Don't "overdo it" with Wii, says Nintendo

Following Americans hurting themselves trying to throw imaginary baseballs at 100mph, Nintendo has sought to tell the US consumer the bleeding obvious: don't try to sprint a mile if the only exercise you're used to is standing up so you can sit down again on the toilet.

"As when beginning any new physical activity, it’s best to pace yourself and not overdo it," said a company spokesperson. "Some games, including Wii Sports, include in-game reminders for players to take a break every now and then."

The statement was made in response to a growing number of people being treated for Wii-related injuries, such as bus driver Anthony Williams, forced to take a week off work after developing severe tendonitis through his quest to achieve virtual baseball glory.

"As time went on it was waking me up at night, the soreness," he said. "That's when I went to see my doctor."

“It takes you aback initially when you hear about someone playing a video game in front of their TV and having a sports injury," said his physician, David Buchalter. "It's really a new version of sports injury."