Wiimote straps replaced: yeah, all of them!
Well, how 'bout that... on top of the 200k DS and DS Lite AC adapters being recalled replaced this morning, Nintendo just announced an additional voluntary Update: Thanks to tipster Stefan for digging into Nintendo's bowels and unearthing the replacement request form. Good news, looks like they'll simply ship the new strap without the mess of having to return the old one.
Update 2: Nintendo just called to let us know that the replacement program is entirely voluntary, and does not constitute a "recall". That means Nintendo apparently doesn't think it's a risk for most people, but if you do you can feel free to get that Wiimote strap. Nintendo issued this statement: "Nintendo has a long tradition of delivering high-quality products and excellent customer service. The Wii Remote is meant to be gripped, and the wrist straps are a secondary measure. We have found that some consumers get more excited playing Wii Sports than we could have imagined. This resulted in a very small number of wrist straps breaking. We have replaced the broken wrist straps and continue to reinforce with consumers the safe and fun use of our products. Through its voluntary wrist strap replacement program Nintendo is offering a stronger wrist strap free of charge to consumers by calling 1-800-859-4519 or by visiting support.nintendo.com."
Update 3: Here's the info Nintendo gives when you order your replacements: "Thank you for your request. Once your replacement wrist strap order has shipped, you will receive a confirmation email from Nintendo. We expect to begin shipping replacement straps around December 21st. It will take 5 to 9 days for delivery depending on your location. Please do not contact Nintendo regarding your replacement wrist strap until after that time period has passed."
[Thanks, Matthew P.]
Filed under: Gaming
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
sracer @ Dec 15th 2006 9:04AM
What the Nintendo bashers appear unable to comprehend is that the "strap issue" is NOT a legitimate issue. The straps aren't defective. They are serving the purpose for which they are intended.
Missuse of a wiimote will always result in SOMETHING failing. This time, missuse resulted in the occasional cord snapping. With the new cords, missuse will result in the strap slipping off of "sweaty wrists". Or wiimotes slamming into TVs because some enebriated buffoon was standing too close to the TV.
Proper use of the current wiimote will not result in cord failure. That is the conclusion that a majority of rational thinking adults have come to. Nintendo is being applauded for addressing an unreasonable concern to prevent it from growing... because if a lie is repeated enough, it becomes "fact".
It's a smart move, especially at a time when companies deny, deny, deny (hello Sony and Dell).
kris @ Dec 15th 2006 4:07AM
well well i guess they didn´t try enough thoes straps enough before launching the Wii to the public. Buts nice to hear that they will replace them...
Zak @ Oct 2nd 2007 5:24AM
Yup...I ended up with a busted strap playing Wii tennis with a bunch of mates and a few beers.. My mate served just a tad too hard. Before hand I thought the busted strap thing was a load of bollox.
Stefan Karlstrom @ Dec 15th 2006 4:19AM
"Please visit www.nintendo.com/consumer/strapreplace.jsp to arrange to replace your original wrist strap. When requesting the new wrist strap, you will need to have the serial number of your Wii available. The serial number starts with LU and is found on the Wii console below the barcode."
Go there to get your replacement straps.
GigiAndretti @ Dec 15th 2006 4:19AM
Very NICELY DONE!! Make Sony look bad even in a Nintendo fiasco!!
Veritas II @ Dec 15th 2006 4:36AM
Hey, and don't forget, since this is Holocaust Denial Week, Engadget thinks it's great to leave up comments like this one:
http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/14/sony-patents-led-infused-motion-tracking-controller/comments/2921218/
Simon @ Dec 15th 2006 4:22AM
I think it would be better to administer IQ test before selling Wii's to anyone. Is that hard to remember to hold onto your wiimote? Maybe there should be a recall on all tennis rackets, baseball bats, hockey sticks etc.
raz @ Dec 15th 2006 4:51AM
Maybe they just get fed up with the bad press due to a small few who had issues so decided it was cheaper than the constant law suits for damaged tv's?
Revrant2394 @ Dec 15th 2006 4:54AM
Wow, this is such a good move for Nintendo.
I'm amazed at how badly Sony is handling everything, their marketing for the PS3 has been terrible(A rubiks cube, balls and birds, and Call of Duty 3 with Aliens, double-you tee eff), and Microsofts has been run of the mill, with Nintendo coming out on top, fun commercials demonstrating the basic functionality.
Instead of, birds, and balls, and...levitating consoles(Lost), and now, here, Sony, in this position, would fight and punish the consumer to the bitter end, Nintendo reacts accordingly and to the benefit of their console owners.
Just, thumbs up, bravo.
