Nintendo Beefs-up Wii Straps, Offers Free Replacements

Nintendo said Friday it will replace 3.2 million straps for its popular Wii computer game controllers after receiving a rash of reports that the device flew out of the hands of players.

The voluntary exchange program is a bittersweet development for Nintendo - a costly hitch in its three-way battle with Sony Corp’s PlayStation 3 and Microsoft Corp.’s Xbox 360, but also confirmation of its enthusiastic reception worldwide.

AP via Yahoo - Nintendo to replace 3.2M Wii straps

Nintendo said the straps do not present a problem if used correctly, but will still replace all broken ones for free. In addition all new Wiis will come with an “enhanced” strap [current straps are 0.024 inches in diameter - newer, beefed-up straps are 0.04 inches] which should not be as prone to breakages.

The problem with the straps, originally reported as a major recall, affects all Nintendo Wiis sold worldwide and almost all units currently on shelves in shops. Nintendo has targeted sales of four million Wii consoles by the end of 2006.

BBC - Nintendo respond to Wii breakages

Nintendo is offering to replace the original version of the wrist straps for the Wii Remote with a newer version. Because Wii consoles shipped starting in early December already utilized the newer version of the strap, you will need to determine which version of the strap you have before ordering a replacement..

..We expect to begin shipping replacement straps around December 21st. It will take 5 to 9 days for delivery depending on your location.

Nintendo - Wii Remote Wrist Strap Replacement Request Form