PDP issues recall for overheating Energizer Xbox One charger

Performance Designed Products (PDP) has issued a global recall for Xbox One charging stations sold under the Energizer brand, following reports that the device can reach temperatures high enough to melt the plastic housing.

Designed and built by PDP, the company chosen by Sony to build the official media remote for its PlayStation 4 console, on behalf of battery giant Energizer, the Energizer Xbox One 2X Smart Charger is designed to charge two Xbox One controllers simultaneously in a desktop-style housing. Each controller is simply dropped onto the top of the charger, while a front-facing display panel provides feedback on the current charge level. More than 130,000 units have been sold in North America alone, with the majority being for customers in the US - but they're all now being recalled over fire risk fears.

According to the official recall notice, PDP has received 24 reports of overheating bad enough to deform the plastic housing of the charger; of these, six also reported a burning odour. Thankfully, none resulted in fire and there have been no injuries as a result of the issue.

Those who have a PDP Energizer Xbox One 2X Smart Charger are advised to stop their use immediately and contact PDP for a full refund. The affected product number is 048-052-NA, which was designed for use in North America but which has seen international sales via auction sites and third-party resellers. The company's other Energiser-branded products, including desktop chargers for PlayStation 4 and Wii U controllers, are not affected by the recall.

Full details of the recall are available on the PDP website.