Nintendo Wii Remote Recharging Stations Recalled

These are aftermarket accessories, so this is not a Nintendo Wii recall, per se. The rechargers, the Psyclone Essentials and React Wii 4-Dock Battery Recharge Stations, are designed to charge up to 4 Wii remotes (or Wiimotes).

According to the CPSC recall notification, six incidents of overheating have been reported, with two consumers reporting minor burns to the hand. The Psyclone Essentials brand was sold at Target, Toys R Us and Amazon.com nationwide; React was sold at Best Buy stores nationwide. Both were sold from January 2008 through July 2009 for about $50. And both were made in ... China. Surprised?

Realistically, though, it's not as though incidents with rechargeable batteries are all that uncommon. However, one has to ask why people would buy one of these setups rather than simply buying rechargeable AA NI-MH batteries and using those. Most of my battery needs are solved by using those types of batteries, and they actually last a long time in a Wiimote.

As I said, don't blame Nintendo for this; this isn't a Wii recall. However, do take a look at the reviews for any remaining Psyclone devices at Amazon.com. Some are good, but most are not.

The CPSC site states that consumers should immediately stop using these units. For additional information on the Wii remote charger recall, contact Griffin International toll free at (888) 344-4702 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday-Friday, email productsafety@psyclonegamer.comor visit this Web site www.psyclonegamer.com/Wii4Dock.

Written by Michel Santo