Nintendo responds to Wii safety concerns

Company offers advice on best practice for the Wii Remote to US consumers

Nintendo has offered some advice to the public on how best to use the Wii Remote when playing games, and underlined its view that playing Wii games is perfectly safe - as long as you don't "overdo it".

The advice, from Nintendo of America's director of PR Anka Dolecki, came in direct response to an article on ABC2 News looking at the apparent spate of complaints such as tendonitis, brought about by excessive Wii play.

But Nintendo is keen to stop any potential links between injuries and the Wii, and released the following statement:

"Nintendo is committed to ensuring not only a fun game play experience on the Wii, but a safe one as well," said Dolecki. "Nintendo has gone to great lengths to inform consumers about the innovative and unique game-play experience on the Wii."

She went on to talk about the Wii Remote Jacket that the company released some time after launch in response to "reports of minor incidents during overly enthusiastic game play."

"The Wii Remote is perfectly safe when used as instructed: use a firm grip, don't let go, use the wrist strap and make sure the game-play area has ample open space," she added.

"As when beginning any new physical activity, it's best to pace yourself and not overdo it. Some games, including Wii Sports, include in-game reminders for players to take a break every now and then."

The Wii is expected to finish 2008 with the highest installed base of any of the next generation consoles, outselling both its more expensive and high-tech rivals, the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

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