Ihar `Philips` Filipau @ Dec 15th 2006 4:57AM
3.2 millions??? 4 millions were planned for the year at all.
I'm sorry, but how much the was sold in Europe? Since most of the preorders here were canceled (was reported for UK - but the same was true here in Germany), I wonder how much Nintendo "interested" in european market...
Ihar `Philips` Filipau @ Dec 15th 2006 5:08AM
I dug up a number for Europe - 325k consoles were sold.
IOW, Europe got about 12% of all Wiis for Xmas launch.
I hate you Nintendo. :-(
kdmaster @ Dec 15th 2006 5:04AM
wat about australia
E @ Dec 15th 2006 5:13AM
why is it that when Nintendo screws up (which they obviously did with the wiimote), engadget praises their solutions... but when Sony screws up, engadget bashes them into next year. It's not that I'm a Sony fanboy, I would just prefer some balance in the reporting.
Aaron @ Dec 15th 2006 5:14AM
Good for them for dealing with it, but yeah, how hard is it to just... hold on to your damn remote? I can't really fault Nintendo here for having faith in their customers not to be throwing things around.
daz @ Dec 15th 2006 5:34AM
In a way, i agree with E on this. Again, while im by far no fanboy of any console and company, i have noticed a large number of things like what E stated. When Sony muck up, everyones too busy bashing the hell out of them, even though Sony try there hardest to rectify the situation. Nintendo mucks up, not even a boo to a goose. Nothing. Then they get tons of praise for fixing it when really there shouldnt be a problem in the first place. Same can be said for 360.
I do realise Sony has been the top console manufacturer for over 10years now, and i do realise that, because of this, the first instance they make a slip up they'd get attacked left right and centre, but the news is always very unbalanced.
Personally, i dont get this fanboy culture anyway. Who cares if a console was made by Sony, Ninty, Lego, Cadburys or Nokia, the only thing that should matter is the games, and how enjoyable they are
dubz @ Dec 15th 2006 5:47AM
Cadbury console?
Sounds dee-lish!
Neg2LED @ Dec 15th 2006 5:44AM
I think all Aussie Wiis come with the newer strap...
--neg
Artr @ Dec 15th 2006 6:36PM
Aussie straps are the same thickness as all the other ones worldwide. The Australian website hasn't been updated yet, mainly because it's like 11:00 at night on the east coast (nintendo HQ) so it'll most likely be updated tomorrow morning, hopefully.
If not we'll have to wait till Monday.
Rynth @ Dec 15th 2006 5:53AM
What about the UK? do we not get a recall?
Matthew @ Dec 15th 2006 9:43AM
We get a recall in the UK as well. (I assume this also applies to Ireland).
Simply do one of the following things:
"UK residents should contact the Nintendo Service Centre
Phone: 0870 6060247 (National Rate)
Email: wiiwriststrap@codestorm.co.uk
Address: Wii Wrist Strap, Nintendo Service Centre, CoDEStorm House, Walton Road, Farlington, PO6 1TR"
I'm just gonna eMail them. I got two wiimote and both have the old straps.
Jonathan B @ Dec 15th 2006 3:55PM
British Wii remotes that come with the console have the new straps, which I'm pretty sure is why the shortage happened like it did.
I bought an extra remote, and one of my two remotes has a thinner strap, so I'm guessing its the one I bought with Wii Play.
Thomas Ricker @ Dec 15th 2006 6:20AM
E and daz,
Nintendo is fixing a *perceived* issue with their product which is more than likely, not a real issue at all.
However, Sony Rootkits are real. And Sony arrogance about the matter is (was) real:
http://www.engadget.com/2005/11/08/president-of-sony-global-digital-business-gives-a-pass-to-the/
Thomas
daz @ Dec 15th 2006 7:03AM
What does Sony BMG have to do with Sony Computer Entertainment? May be the same company name, but two completely different divisions within the company. And if you think MS and Ninty, along with hundreds of other companies arent guilty of doing the same or worse, think again
D @ Dec 15th 2006 6:29AM
I don't understand all the praise for nintento on how they are dealing with the situation. I think they were just slacking in the testing department, how hard is it to get 5 guys just to try how hard it is to brake the strap and realise that maybe it the averge guy can break it. shouldn't have even come this far.
Ihar `Philips` Filipau @ Dec 15th 2006 7:45AM
Strap allows you to release wiimote and make your hand available for something else. It's controller - not hummer/sword/bowling ball. It controls movements - not does them.
Nobody expected that you will start really *throwing* wiimotes in your TVs.
