Wiimote attacks TV weak point for massive damage

Just like drugs and alcohol, there's nothing quite as fun/dangerous as mixing internet memes, but that headline was just too much fun to resist. The picture above is apparently the result of a Wii Sports bowling mishap by a certain Tyler, who we hear can lift small cars with merely his right hand. Tyler, who normally bowls with a clockwise spin, and eats a dozen eggs for breakfast every morning, tried to mix it up with a bit of counterclockwise action, to the disastrous effect as seen above. While we're still pretty dang skeptical of the possibility of such a feat, Tyler's friend is quite adamant about the honesty of the story and the un-stagedness of the picture, so we've decided to take him at his word and write it off as just another Festivus miracle. Oh, and just for the record: after popping the battery cover back on, the Wiimote worked just fine, continuing the current streak of zero Wiimote casualties in related incidents.

[Mike @ May 4th 2008 12:28AM]

I think its fake as well. I am a firm believer in protecting your tv.. especially 2 or 3k lcd or plasmas. My daughter broke my 1,800 dollar tv.. I had to pick up a new TV. This ime I bought a screen protector from a place called http://www.tv-armor.com. I am pretty happy with it. It protects the TV well.

Mike

[dasven @ May 27th 2008 3:56PM]

Anyone who does damage to anything with a Wii remote is a complete retard! The remote it very easy to handle & is super sensitive. There is no humanly possible reason for anyone to use a Wii remote with such force! People just do this on purpose to gather attention.

[dasven @ May 27th 2008 4:04PM]

I wish people would just hold the controller it's not difficult in fact it's shape allows you to hold it losely and still have a strong grip on it. The strap is meant so if you have to do something or you're holding it and you just drop it it'll be fine. Just hold onto it, sweaty hands, dry hands doesn't matter, it's shaped to prevent this.
Online Pharmacy
http://besthotsearch.com/

[Alex @ Dec 5th 2006 8:30PM]

Best. Headline. EVAR.

[Matt @ Dec 5th 2006 8:09PM]

Don't drink and play the wii.

[Kevin @ Dec 5th 2006 8:10PM]

Doesn't really make sense - he is on the first roll of his turn, apparently, since no pins are knocked down; if he had mis-bowled, he would have gotten the message telling him when to let go of the "B" button. And once that message comes up, you have to hit "A" to exit out of it... an interesting feat if the Wiimote is stuck in the TV and out of range of the sensor bar - he would have the same issue even if it were the second roll, since you have to hit "A" then anyway.

Just saying.

[Jacob @ Dec 11th 2006 10:52PM]

umm...yeah, you don't have to be in range of the sensor bar to press a button...in fact, when you're bowling, you don't need the sensor bar at all. Seems legit to me, even though it may be a little too convenient that he missed the screen.

[Seamus Bartlett @ Dec 5th 2006 10:42PM]

I'm predicting a smash hit "Hatchet Throwing" video game for the Wii, that comes with a free digital apple to put on your friend's head.

[eddie @ Dec 5th 2006 8:12PM]

While I still want a Wii and trust myself with the Wiimote, if this keeps happening I'm not going to let anybody play with mine, which is no fun. Nintendo please provide stronger strap!!

[Seamus Bartlett @ Dec 5th 2006 8:12PM]

I'm predicting a smash hit "Hatchet Throwing" video game for the Wii, that comes with a free digital apple to put on your friend's head.

[GJP303 @ Dec 5th 2006 8:15PM]

This image made me laugh harder then absolutely any other post or comment in engadget. Thanks for the memory, engadget. I'll never forget it.

[Nick @ Dec 6th 2006 1:29AM]

me too. i laughed out (extremely) loud and it was a little embaressing as i was on the phone at the time.

[Dawg605 @ Dec 5th 2006 8:39PM]

I am almost certain this is fake. There was probably already a hole in the screen and he just put this in their and made up some story. I really don't see how this is possible to do. This wouldn't even happen if you rammed the Wii controller straight into the side of your TV.

That is my opinion at least.

