Nintendo files Wii accessory patent for everything, includes the kitchen sink

Some folks in the UK happened upon a set of British patents submitted by Nintendo recently for a whole slew of crazy Wiimote accessories, and you might be surprised to know what the company wants dibs on. Included in this large collection of sometimes bizarre add-ons is a Wiimote-cradling teddy bear, skateboard, helmet (with goggles), golf club, baseball bat, and of course... a bicycle. We're not sure what the big N was thinking when they assembled this list -- perhaps they just wanted to cover all the bases as those filing patents are wont to do. However, we suggest they scramble for these gems that have been unfairly left off: Wii-chocolate bar, Wii-sofa, Wii-Terminator, and of course, the Wii-Wii -- a larger Wiimote which the regular Wiimote gets slotted into.

[Via Nintendo Wii Fanboy and The Register]

[Flashpoint @ Feb 6th 2008 5:43PM]

I have no idea how they could possibly expect to use a Wiimote on a bicycle - unless they had a Wii set up in a gymnasium.

And a teddy bear?

[Raiden @ Feb 6th 2008 5:50PM]

i think this ridiculus idea is to stop ridiculous companies using the wiimotealikes to create a bad image for the company... doubt they'll have a teddy-mote or a wii-bike... but the patent is there to deter others from even thinking about it..

[sirnoobius @ Feb 6th 2008 8:48PM]

that's not why the patent system was crated

[uetani @ Feb 6th 2008 10:02PM]

I've been thinking for a while that Wii installations in gyms is a long-term goal. Exercise bikes linked via internet with other sites and with a data-logging components for people to track their workouts, performance, and progress is a natural extension. even if Nintendo doesn't do this in commerical installations, I am positive that they will do it for home use. I live in Japan and have a Wii Balance Board. Not only is it fun, but you do actually get a work-out. My wife and daughter are addicted to the yoga exercises and from what I hear, they have friends in the same boat. I'm sure that they would love to form an online community around this.

[alexhrose71 @ Feb 7th 2008 8:47AM]

Actually the bicycle could also be an exercise bike. Make sense now ? The wii-mote inserted in the pedal would track pedal speed and allow for exercise bike based Wii games. After Wii fit it doesn't sound at all far fetched to me.

[NovaLand @ Mar 10th 2008 1:27AM]

sirnoobius: I've got news for ya: Welcome to 2001 - The millennium for ass raping patents.

[Andy Pete @ Feb 6th 2008 5:48PM]

thats just too funny, shows how far nintendo will go to keep selling their crappy games and systems

[Adm @ Feb 6th 2008 5:46PM]

They should have filed for the Wii-ner. Im imagining a lot of fun games with that.

[Chris @ Feb 6th 2008 5:46PM]

I'm thinking an exercise bike. Power your tv while playing!

[uhgotnegum @ Feb 6th 2008 6:03PM]

Better yet, I can see The Daily Sun headline now...

Amazing Paperboy Delivers!

[Chuckles McGee @ Feb 6th 2008 8:20PM]

I'm sure there's a demographic that would pay for a stationary exercise bike that lets you peddle through virtual worlds on the Wii.

[Whatme Exercise @ Feb 6th 2008 5:47PM]

One of the most enjoyable video games I played was a "bicycle attached to a hot-air balloon" where one had to peddle like mad to go up and steer with the handlebars as one "cruised" through canyons popping balloons. Very sweaty after playing.

Pop your bicycle into a roller-rack for the "powered wheel" and have at it!

[gb @ Feb 6th 2008 11:16PM]

Sounds like Mancopter. Now THAT would be a great Wii port if they actually made the bike.

[Abuzar @ Feb 6th 2008 5:47PM]

Now they're really getting ridiculous.

[robopony @ Feb 6th 2008 5:49PM]

Maybe I'm crazy, but I think that the "larger Wiimote which the regular Wiimote gets slotted into" sounds killer.

I know what I'm making when I get home from work!

[uhgotnegum @ Feb 6th 2008 5:49PM]

Teddy Ruxpin...you CANNOT be my friend, because you ate my nunchuck.

[Senor_Tom @ Feb 6th 2008 5:49PM]

yep well they will be able to sue people for anythin soon, i mean a teddy. Not even the idiots hu make the tennis racket add ons etc will make one of them.