Are you throwing your mouse at monsters when you play Doom on your PC? Are you trying to chainsaw monsters with keyboard? ;-)))
Lenn @ Dec 17th 2006 2:36AM
I disagree. As another poster commented, people don't seem to have any diffiiculty holding on to bats, tennis rackets, and hockey sticks. What about those old mecury thermometers. I've yet to see one flung about uncontrollably.
I give Nintendo credit for spending the money to offer a replacement strap, but personally think it a bit ridiculous that people are flinging these things all over the place.
I'd be willing to wager that after one 'accident' people were subconsciously trying to play along, or out do the next guy.
Perhaps the WiiMote needs rubber grips on it's sides, but imagine that those who wanted to through the Wii-mote would still find a way to do so.
Kudos for trying to stave off a problem that probably shouldn't be and isn't. Especially when one considers that they aren't losing money on the consoles. So they cut into the early profits a bit to kill a needless PR nightmare.
Some folks should just take responsibility for their actions here and be a bit more careful.
Again, bats, tennis rackets, hockey sticks...
Adam @ Dec 15th 2006 9:36AM
Apparently everyone loves the Wii and it looks like everyones excitement is getting the better of them. I wouldn't think that the straps are very expensive to make (the new ones) so Nintendo should just make a bunch and place them at every retail store that sells the Wii or Wii products for free. That way, everyone could have 3-4 straps and replace if something happens.
I don't think Nintendo should have to pay for anyone's broken objects/person though.
Thomas Ricker @ Dec 15th 2006 7:16AM
It's about customer relations daz, with product commodification in the CE space, there's not much left to differentiate yourself. Do it right, the customers will follow.
Thomas
blah @ Dec 15th 2006 7:25AM
You are seriously comparing this to the Sony rootkit fiasco? So, which is it? Were both companies guilty or innocent? I think guilty myself...
Don't worry, though, folks! Rest assured that Nintendo stands to make a hefty profit from this recall, even if they have to contend with a class action: they'll make a MINT (probably more from Wii sales themselves) selling all the personal information they'll collect from your millions of claim forms!
They could very easily just shipped the straps to outlets and allow people to pick them up for free, but no: you have to tell them everything about yourself in order to get the strap replaced...
Earl @ Dec 15th 2006 5:44PM
What are you talking about?
Nintendo just had people fill out a short form asking their name, address, and Wii serial number... How is this "too much information?" How else are they supposed to get the straps to people?
pak @ Dec 15th 2006 8:25AM
wow...a nintendo problem but somehow makes sony look the worst. Is this engadget or just some random cheap blog entry?
tekdroid @ Dec 15th 2006 8:26AM
It's rumoured the new versions come with a sticker on the box saying:
Now with thicker strap for ThickHeads! (TM)
FrankTheCrank @ Dec 15th 2006 8:34AM
What a COMPLETE BLUNDER!!!
1. 480P
2. think straps
3. injuries
4. destroyed equipment
This whole launch has been a complete and utter disaster. From launching with Gamecube graphics that won't go higher than 480P. To bundling the controllers with floss like straps. People with black eyes and busted video equipment.
What a complete charade.
Dan @ Dec 15th 2006 9:00AM
There's nothing truly wrong with these straps. Nintendo is only replacing them to shutup the loud few who claim it's all Nintendo's fault they destroyed their plasma tv when they launched the Wiimote like a projectile. The straps are just fine, but since it costs hardly anything to make the new straps, the peace of mind that a few boisterous crybabies can have a new strap will work out for Nintendo in the end.
Andir3.0 @ Dec 15th 2006 9:17AM
How is something that is supposed to keep the device close at hand breaking, "not defective"?
JP @ Dec 15th 2006 9:15AM
You know what is interesting is that now Nintendo can gather real market data on how well their wiimotes are selling. The fact that you have to enter a serial number allows them to possibly tie the number of wiimotes sold in locations, for certain ages, gender, etc (that is if you have registered your wii).
Smart.
Earl @ Dec 15th 2006 5:52PM
Easy: it's not desgined to stop people from trying to hit a virtual tennis ball 90MPH. Therefore, not defective. It is designed, from my guess, to allow people to just drop the controller to grab the phone, a drink, etc.
This is like someone wrecking a car, then blaming Ford because they didn't make an invincible car. A car is not designed to withstand some idiot doing 100MPH and slamming into the wall. Just like the Wii strap isn't designed to withstand some fool swinging at full force.
But I guess, in a way, this is a compliment to Nintendo since people seem to be getting really into the games.
