Nintendo offers to replace 3.2 Million Wii Remote Straps

Current strap not recalled, but Wii owners may replace theirs with stronger versions

December 15, 2006

Nintendo today extended an offering to the owners of the 3.2 million Wii remotes that are currently in the hands of gamers worldwide. After scattered reports of broken straps and resulting damage, Nintendo is offering to replace the strap on the Wii remote for anyone who wants it, free of charge.

The Nintendo Wii features a strap to keep the remote firmly attached to the player's hand, but in a few cases, the strap broke when players let go of the remote.

A handful of complaints came in to Nintendo and various Web sites as people launched their Wii remotes during intense gameplay sessions. Some individuals caused damage to their televisions sets, while others sent the device flying through windows and knocking over drinking glasses.

Damage reportedly caused by rouge Wii remotes.

Nintendo insists, though, that this is not a true recall of the Nintendo Wii remotes. The current remote strap is compliant with safety standards. Problems with the Wii remote strap have been fairly rare, considering the number of systems out in the market, and most players experience no problems.

The new straps have a wider, 0.04-inch diameter, compared to the 0.024-inch ones in service today. The straps will be available at Nintendo service centers or via Nintendo's support line. In the UK, they'll become available on December 18, while North American Wii owners can replace theirs beginning on the 21st.

A comparison of the original and new, thicker Wii remote strap.

The updated strap is also already shipping with new Nintendo Wii systems and remote accessories.