A new extra for the Wiimote controller has been announced today by Nintendo, who will launch the Wii Remote Jacket which will be bundled with Wii consoles from late October. The jacket will act as a protective cushion, preventing damage to the Wiimote, so crucial to enjoying the Wii console.

Nintendo describe the new jacket as a “durable, silicone cover for the Wii Remote that provides a variety of benefits for the player” (which sounds vaguely saucy to us), and not only will it be bundled with the console, but also stand-alone Wiimote packs. While the Big N are quick to assure that Wiimote play is safe when undertaken properly, the jacket will help protect dropped controllers and the like.

When the Wii first launched, the flimsy wrist-strap was blamed for various lounge-based accidents and broken TV screens. This prompted a revised, thicker wrist-strap.

“We’re always looking for ways to improve our products and make sure everyone has a safe and fun experience,”explained 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.”