Tiny Diggers – An iPad Construction Truck Game for Kids Age 2-5

I’ve always been concerned about how the environment can mess with the Nintendo Wii’s performance. Things like the distance of the user from the TV or the size of the TV, possibly the lighting in the room or the effect of sunlight on the IR bar. I never thought about the effect of the Wii on it’s environment.

A new rumor started by Kotaku is that the the Wii signal might actually interfere with Pacemakers. I know cell phones can cause some problems with pacemakers, but only if they’re held up directly to your chest. Keeping them 6 or 8 inches from them isn’t an issue. Before I say anything else, you might be wondering what kind of devices do effect pacemakers?

Stay at least 12 inches away from the following:

Stereo speakers
Magnets
Magnetic wands used at airports
Industrial power generators
Arc welders
Battery-powered cordless power tools (drills, screwdrivers)
Cellular phones

Avoid completely:

Large magnets
MRI machines
CB or ham radios
Radio transmitters (including those used in toys)
High-voltage power lines [keep at least 25 ft(8 m) away]

Hmm, so radio transmitters are a problem, along with just about everything else that runs on electricity. According to this list, this is also a problem for the Xbox 360 wireless controllers along with the PS3. Any wireless signal could be an issue if you held it’s source close to a pacemaker.

I’m doubting this is any more of an issue for the Wii than any other wireless device, it seems Kotaku is blowing nothing into something here. I don’t think it’s intentional, I just don’t think the writer understands that every electronic field can mess with a pacemaker.

They’ve contacted Nintendo, we’ll see what comes of it.

Via WebMD.com – Pacemaker Specs
Via Kotaku story