[Alex @ Dec 5th 2006 11:48PM]

Please need to do some exercise and learn how to grab and hold things. I have played the Wii since the day it came out, and I sweat profusely on the palm of my hands when doing so. However, at no point whatsoever, has the remote slipped out of my hands.

Also, I highly doubt the remote would of done that to the TV. The controller is light as a feather. The controller of splatter all over the place before puncturing a neat little hole like that. Looks fishy to me.

As far as the people getting hurt by objects around them, that's just stupidity. Can't hold Nintendo accountable for people being retarded.

[Ben @ Dec 5th 2006 8:18PM]

i say fake.

when i see one lodged in someone torso, then i will buy into this crap, but untill then, im over it.....

[Michael @ Dec 5th 2006 8:47PM]

What is Nintendo doing about this? Are they replacing/repairing people's broken TVs? It seems like the strap design is faulty so they should be on the hook.

[Will @ Dec 22nd 2006 11:56AM]

Grrr.......this is killing me. For the 100th time, you don't need the strap to play at all. If people are relying on the strap that makes no sense.

This pic is a stunt. This isn't possible.

[Chris Merchant @ Dec 5th 2006 8:21PM]

You've got to be shitting me.

You guys notice that despite the numerous alleged accidents, none of:

The Wii systems have been damaged
Wii controllers damaged
or
People damaged.

Coincidence?

No.

Only idiots. This isn't a REAL bowling ball kids, move it with the force necessary- and hold on. Anything more is asking too much brainpower to be executed on their parts.

Seriously.

Chris

[Brian @ Dec 5th 2006 8:51PM]

http://www.unclegamer.com/ug-gallery/view/1128/ yay for stupidity "oh, glass is sharp?" but looks fake.

[Brian @ Dec 5th 2006 8:36PM]

Wii mote 5+
TV's 0

seriously, enough with the stupidity, next we'll hear about people using the nunchucks like real ones in Red Steele, causing more fun entertainment with household and physical damage.
perhaps the Wii will kill off the stupid from this world, cleansing the gene pool once and for all.

Beware.

[v_dogg @ Dec 5th 2006 9:08PM]

hmm, im not seeing how a blunt wiimote could damage a tv like that. unless maybe a tornado got caught of it

[patrick @ Dec 5th 2006 8:38PM]

This is insane, do you realize how hard you would have to throw the remote to get it to lodge in the TV? And yet the Wiimote seems unharmed, one person maybe two have had a real issue with their Wii and now every idiot with a Wii and a camera is trying to get their 15mins of Internet fame. I have been playing the Wii ever since it came out and I haven't let go of the thing. Granted I don't act like a spaz when I use it, even the bowling game doesn't require you to sling the remote like a bloody shot-put at the Olympics. If this is such a problem why haven't we heard of people breaking their TVs while playing that Xavix tv bowling game? That thing looks just like a bowling ball and is bigger than the wiimote.

This is what I am talking about:
http://www.mansionselect.com/xavixbowling-bowlingxavix-virtualbowlinggames.html

[Matt @ Dec 5th 2006 8:42PM]

Engadget i think your going to have to make a series out if this like "Wiimote destruction part V"

[Casey S. @ Dec 5th 2006 8:42PM]

Riiiiiiight. What, was he standing on a mound and throwing a 95mph fastball down the lane?

Idiots.

[Raj @ Dec 13th 2006 1:32PM]

wiimote crits tv for 1200

[Zuke @ Dec 6th 2006 2:47AM]

FAKE!

Unless he shot it at the TV with a potato bazooka or that TV cabinet is made of paper mache.

[ZicklePop @ Dec 5th 2006 10:00PM]

Fake. I have a Wiimote right here and a CRT. No way possible!

[tiuk @ Dec 5th 2006 8:57PM]

Seriously, have you ever tried to make an object break a piece of plastic and actually stick out like that? Normally the plastic would crack/break, and the remote would just bounce off.