ChickebSangwich @ Dec 15th 2006 9:25AM
I just loved seeing CNNs reporting this morning. Miles O'Brien and their business guy were patting themselves on the back about how they bruoght the defective strap issue to light, and it was their reporting that forced a recall. Like they didn't find the story on engadget and other blogs just like the rest of us. I was seeing this story on Engadget weeks before they reported on it. I just hate how all of the 24-hr new networks tech reporting is yanked straight off of blogs like Engadget. At least name your sources, CNN! They even had the balls to say 'You heard it here first' about the Wiimote story. Heard yeah, but read weeks ago on the net. Just another example of the continued slide of the 24-hr news networks.
cantfindawii @ Dec 15th 2006 9:27AM
Do you beleive they are talking about 3.2 million wiimotes? They said " most of the units still on shelves"
WHERE ARE THESE UNITS JUST SITTING ON THE SHELVES???
AAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
tekdroid @ Dec 15th 2006 10:59AM
I wouldn't think that the straps are very expensive to make (the new ones) so Nintendo should just make a bunch and place them at every retail store that sells the Wii or Wii products for free.
----------------
The only problem(s) with that strategy is that Nintendo sends a message to Average Joe shopping for Chrissy goodies that *something is wrong with the console*. Big no-no. The last thing they want for a successful launch is that associated with their console.
...and Nintendo doesn't get any nifty demographic data doing it that way :)
...and that leaves many taking spare straps from the stores just for the hell of it - because they can. Who is left to verify who bought what? The stores? They have a hard enough time moving boxes and pricing things and patronizing customers with their lack of product knowledge :)
Like this, Nintendo keeps costs far lower, gains some demographics info, simplifies the whole process and reduces admin and strap production to those who really need (or want) it...
All this results in lower costs. The amount demanding replacement straps who have heard about this will be very small, relatively speaking. It also handily avoids the "how many straps to send to each of our thousands of retailers" scenario...
Justin @ Dec 15th 2006 9:49AM
The 3.2 mil are for the Wiimotes people... not... not... not.. the box itself.
NaS @ Dec 15th 2006 10:35AM
hahah... nice ENGADGET once again you have found a way to prise a company by bring down another even though they werent involve at all!! VERY nice Bias commenting to flood the minds of consumers. It dont matter who it is, nintendo or sony they are going for you money, if you think nintendo will treat you better than sony THINK again, they dont give a nut about you, stop attaching yourself to them. Your not related to them and they wont share their millions with you. Mario will sell you for the same price as anybody else. if you dont like it stop buying from them, stop complaining like a pu$$y.
Timerider @ Dec 15th 2006 10:39AM
*request sent*
Thanks Engadget for letting me know.
I can't believe Nintendo is acually doing this. It's not their fault some idiots are swinging it that hard.
Deluxe @ Dec 15th 2006 11:57AM
"*request sent*
Thanks Engadget for letting me know.
I can't believe Nintendo is acually doing this. It's not their fault some idiots are swinging it that hard."
Um... Hahahahaahahahaha.
Chris @ Dec 15th 2006 10:57AM
If you are such a spaz that you cannot hold on to a $40 controller any better than a sweaty monkey, then you have other problems.
It is a great move by Nintendo to handle this so professionally even though rational people across the globe realize that the problem truly is with the user, not the product.
This reminds me of how well Tylenol handled their big "Recall That Started Them All" in 1982:
http://www.iht.com/articles/2002/03/23/mjj_ed3_.php
This sets Nintendo apart from the others because they are putting the consumer (however irresponsible they are) first!
"What set apart Johnson & Johnson's handling of the crisis from others? It placed consumers first by recalling 31 million bottles of Tylenol capsules from store shelves and offering replacement product in the safer tablet form free of charge."
Loban @ Dec 15th 2006 11:40AM
"Why is it that when Nintendo screws up (which they obviously did with the wiimote), engadget praises their solutions... but when Sony screws up, engadget bashes them into next year."
Because when Nintendo screws up it's on stuff like wrist straps and small cracks in hinges, neither of which effect the operation of their systems. And they quickly get the problem fixed free-of-charge.
When Sony screws up, batteries literally explode and firmware updates literally make their systems unplayable.
And I don't know where you read that they screwed up the wiimotes. The wiimotes themselves are fine, it's just the wrist straps that are a little on the weak side.
Deluxe @ Dec 15th 2006 11:54AM
Way to slip a Sony bashing comment into a Nintendo fiasco report. I used to love Engadget.
Geoff G. @ Dec 15th 2006 12:24PM
So is this a Wii-call of the straps or a Wii-placement... lol...
Steve @ Dec 15th 2006 12:45PM
Engadget please go BACK to being a GADGET SITE!!!
Leave the Sony fanboy bashing up to the message boards, is this the only way you can get your page views up?
viddy @ Dec 15th 2006 3:50PM
I wonder, What about Europeans who want new straps?
That form only covers US and Canada.