Wii Dangers

Seizures

• The light patterns and flashes created by Wii games are capable of causing seizures. This only affects about one in every 4,000 players. Gamers that have previously had seizures are most susceptible to this danger. Stop playing if you begin to experience muscle twitches or disorientation.

Repetitive Motion Injuries

• Repetitive motion can cause tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and skin irritation. Repetitive motions are a common occurrence in most Wii games, due to the nature of the Wii controls. Taking a 15-minute break for each hour of gameplay can aid in avoiding these injuries. Stop playing if your arms, wrists or hands begin to feel sore.

Electrical Shock Injuries

• The Nintendo Wii can potentially shock the user, just like any other electric device. Do not operate the Wii during electrical storms, and replace any damaged power cords immediately. Always turn off the console before plugging in or unplugging the AC adapter.

Radio Interference

• The Wii console and Wii remotes use radio signals to function. These signals can interfere with other electrical devices. This creates a safety risk for people with pacemakers. Do not operate the Wii console or remote within nine inches of a pacemaker without first consulting a doctor.

Wii Remote Dangers

• The Wii remote can pose a danger if it is not properly secured to your wrist via the strap that is connected to the remote. The motion sensitive controls used by the Wii often require you to swing the remote in large arcs. This can cause you to throw the remote if your grip slips, which can cause injury to yourself or other players in the room. You can also damage objects in the room, including your TV or the Wii system.

Other Dangers

• The Nintendo Wii can cause eye strain or motion sickness in users. Again, taking a 15-minute break for every hour of play reduces these risks. Stop playing if your eyes become tired or if you become nauseated during game play.