[narco @ Dec 5th 2006 8:58PM]

I can ALMOST see this happening if they were playing tennis or something, but bowling? He'd have to have a pretty strong arm to cause that kind of damage underhanded.

Fishes,
narco.

[Cycosuicide @ Dec 5th 2006 9:15PM]

fake fake fake fake!!!!!!

[icepop4who @ Dec 5th 2006 9:17PM]

ROFL.
i dunt really care about the validity of the story, but it's just so *&$@%^&$ funny.
broken windows, dented walls, broken tvs, i would like to see the torso idea, but that would be very very painful. if the victim manages to survive. i can see why the tv breaks for wii bowling because you have to "toss" it directly at the screen, instead of swing it sideways (and hit the wall, or glass light fixtures) in tennis and the sort.

in 2008, Wiimote will be the number 1 cause of accidental deaths in the U.S.

good luck gamers. use your wiis at your own risk.

[AU518987077 @ Aug 29th 2007 2:42PM]

you dotn need to bowl the wiimote at teh tv, i happen to be bowlign down teh hallway aproamitly 70 degrees off ot the left of the IR bar (sensor bar) and still manage to get a turkey (best score was 271)

[boynamedsue @ Dec 5th 2006 9:20PM]

i would say its more likely that this happened. and after all the jesus christing and holy shitting they looked at the giant hole in the tv case, noticed that the controller which had fallen to the floor fit nicely inside, and took a picture.

[Matt @ Dec 5th 2006 9:34PM]

This Wiimote thing is rediculous. Anyone found trashing their belongings because they tossed this thing is a retard.

[Tavis Veighey @ Dec 5th 2006 9:29PM]

OK the TV still works. Get a Fiberglass AutoBody repair kit, or just use some Bondo.

I wonder how long till a company makes a Bullet Proof Shield that is placed in front of TV sets to help make them WiiMote proof?

[Tom @ Dec 5th 2006 9:51PM]

BTW, this is the same guy who put his Sega Dreamcast and Xbox 360 controllers through his last two TV sets. Trust me, it's not the controller's fault.

[bob @ Dec 5th 2006 9:57PM]

you know, one day i was stepping backward in my room trying to avoid stepping on something... dont remember what since it was years ago. but the heel of my foot went right through the drywall of my room. then there was the time that my dad threw the garage door remote at his windshield because he was pissed that the thing didnt operate correctly, it was fine, the windshield shattered. things are made cheap, projectiles... even being plastic, wont necessarily break on impact. rca makes cheap electronis. that means they use cheap, thin plastic. nintendo knew the wii remote was going to end up getting thrown on accident so they beefed up the plastic a tad to avoid users getting mad over busted remotes. the picture and story are believable enough. naysayers annoy me to no end, honestly. stop trying to make yourselves look smart and if you dont believe the story then go elsewhere because the only ones who think your smart just because you have an opinion are under the age of ten.

[Ben @ Dec 5th 2006 9:52PM]

First of all, why would the battery cover and batteries fall off if it hit like that? Also, It would be nearly impossible to throw the Wiimote and have it go straight into the TV. Unless this gamer's name is Jesus, then this is an obvious fake.

[Arno @ Dec 5th 2006 9:53PM]

The "massive damage" joke will never, ever, get old.

[BillyBob @ Dec 5th 2006 10:06PM]

I wonder how many broken devices were broken without the Wiis help, but it was blamed after?

Funny how real baseball bats and bowling balls don't make news like this.
"Oh I just couldn't hold onto my tennis racket".....please.

[Daviel @ Dec 5th 2006 10:04PM]

THE BORDERS OF THE TV ARE TOO ROUNDED FOR THIS TO HAVE HAPPENED! the wiimote would've just glanced of and maybe hit that radio or something. No way this is possible by only human means.

[Andy @ Dec 5th 2006 10:07PM]

Any materials scientist will know right away that this is fake.
Plastic does not fracture like that. It'd be a funny picture if I
didn't know though.

[LittleJoe @ Dec 5th 2006 10:19PM]

I declare shinanigans.

