File this one under "Crap you didn't know you needed, but you guess you'll take one if it's free."

Nintendo has announced the Wii Remote Jacket, a silicon cover that covers the current Wii remote. The Wii Remote Jacket will begin shipping with all Wii consoles, all single SKU Wii remotes, and all Wii remotes boxed-in with Wii Play. 

In addition to making the Wii remote look even sillier than it already does, Nintendo is saying that the Wii Remote Jacket (that's the official name, we're not joking here) "provides cushioning for the Wii Remote for people who might accidentally throw or drop their Wii Remotes while playing games." OK, so when first appealing to consumers' common sense didn't work, they upgrade the Wii Remote straps. Not this?

Current Wii owners who feel it necessary to dress up their Wii Remote can get the new Wii Remote Jacket free of charge at Wii.com, Nintendo.com, of they can call 1-866-431-8367. Nintendo will begin taking orders for the Wii Remote Jackets on October 2, so you might want to take the day off -- 'dems phones gonna be busy.

NINTENDO ANNOUNCES NEW WII REMOTE JACKET ACCESSORY

Free Accessory Enhances Grip, Adds Cushioning

REDMOND, Wash., Oct. 1, 2007 – Nintendo announces the Wii Remote Jacket, a durable, silicone cover for the Wii Remote™ that provides a variety of benefits for the player. Nintendo will include the Wii Remote Jacket with all Wii™ hardware systems and with all Wii Remotes sold separately or packaged with Wii Play™. Hardware featuring the Wii Remote Jacket will begin shipping to retailers on Oct. 2 and is expected to be on retail shelves the week of Oct. 15.

The Wii Remote Jacket provides cushioning for the Wii Remote for people who might accidentally throw or drop their Wii Remotes while playing games. Use of the Wii Remote Jacket is meant to supplement, not replace, the basic game-play instructions: keep a firm grip, don't let go of the controller, use the wrist strap and make sure your play area is free of people or objects. The Wii Remote Jacket also serves as a cover for the Wii Remote.  Nintendo recommends players use the new Wii Remote Jacket as a cushiony shield, though the current Wii Remote is a safe product when used properly.

"We're always looking for ways to improve our products and make sure everyone has a safe and fun experience," says George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "Many electronics manufacturers provide similar protective covers for products like cell phones, PDAs and MP3 players."

Current Wii owners who want to equip their Wii Remotes with the new Wii Remote Jacket free of charge can go to Wii.com or nintendo.com, or call 1-866-431-8367 to place an order. Nintendo will begin taking orders on Oct. 2, and Wii Remote Jackets will begin shipping the week of Oct. 15. 

The Wii Remote Jacket is designed to be added and removed easily, in case users want to slip their Wii Remote into an accessory like the upcoming Wii Zapper™.