Hot for a Wii-charge
Hope those jammies are flame retardant, because these Wii remote rechargers get HOT - hence the recall (Photo: flickr.com)
I’m a big video gaming fan, and I think that the Nintendo Wii is a marvelous invention. While the overall stock of games for the Wii may not be to my particular liking, I cannot deny that the Wii has bridged the gap better than any other console gaming system in recent memory. People who would not normally be playing video games enjoy the Wii for its innovative control system. I’d almost go get quick cash from short term loans to buy one, but I have more important things to spend my money on right now. As much as I’d love to, I’ll take a pass.
Which is exactly what the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is doing on a couple of 4-Dock Battery Recharge Stations. There is a Wii recall in effect for two of the more popular recharger units, as they can cause burns or even start fires.
Which ones will burn me in this Wii recall?
PC World reports that you should unplug your Wii 4-Dock Battery Recharge Station if you own one. Specifically, the Psyclone Essentials and React Wii 4-Dock Battery Recharge Stations are the hot items in question. They were distributed by Griffin International Cos., Inc., of Minneapolis, Minn. The former unit was sold at Amazon.com, Target, and Toys R Us; the latter came from Best Buy. They cost around $50 each and were sold between January 2008 and July 2009.
What’s the problem?
Nearly 220,000 recharger units are being pulled off the shelves because they can overheat to the extent that skin burns and fires are a risk. There have been multiple reports of minor hand burns from the recharging units. Commercial rights prevent me from posting an image of the exact device, but you can see them in the PC World report above. They’re white and have four recharger slots for Wii remotes. The device is a white docking station with four recharging stations and a rechargeable battery pack.
Do you own one of these devices?
Look for the brand names “Psyclone” or “React” on the front of the charger. Even turn the product upside down so you can view the underside if you aren’t completely sure. If the model numbers PSE6501 (Psyclone) or RT530 (React) appear, your recharger is part of the Wii recall.
What should you do if you own one?
Apply Now!First of all, one option is to invest in something better. If you need quick cash from a short term loan to accomplish that, you can apply here if you like. Just hit the button.
But by all means, don’t use it any longer. Get in touch with the manufacturer – Griffin International – for information on how you should go about returning the Wii recall product. They’ll send you a free replacement that doesn’t overheat. Here are some contact options:
- Call Griffin International toll free at (888) 344-4702 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT, Monday-Friday
- E-mail them at productsafety@psyclonegamer.com
- Visit their Web site for more info: at www.psyclonegamer.com/Wii4Dock
- If you suffer an injury due to either of these products, report it to the CPSC (at http://www.cpsc.gov/about/contact.html) after seeking medical attention (if necessary).
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I still have not received a new charger. I have been emailing and calling this company for over 2 months now and have gotten very little repsonse. The only response I get is by email telling me they will check into this matter. At one point they promised me a refund, but that never came either. I have already purchased new wii docks because I am tired of waiting, but now it’s just a matter of principal. If I ever receive a new one I will probably give the new one to family. I’m not sure why this company sucks so much, but this has been one very unorganized recall.
Jennifer….have you received your replacement charging dock yet???? I just submitted my info via email. I have not yet received my UPS slip or sent them the defective item.
Good luck with this recall. I called the recall center and they e-mailed me a ups return label which i used to return my charger. They told me that I would receive a new one within one week of them receiving mine. They received mine on Sept 1st (per UPS tracking number) but after two weeks I still had not received a new one. I called and they have no record of me or my tracking number. They told me to call the main company (which I have 6 days in a row) and all I get is a voicemail saying they will return my call within 1-2 business days. It’s been six business days, 6 messages, 2 e-mails and no return call. Guess who’s not getting a new charger???
A Wii recall? I did not see that coming. Thanks for the info, I will definitely pass it on.