[Flashpoint @ Feb 6th 2008 6:16PM]

After some of the crap I've seen turning out for the Wiimote, I wouldn't put some bullsh!t like this past them...

[James @ Feb 6th 2008 5:50PM]

Wouldn't the Wii-Wii be more aptly named the Big-Wii? A Wii-Wii would be a slot on your toilet.

[helloUser @ Feb 6th 2008 5:51PM]

Nintendo is pulling an Apple.

[Wolfticket @ Feb 6th 2008 5:51PM]

Proof, if it were needed, that the current patent system is profoundly broken and that something needs to be done about it.

[Mike @ Feb 6th 2008 5:58PM]

I think Nintendo wants to control any use of the wiimote outside of their console. A patent is a great way to kill this off: http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/03/wiimote-re-purposed-for-glove-based-multi-touch-system/

[Jerrell Jones @ Feb 6th 2008 6:04PM]

i knw im so immature for this but.......

Wii-Wii...

hahahahahaha

[Tim @ Feb 6th 2008 6:04PM]

I applaud the writers for not taking the joke as far as i would have. Self control is not my strong point.

[Dimitri @ Feb 6th 2008 6:10PM]

I agree with the sentiments of most of the posters so far, except to say that I think being able to attach Wiimotes to an *exercise* bike is a GREAT idea for playing certain types of games, or passing the time while exercising.

[Evan @ Feb 6th 2008 6:18PM]

It seems crazy, but the current patent system requires this. I write patents, and half the text I write is this sort of "covering our asses" crap.

Still, as flawed as patents are, we need them. Patents help protect small businesses and encourage spending on research. Research costs money (I like being paid), and patents help assure the companies that invest in research can see a return on that investments. Without patents, large corporations could swoop in and steal the work of smaller companies. Without patents, all businesses would be much more hesitant to spend money on research.

[Philippe @ Feb 6th 2008 6:28PM]

Note to self: Patent the "patent application process"

[Wez @ Feb 6th 2008 6:34PM]

The bike looks like a Raleigh Vektar( the cmputer bike from the 80s). I still want one of those and im now 30.

[JACOB @ Feb 6th 2008 7:28PM]

they do not want people to make crazy wii things andmake $$$

[Mr. Picklesworth @ Feb 6th 2008 7:40PM]

Why not just sell Wiimote glue so we can attach the thing to arbitrary objects ourselves?

[webon @ Feb 6th 2008 8:10PM]

In what recondite place should the teddy bear hide the wiimote? that's the question.

[webon @ Feb 6th 2008 8:12PM]

wait that sounds awful wrong.


hey, how does one delete/edit comments once posted??

damn you blosgmith!!

[Rob @ Feb 6th 2008 8:49PM]

Its only a matter of time before the Nintendonut is patented as well.

[David @ Feb 6th 2008 9:12PM]

Mmm... Nintendonut...

Wait. Is it Nintendonut or Nintendoughnut?

[Rob @ Feb 6th 2008 9:15PM]

Does it matter? They both make me hungry, and they are both bound to be patented before I can get my papers in.

[ugg.tryptophan @ Feb 6th 2008 9:16PM]

people are putting their wii in everything these days

[derX @ Feb 6th 2008 9:27PM]

xDDDDD

*votes up*

[Reader @ Feb 6th 2008 11:48PM]

I just prefer to keep mine in a dry and cool place away from the sun. Preferably with a little room for air circulation.

[Randavance @ Feb 6th 2008 10:41PM]

I would pay for a giant wiimote.

Seriously.

If it were say, the length of a guitar and proportionally sized requiring two ams to hold it. Wii tennis would be awesome.

[James @ Feb 7th 2008 3:41AM]

That's Wii-diculous!! ROFL!!

[nicholas garratt @ Feb 7th 2008 5:50AM]

i think nintendo may have just drawn a patent that would show the different movements it could create. if you can patent a movement. like now nobody an use a bicycle in the game with that movement but them. the company would have to use the handlebar movement instead. isn't there a game in wario ware that you do the pedal movement for the bike. and perhaps you could do the cradle movement for the teddy bear.

[Round Circle @ Feb 7th 2008 7:36AM]

You could still derive wheel motion by attaching the Wii to the spokes of the driven wheel.

[james waldron @ Feb 7th 2008 8:33AM]

A Wii-Wii! That's classic.