Burning ‘Wii-mote’ controller charging stations lead to recall

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The Nintendo Wii is known for its innovative motion-sensitive controllers and interactive game play.

But the fun can come to a stop if the ‘Wii-mote’ controller hurts your hands because of a burning battery -- which is why Griffin International Cos. recalled about 220,000 charging stations today, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said.

Griffin’s Wii controller accessories, the Psyclone Essentials and React four-dock battery recharging stations, can overheat and pose a burn or fire hazard, the commission said.

The Minneapolis company has received six reports of controller battery packs overheating, with two consumers receiving minor burns to their hands, the agency said.

The charging docks and battery packs were made in China.

The product’s model numbers, Psyclone (PSE6501) and React (RT530), can be found on the bottom of the controller dock.

The Psyclone chargers were sold at Target, Toys ‘R’ Us and Amazon.com and the React units were sold at Best Buy stores from January 2008 to July 2009 for about $50, the commission said.

Consumers are asked to immediately stop using these products. Griffin is offering a free replacement and can be contacted at 888-344-4702, by e-mail at productsafety@psyclonegamer.com or online at www.psyclonegamer.com/Wii4Dock.

-- Nathan Olivarez-Giles