AN INSURANCE company warned today that the Nintendo Wii can potentially cause serious damage to your TV and various other household goods.
Over-excited players can throw the Wii’s motion-sensitive controllers at TV screens causing thousands of pounds worth of damage, according to research commissioned by Halifax Home Insurance.
TVs employing LCD and plasma technology are most at risk due to their delicate screens.
Martyn Foulds, Head of Claims for Halifax Home Insurance, said: "We have noticed several home insurance claims for television screen damage coming through recently from people who have accidentally let go of the Wii handset, and with sales set to soar this Christmas, we anticipate lots more of these in the New Year.
“With some plasma screen TVs retailing at over £2,000, householders would be well advised to make sure they are properly covered and tell their insurer if they have a television of high value."
The Wii looks set to be the most sought after Christmas gift this year with retailers selling out of the videogames console all around the country.
Specialist website Gaming Today reports that online retailers Dixons sold out of thousands within hours, whilst Amazon reportedly sold over 1400 units within 10 minutes.
The Halifax research also found that other pop iPods, MP3 players, designer jewellery, flat screens/HD TVs and DVD recorders/players.
Your view
Are you a one man demolition crew with your Wii-mote and nunchuck, or do you deem this article a lot of nonsense?
Haruko
from Glasgow
16:09:27 29 January 2008
If you were to say that about the Wii, you can say that about any consol with a wireless controller. Maybe you get 'over excited' with your 360 controller, and seeing as it may be wireless, happen to let it go flying into your expensive plasma screen. At least the Wii-mote has the sense to have a sturdy strap on it to keep it firm to the players wrist. Not only that, it has warning screens at the start of every game highlighting the potential 'damage' that can be done, and yet another warning screen urging players to strap the Wii-mote on. I don't recall any other system providing wireless controllers having these warning screens and constant reminders. Claims should be denied to the people who were well informed and aware of the 'risks' of handeling a Wii-mote.
