> Nintendo recalls 3.2m Wii straps

The strap is connected to a motion sensitive remote which is used to control the on-screen action.

The announcement follows reports about the wrist straps breaking during use, leading to the controller slipping out of hands, smashing TVs and windows.

Nintendo said the straps do not present a problem if used correctly, but will still replace all broken ones for free.

In addition all new Wiis will come with an "enhanced" strap which should not be as prone to breakages.

The Japanese firm has also recalled 200,000 AC adapters for its DS and DS Lite consoles in Japan. Nintendo said the recall would not affect overseas adapters , and company executives expected only a small impact on earnings.

The problem with the straps, originally reported as a major recall, affects all Nintendo Wiis sold worldwide and almost all units currently on shelves in shops. Nintendo has targeted sales of four million Wii consoles by the end of 2006.

Publicity shots show the controller without the strap


The console has been a huge hit for the company with more than 325,000 machines sold in Europe in just two days, more than 600,000 sold in the US and more than 400,000 on launch day in Japan.

Nintendo UK said that consumers who need to a replacement wrist strap should contact their nearest Nintendo service centre on 0870 6060247.

Wii owners outside of the UK should visit the Nintendo website for country specific information.

The Wii strap is an important safety feature of the controller - which is waved around vigorously in a typical game. Games for the Wii all feature regular safety messages reminded players to keep the wrist strap on.

Nintendo said that these on-screen prompts, as well as the consoles manuals, will be updated with further advice about correct use of the wrist strap.



Source: BBC NEWS | Technology | Nintendo respond to Wii breakages

i didnt know the situation was that bad..