Nintendo couldn’t have asked for a better launch of its Wii games console, having sold almost 1.5 million units in just a few weeks. Nintendo is even claiming that the Wii is the fastest selling games console of all time. It’s just a shame that the quality control department didn’t spend just that little bit longer testing the Wii’s infamous flimsy game controller straps, with Nintendo today offering to replace 3.2 million game-controller straps.

 

The recall is expected to cost Nintendo several million dollars.

For those that don’t know, the game controller has a built-in motion detector, which allows it to be used as though it were a sword or tennis racket, depending on the game. Nintendo designed this feature hoping it would broaden the appeal of the Wii beyond the typical Generation Y male.

The straps are designed to stop the controller from flying out of people’s hands as they wave it around. Unfortunately, the straps have been breaking, and the controllers have literally flown out of people’s hands, often at high speed.

There have been reports of game controllers flying into big-screen televisions, furniture and even people. To see some of the carnage just check out http://wiihaveaproblem.com.   

The new strap will be double the thickness of the old one (0.04 inches compared to 0.024 inches).

Nintendo probably should have acted as soon as reports of problems started coming in. No doubt the company will be facing compensation claims for damaged property and from people who have been injured. Don’t laugh, you should see some of the black eyes caused by out-of-control game controllers.

On the other hand, the size of the recall is testimony of the popularity of the Wii. It may be that the recall actually generates even more buzz around the Wii since it highlights one of the key features of the console.

Related:

Much-maligned PlayStation 3 finally makes it to Europe

Nintendo sued over flimsy wrist straps

Wii wins the battle for Christmas 2006

T-Mobile prepping Android-based HTC Dream for 3G launch

T-Mobile, Google schedule official Android, Dream unveiling for 9/23

Entry was posted on Friday, December 15th, 2006 at 6:15 am under Gaming.  Print This Post

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