Information About Photosensitivity
We hope that you find the following information useful.
A Seizure Warning is included in the Operations Manual and in a separate Health and Safety Precautions Booklet with all Nintendo video game hardware and software. The purpose of the Warning is to inform users how certain types of visual stimulation can trigger abnormal reactions, including seizures, in some individuals. Such reactions are collectively referred to as "photosensitivity." If you have not already done so, we urge you to read all of the information provided in the Health and Safety Precautions Booklet.
A seizure is the result of abnormal electrical discharges in the brain that produce sudden, uncontrolled movements, sensations, or loss of consciousness. Only a small percentage of people have a condition that makes them susceptible to seizures when they are exposed to certain kinds of visual stimulation. Even people who have never had a seizure may still have an undetected photosensitive condition, but this is rare in the general population.
Visually induced seizures can be triggered by flashing lights and/or by certain patterns. Many different types of visual stimuli-including certain television screens, flickering or rolling images, video games, computer monitors, alternating patterns of different colors, and strobe lights-have triggered seizures in susceptible individuals. Some photosensitive people have had seizures triggered by natural light, such as sunlight flickering through trees, glancing off water, or passing through Venetian blinds.
Factors that may contribute to a photosensitive reaction in a susceptible person include how quickly a particular light is flashing, its brightness, the level or intensity of the background lighting, and the color of the light. Also, the person's own physical condition at the time can play a role. For instance, fatigue and illness are among the factors that can increase the susceptible person's chances for experiencing a photosensitive seizure.
People who experience multiple seizures over time may have a condition known as epilepsy. It is important to understand that video games and the other visual stimuli described above do not cause photosensitivity or epilepsy, although they can trigger seizures in a susceptible individual, including one who has never had a seizure before. If you or any close family members have had seizures or unusual reactions to lights, television or video programs, video games, or other visual stimuli, you should consult a doctor before playing video games.
Nintendo recommends the following precautions for playing video games:
- Sit or stand as far from the screen as possible.
- Play video games on the smallest available television screen.
- Do not play if you are tired or need sleep.
- Play in a well-lit room.
- Take a 10 to 15 minute break every hour.
- Stop playing and consult a doctor if you or your child has any of the following symptoms, which may or may not indicate an underlying medical condition:
- Convulsions
- Loss of awareness
- Involuntary movements
- Eye or muscle twitching
- Altered vision
- Disorientation
Parents should watch for any of these symptoms when their children play video games and should stop a child’s play and consult a doctor if the child exhibits any of the symptoms.
For additional information about epilepsy and seizures, Nintendo suggests that you talk with your doctor and review the following resources:
- The Epilepsy Foundation® - www.epilepsy.com
- The International League Against Epilepsy - www.ilae.org
- U.S. Government Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - www.cdc.gov/epilepsy/
- Epilepsy Canada - www.epilepsy.ca
