In response to the ever growing number of broken Wiimote strap stories popping up everywhere, including the mainstream news, Nintendo has announced that they will be replacing the original Wiimote straps for anyone who wishes the newer, stronger strap being used on newer runs of Wii consoles.
In a story over at Kotaku, it appears that during an interview with the Associated Press regarding the strap issue, Nintendo announced that in response to the growing number of reports, they would be offering stronger replacement straps to any Wii owners that wanted one. Those of you out there with the flimsier strap can head over to this site to fill out the replacement request form.
While we're on the topic of the Wiimote strap, let me say that initially I believed many of the stories about broken tv's, windows and even some of the black-eye stories related to the strap breaking, but after reading today's edition of the NY Daily News, I really am moving more towards the "most of these stories are bullshit" camp. Allow me to elaborate;
This article appeared in the paper, and while the News generally did a decent job of covering the whole thing, there was one image that just stuck out as being a completely staged photograph - here it is;
I tracked the image back to this post over at wiihaveaproblem.com, and the poster claims this damage actually occurred while playing the bowling game included in Wii Sports. Sorry, but I draw the line at this one. Unless a hurricane passed through this guys house while he was playing the game, I defy you to rationally explain how he managed to drive his Wiimote straight through the frame of a standard TV with a near perfect knife throw. I don't buy it, and even if the guy provided video of it with his original post, I still would call shenanigans on this one.
Those of you looking for a little more on the articles mentioned in this post should check out the following sites;
- Kotaku - AP: Nintendo "Recalls" 3.2 Million Wii Straps
- NY Daily News - Wii straps out of control
- Wiihaveaproblem.com - Human Cyclone of Activity Impales TV
- Nintendo - Strap Replacement Form
