Great, actually. Really great. When the Jacket was first announced, I didn't really think of it one way or the other. Probably because I wasn't expecting something this nice for free. Two pluses: 1). The cushiony plastic feels durable, yet strong and ergonomic. The Wii-mote is actually easier to hold while wearing the Jacket. 2). Even after playing Wii Sports for twenty minutes, there was less slippage foreshadowing. Granted, you'll still need to hold on tight, but the shiny Wii Remote gets less clammy. This doesn't mean you won't have to wipe your hand while playing. You will. Still, even if, say, Nintendo spend millions sending these out and released it as an actual project, I would totally purchase one. Two, even.

Nintendo tonight announced that they will be giving away free silicone covers for their Wii Remotes starting Oct. 15. The Wii Remote Jacket will also begin shipping with all Wiis, remotes sold separately and packs of Wii Play which include the remote.

The Wii Remote Jacket provides "cushioning for the Wii Remote for people who might accidentally throw or drop their Wii Remotes while playing games," according to the Nintendo press release.

"We're always looking for ways to improve our products and make sure everyone has a safe and fun experience," says George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "Many electronics manufacturers provide similar protective covers for products like cell phones, PDAs and MP3 players."

Current Wii owners can get their free Remote Jacket by either hitting up Wii.com, Nintendo.com or calling 866-431-8367. The company plans to start taking orders on Oct. 2 and shipping the product out on Oct. 15.

While the jaded side of me feels like this sudden largess on Nintendo's part must be prompted by something nefarious, I can't for the life of me figure out what. Maybe this is a preemptive measure? All I really know for sure is that the press release, on the jump, makes fabulous use of the phrase "cushiony shield."

REDMOND, Wash., Oct. 1, 2007 � Nintendo announces the Wii Remote Jacket, a durable, silicone cover for the Wii Remote� that provides a variety of benefits for the player. Nintendo will include the Wii Remote Jacket with all Wii� hardware systems and with all Wii Remotes sold separately or packaged with Wii Play�. Hardware featuring the Wii Remote Jacket will begin shipping to retailers on Oct. 2 and is expected to be on retail shelves the week of Oct. 15.

The Wii Remote Jacket provides cushioning for the Wii Remote for people who might accidentally throw or drop their Wii Remotes while playing games. Use of the Wii Remote Jacket is meant to supplement, not replace, the basic game-play instructions: keep a firm grip, don't let go of the controller, use the wrist strap and make sure your play area is free of people or objects. The Wii Remote Jacket also serves as a cover for the Wii Remote. Nintendo recommends players use the new Wii Remote Jacket as a cushiony shield, though the current Wii Remote is a safe product when used properly.

"We're always looking for ways to improve our products and make sure everyone has a safe and fun experience," says George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "Many electronics manufacturers provide similar protective covers for products like cell phones, PDAs and MP3 players."

Current Wii owners who want to equip their Wii Remotes with the new Wii Remote Jacket free of charge can go to Wii.com or nintendo.com, or call 1-866-431-8367 to place an order. Nintendo will begin taking orders on Oct. 2, and Wii Remote Jackets will begin shipping the week of Oct. 15.

The Wii Remote Jacket is designed to be added and removed easily, in case users want to slip their Wii Remote into an accessory like the upcoming Wii Zapper�.