The story that everyone said wasn't a story has finally grabbed the Associated Press' attention and forced Nintendo to actually comment on the issue.

The straps for Nintendo's Wii remote, it turns out, really are breaking when they shouldn't be.

After issuing a general "calm down" to its customers a week ago, Nintendo Co. has responded by quietly beefing up the controller's fabric wrist strap, spokeswoman Beth Llewelyn said.

And while most executives would cringe if their flagship product suddenly became associated with shattered electronics and the occasional flesh wound, some observers say the lighthearted buzz could deliver a perfect shot of viral marketing.

Yes, that's the best kind of viral marketing, the kind that breaks $3,000 televisions.

While I applaud Nintendo replacing the crappy security straps for newer versions of the Wii. I think it would be nice if they either issues a general recall for the straps or at least offered to send out replacements to those who want them, ala the DS Lite hinge crack.

Remember that? It was another design flaw that people, fans and Nintendo alike, tried to deny for weeks.

OK, I'm done ranting. Back to Elebits. Brian Crecente

Wii mishaps lead to busted TVs, injuries [AP]

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