Nintendo Wii Fanboy

The Retractable Wii Sports Cuff replaces the subtlety and elegance of the Wii remote's wrist strap with a bulky band that we wouldn't be caught dead wearing. We don't doubt that the adjustable neoprene cuff has an agreeable fit, but did anyone ever find the original straps uncomfortable, if even noticeable at all?

And what sort of human does the retractable thirteen inches of slack benefit? Are there people whose hands extend that far away from their wrist? Or are these cuffs marketed towards some sort of video-game-playing race of long-fingered mutants? Creepy!

You would think that the shop would take advantage of all the "faulty Wii Strap" controversy and emphasize the durability of the cuff's cord, but the product description makes no mention of any improved toughness. What's there to reassure us that we won't end up with a Wii remote sticking out of our television after a heated game of Wii Tennis? Even at a sale price of $5.99, you'll probably want to stay clear from this accessory.

[Via CAG]

You could simply turn on the unit and check for yourself, but that would mean depriving yourself of that hypnotic glow that fills your soul with abject bliss. No, come to us instead! We will keep you well-informed.

It's nothing earth-shattering, alas. Nintendo simply sent out a responsible message to all Wii-owners about the original pack-in wrist straps, still the subject of much debate. Along with a friendly reminder not to be a retard, the message also directs gamers to a website at which they can exchange their puny straps for the beefy, meaty kind. We love when companies take responsibility for their mistakes, but sometimes, they take too much responsibility ... damn friend codes.

In a nice little online game called Wiivenge, folks must toss Wiimotes like so many shuriken into their personal property, scoring more based on the amount of damage they inflict to their domicile's precious material possessions. Obviously, the game takes its inspiration from the numerous stories on the 'net where folks document their overzealous play turned into destroyed property. Of course, Nintendo wised up and offered replacement straps.

Have an opinion on the whole wrist strap thing? Weigh in on the topic in our new feature Wii Warm Up!

[Thanks Quentin!]

Nintendo is biting the bullet and replacing 3.2 million Wiimote straps with thicker, stronger straps, in an effort to put a stop to TV damage and gamer injuries alike. The original straps, which were 0.6 millimeter (0.024 inch) diameter, are being upgraded to a thicker 1 millimeter (0.04 inch) strap.

In order to acquire your new strap, you'll want to fill out Nintendo's replacement form and send it off right away, which will result in a new, beefier strap arriving in your mail box. Personally, we felt the original straps were more than adequate, however in light of all the reported injuries and damage to property, we're not surprised by Nintendo's recall.

[Via Joystiq; thanks to all that sent this in!]