Nintendo: Be Careful With That Wiimote

Following several high-profile Internet reports of damage being caused by its Wiimote controller, Nintendo on Wednesday gave some friendly advice on how -- and how not to -- use its unique capabilities.

The motion-sensing controller is swung and waved about to direct the console to make certain actions in the game. However, some gamers are apparently swinging a little too hard, or waving a bit too much.

What has resulted is all kinds of electronic and household carnage: broken television sets and laptop computers, and even a broken window. In fact, a Web site called Wiihaveaproblem.com has been set up to chronicle some of these events. As of Thursday, the toll stood at 20.

This included eight televisions, two Wiis, two laptops, as well as a wall, a PDA, a window, a TV stand, a celing fan, a dish, and a stereo. On top of that, count one broken Wiimote. In some cases, a broken strap can be blamed for some of the mishaps, gamers say.

Nintendo responded on Wednesday, sending an e-mail to Wii customers as well as having a notice posted on various gaming Web sites. In it, the company sets a few ground rules to ensure the remote does not end up a flying projectile.

First off, Nintendo recommends that the wrist strap be worn at all times to prevent the remote from dropping or being thrown. In additon, it recommends users dry their hands and avoid excessive motion during game play.

"For example, in a game like Wii Sports bowling, the ball is thrown by simply releasing the B button on the remote, not by letting go of the remote," the e-mail reads.

In addition, users are recommended to leave at least three feet away from the television, and make sure people and objects are far enough away to prevent damage or injury.

There is no word on whether Wii gamers are heeding Nintendo's warnings.

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