Dutch Researchers Question Nintendo's Safety, But is it the End User?

A team of Dutch researchers have criticised Nintendo for potentially causing health issues when playing Wii titles.

In a report, to be published in the Christmas edition of the British Medical Journal, two patients were "rushed to hospital having a stroke" after playing Wii, whilst "another needed surgery for a hernia" after exercising on Wii Fit.

The report, however, evidently fails to recognise whether any of 38 reports of injuries/problems, had any underlying health problems whilst using Nintendo products. Likewise, other aspects of the report, reflected on data that was over fifteen years old - including the notorious Mario Party (Nintendo 64) analogue stick incident.

The cases mentioned may well have been down to the end user, with those reporting the likes of tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome, having played Wii games for hours on end without a sensible break.

Nintendo, in particular, have been a keen supporter of actively prompting users playing Nintendo 3DS, Wii and Wii U titles to take regular breaks in recent years.

Nintendo commented on the report, noting how "the Wii video game system is often credited with getting people up off the couch. But, as with any activity, people playing the Wii system, or any other Nintendo product should pace themselves and not overdo it."

What do you think of the report - does it have any credibility or is it a case of Tabloid scaremongering?