[Joe @ Dec 5th 2006 10:30PM]

Everything about this story seems possible, not likely, but possible, in that he might be on his second ball and have thrown a gutter for the first, which is why there are still ten pins. I guess it's possible that the kid was fooling around and maybe changed his story a little bit to make it seem more plausible, when he wasn't simply throwing in an underhanded bowling motion. But if he really were throwing underhanded, I doubt he could get enough force on the wiimote to break, let alone lodge it in the TV. The one thing that proves this is fake though, is if somehow he did throw it with enough force, overhanded even, why would there be a HOLE in the TV??? That is some pretty thick plastic and at best the wiimote would crack it, split the plastic. There is simply no way that a SMOOTH plastic object could break a HOLE in the TV's surface, as in actually taking a chunk of plastic from the TV's face rather than just cracking the surface. Not only that, but plastic is pretty elastic, in that, you can chuck something plastic really hard at something else plastic, say oooh, a wiimote at a TV, and most of the force would be negated by making the two plastic objects bounce off each other, in this case, most of the force would make the wiimote bounce off the TV. I simply don't think there is enough weight or stiffness in the wiimote to break a hole in the TV rather than bouncing off or at worst cracking the plastic.

[LJKelley @ Dec 5th 2006 10:39PM]

For all you screaming "fake" out there, I doubt people hate the Wii enough to break TVs, Windows etc... We have yet to hear any lawsuit coming for this, so I doubt its to get money from Nintendo.

This does totally seem possible considering the force you use in real bowling and the whole idea is to be engaged. Its also stupid to say "Don't spas" when that is the selling point. I don't spas on my 360 because its a regular controller. But I should buy an Wii and not 'spas around like a cow' and just act likes its a regular controller... good grief!!

-----------------------
Console Wars http://www.gowafg.co.uk

[Dave Hodges @ Dec 7th 2006 4:19PM]

http://uncutvideo.aol.com/my/videos/6e4294a8667edf9e14167f095568aef7?index=1 - Flimsy TV

http://uncutvideo.aol.com/my/videos/0c1b48cf4414a234b09de17771d9a1ca?index=0 - Wiimotes - Built Chuck Norris Tough

http://uncutvideo.aol.com/my/videos/54f3b89e67ec004edcc13201d11ec498?index=2 - Flight of the Wiimote


This is Dave, the guy who witnessed the whole ordeal and posted it on a 240sx forum, and it spread like wildfire. It happened, I could care less if you bloggers with PHD's in plastic say it cant, haha, I saw it with my own two eyes. And regardless of all the naysaying, I still have the best Wii experience firmly lodged in my memory. Have fun with it, call it fake, whatever. Watch teh videos above, filmed by me.

Also, the wii was pulled from the TV the day of the accident, because we had no camera and wanted to finish the game. The next day we replaced it to spread the story with a few NC/MD 240 owner friends...

[Neil @ Dec 5th 2006 11:54PM]

I'm not sure this is real....I just don't see how this could happen.

[Christian Martin @ Dec 5th 2006 10:56PM]

Wiimote crits your TV for 8327 Fake dagame.
Your TV suffers a 10% durability loss.
You suffer a 100% credibility loss.
Your TV dies.

[nivz @ Dec 5th 2006 10:57PM]

I dont have a wii so I'm not 10% about this, but shouldn't the controller's back side be heavier because of the batteries? hence shouldn't the batteries side come forward if it flew off? and if it was spinning (highly unlikely) wouldn't it have to hit the tv at a perfect 90 degree angle to crack the case like that, bacause the front side (lighter side of the wiimote) won't have enough momentum?
mmmm... interesting..

[Castle @ Dec 5th 2006 10:58PM]

clearly fake,

You could through a knife at a CRT TV and not get that type of penetration,

Also, for Wii Sports bowling the controller should be facing up, since you have to do the bowling motion and let go of the B button, that picture depicts a Wiimote that is lodged sideways.


Clearly a gash from some other incident and some guy just jabbed his Wiimote into it probably to get hits to his shitty blog titled "Wii damage".