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Nintendo has announced a free Wii Remote Jacket accessory, designed to help players keep a grip on their Wii Remote...and cushion it in the event it flies across the room.

Every mindful that the interactive nature of the Nintendo Wii's innovative wireless remote has sent untold thousands of the units careening off walls, across rooms, throuh windows, and even into television screens, Nintendo has announced a new free accessory for the Wii Remote: the Wii Remote Jacket. The Wii Remote Jacket is intended to act as a "cushiony shield" for the Wii Remote, which may reduce the chances of the remote damaging nearby objects if it goes flying…or keep the Remote from being scarred by encounters with walls, tables, and other household objects. The Wii Remote Jacket can also be used as a cover for the Wii Remote, and can easily be removed if players want to put the Remote in a Wii Zapper or other accessory. It may even let players keep a better grip on the Remote.

"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 outgoing senior VP of marketing, in a statement. "Many electronics manufacturers provide similar protective covers for products like cell phones, PDAs, and MP3 players."

The Wii Remote Jacket will begin shipping to retailers today and should be available with hardware products beginning October 15. Current Wii owners who want a free Wii Remote Jacket can go to Wii.com or Nintendo.com to place an order, or call 866/431-8367. Nintendo is taking orders now, and will begin shipping Jackets October 15: customers can expect them to arrive five to ten days later. There are apparently no shipping or other charges associated with the offer, although customers will need to supply their Wii serial number.