Wii Remote Rechargable Batteries Catch Fire

Stomp_442 · 08-12-2009, 04:38 PM

NEWS from CPSC
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 11, 2009
Release # 09-303 Firm’s Recall Hotline: (888) 344-4702
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
Wii™ Battery Recharge Stations Recalled by Griffin International Due to Burn and Fire Hazards
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Psyclone Essentials and React Wii™ 4-Dock Battery Recharge Stations

Units: About 220,000

Distributor: Griffin International Cos., Inc., of Minneapolis, Minn.

Hazard: The battery pack can overheat, posing a burn or fire hazard to the consumer.

Incidents/Injuries: Six incidents of overheating have been reported to the firm. Two consumers reported minor burns to the hand.

Description: The Wii 4-Dock Recharge Station includes a white docking station with four recharge stations and a four rechargeable battery pack. Brand names are on the front of the packaging and the model numbers, Psyclone (PSE6501) and React (RT530), can be found on the bottom side of the product.

Sold at: 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.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using these recharge stations and contact Griffin International to obtain information on how to return the product and receive a free replacement.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Griffin International toll free at 888-344-4702 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT Monday-Friday, email [Only Registered Users Can See Links. Click Here To Register] or visit this Web site [Only Registered Users Can See Links. Click Here To Register]

Source: [Only Registered Users Can See Links. Click Here To Register]

massivegunz · 08-13-2009, 11:50 AM

I have the react charger. I have had it for about a year and a half and had no problems with it. But i still think im gonna contact them and get a replacement. Don't wanna take chances.

Stomp_442 · 08-13-2009, 02:24 PM

I Would, if it's free.

I have a different brand charging dock, but never leave the wiimotes on the charger, I hate seeing the little lights lit up constantly.

at90s2313 · 08-13-2009, 02:28 PM

I prefer to use standard AA rechargeable batteries. I never have liked the "proprietary" ones you get with the charging kits for the Wii.

igot6strings · 08-13-2009, 03:15 PM

I have the Nyko set I purchased from Dell when we got our Wii. Works very well. $25. Keeps a charge for about 5 days with a high amount of play time, recharges in about 45mins. They don't feel hot or anything after charging either. Very nice setup.

Stomp_442 · 08-13-2009, 07:20 PM

I used to use the AA rechargeable, but running to the charger quite often and looking for the batteries sometimes scattered about. It just seem more convenient, besides the 4 wiimote charging dock with batteries at $25.00 USD was a good deal.

massivegunz · 08-14-2009, 04:23 PM

Ok so I called the number and talked to an operator. No wait time btw. She said I will be emailed a pre-paid shipping label and then it should take about 10-12 days before I recieve my new chargers. Ill keep you guys updated.