage of gaming consoles. The agency points out that there have been over 100 incidents with consoles this year involving "some form of overheating or fire." Among the CPSC's safety tips:
- Don't place the system on a soft surface, such as a bed.
- Keep it well-ventilated.
- Keep it on a level surface.
- Turn it off when not in use.
- Unplug your console during a storm or severe weather.
