Health & Safety Precautions: Wii

Applies to:  Wii, Wii mini


WARNING - Seizures

Some people (about 1 in 4000) may have seizures or blackouts triggered by light flashes or patterns, and this may occur while they are watching TV or playing video games, even if they have never had a seizure before..

Anyone who has had a seizure, loss of awareness, or other symptom linked to an epileptic condition should consult a doctor before playing a video game.

Parents should watch their children play video games. Stop playing and consult a doctor if you or your child has any of the following symptoms:

  • Convulsions
  • Eye or muscle twitching
  • Loss of awareness
  • Altered vision
  • Involuntary movements
  • Disorientation

To reduce the likelihood of a seizure when playing video games:

  • Sit or stand as far from the screen as possible.
  • Play video games on the smallest available television screen.
  • Do not play if you are tired or need sleep.
  • Play in a well-lit room.
  • Take a 10 to 15 minute break every hour.

WARNING - Repetitive Motion Injuries and Eyestrain

Playing video games can make your muscles, joints, skin or eyes hurt. Follow these instructions to avoid problems such as tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, skin irritation or eyestrain:

  • Avoid excessive play. Parents should monitor their children for appropriate play.
  • Take a 10 to 15 minute break every hour, even if you don't think you need it.
  • If your hands, wrists, arms or eyes become tired or sore while playing, or if you feel symptoms such as tingling, numbness, burning or stiffness, stop and rest for several hours before playing again.
  • If you continue to have any of the above symptoms or other discomfort during or after play, stop playing and see a doctor.

WARNING - Electric Shock

To avoid electric shock when you this system:

  • Do not use the Wii during a lightning storm. There may be a risk of electric shock from lightning.
  • Use only the AC Adapter that comes with your system.
  • Do not use the AC Adapter if it has damaged, split or broken cords or wires.
  • Make sure that the AC Adapter cord is fully inserted into the wall outlet or extension cord.
  • Always carefully disconnect all plugs by pulling on the plug and not on the cord. Make sure the Wii power button is turned OFF before removing the AC Adapter cord from an outlet.

CAUTION - Motion Sickness

Playing video games can cause motion sickness in some players. If you or your child feel dizzy or nauseous when playing video games, stop playing and rest. Do not drive or engage in other demanding activity until you feel better.

WARNING - Radio Frequency Interference

The Wii console and Wii Remote can emit radio waves that can affect the operation of nearby electronics, including cardiac pacemakers.

  • Do not operate the Wii console or remote within 9 inches of a pacemaker.
  • If you have a pacemaker or other implanted medical device, do not use the Wii console or remote without first consulting your doctor or the manufacturer of your medical device.

CAUTION - Laser Device

The Wii console is a Class I laser product. Do not attempt to disassemble the Wii console. Refer servicing to qualified personnel only.

Caution: Use of controls or adjustments or procedures other than those specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.

Specifications:

  • Laser Type: Semiconductor laser
  • Laser wave length: 662nm (typ.)(647nm~687nm)
  • Laser power: Max. 0.9mW
  • Numeric aperture: 0.6<

CAUTION - Console Damage

The console can be damaged if knocked over, especially if this occurs during operation of the disk drive. The Wii stand plate has been included to increase stability of the Wii console, and should be used if the console is placed in a vertical position.

CAUTION - TV Screen Damage

Some televisions can be damaged by the display of a stationary image, because the image may be permanently "burned" into the screen. Playing video games with stationary images or patterns, or leaving video games on hold or pause, may lead to this type of damage. When taking a break, place the game on pause and turn the TV off until you are ready to play again.

Before using your Wii system with any TV, especially front and rear projection or plasma models, be sure to review all documentation included with your TV to find out whether video games can be played on the TV without damaging it.

If in doubt, contact the manufacturer of the TV. Neither Nintendo nor any of Nintendo's licensees will be liable for any damage to your TV.

WARNING - Battery Leakage

Leakage of battery fluid can cause personal injury as well as damage to your remote. If battery leakage occurs, thoroughly wash the affected skin and clothes. Keep battery fluid away from your eyes and mouth. Leaking batteries may make popping sounds.

To avoid battery leakage:

  • Do not mix used and new batteries (replace all batteries at the same time).
  • Do not mix different brands of batteries.
  • Nintendo recommends alkaline batteries. Do not use Lithium ion, nickel cadmium (nicad), or carbon zinc batteries.
  • Do not leave batteries in the remote for long periods of non-use.
  • Do not recharge alkaline or non-rechargeable batteries.
  • Do not put the batteries in backwards. Make sure that the positive (+) and negative (-) ends are facing in the correct directions. Insert the negative end first. When removing batteries, remove the positive end first.
  • Do not use damaged, deformed or leaking batteries.
  • Do not dispose of batteries in a fire.

Wii Remote Precautions

Wii Remote Wrist Strap Replacement Information

Nintendo is offering to replace the original version of the wrist straps for the Wii Remote with a newer version. We have received some reports that when consumers swing the Wii Remote with the original version of the wrist-strap using excessive force and accidentally let go, the cord connecting the controller to the wrist strap can break, potentially causing the Wii Remote to strike bystanders or objects. Because Wii consoles shipped starting in early December 2006 already utilized the newer version of the strap, you will need to determine which version of the strap you have before ordering a replacement. To determine if you need the newer version of the strap, or to place an order for a replacement, click here.

Wii Remote Precautions:
  1. Use the Wrist Strap. Make sure that all players using the Wii Remote are wearing the wrist strap and that it has been tightened using the strap lock. When sharing the Wii Remote between multiple players, please be sure each person using the Wii Remote takes the time to properly put on the wrist strap. Wearing the wrist strap will help prevent the Wii Remote from flying across the room if you accidentally let go of it during game play.
    Inserting the hand into the Wii Remote Wrist Strap.
    Using the strap lock on the Wii Remote Wrist Strap.
  2. Hold the Wii Remote firmly and do not let go. Even while wearing the wrist strap, make sure you don't let go of the Wii Remote during game play and do not use excessive motion. For example, in Wii Sports bowling, the proper way to let go of the ball while bowling is to release the "B" button on the Wii Remote—DO NOT LET GO OF THE Wii REMOTE ITSELF. If you are having so much fun that you start perspiring, take a moment to dry your hands. If you use excessive motion and let go of the Wii Remote, the wrist strap may break and you could lose control of the Wii Remote. This could injure people nearby or cause damage to other objects.
Additional Information on Using the Wrist Strap

Wii gameplay with the Wii Remote and Nunchuk can involve rapid or vigorous motion. Please use the wrist strap to prevent losing your grip on the remote and causing damage to the remote and surrounding objects, or injury to other people.

  1. Feed the cord on the wrist strap through the connector hook.
    Feeding the Wii Remote Wrist Strap cord through the Nunchuk connector hook.
  2. Insert the Nunchuk plug into the External Extension Connector on the bottom of the remote until it "clicks" into place.
    Inserting the Nunchuk plug into the External Extension Connector on the bottom of the Wii Remote.
  3. Make sure the wrist strap cord runs through the connector hook.
    The Wii Remote Wrist Strap cord running through the Nunchuk connector hook.

Play Area Precautions

Give yourself plenty of room. You will probably move around while using the Wii Remote, so be careful that all areas that you might move into are clear. Make sure that furniture, objects and people are out of the play area so you don’t accidentally bump into them while playing. Also, as indicated in the Wii Operations Manual, it is recommended to stay at least three (3) feet from the television.

Diagrams showing the recommended distance from the TV and around the player.

Was this helpful?

Language: EN
System:
Symptom: