Microsoft Offers Racing Wheel Retrofit

Microsoft is offering a "precautionary and voluntary" retrofit to its Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel because the units may overheat and start emitting smoke.

First Microsoft has to set aside over a billion dollars to cover the cost of warranty repairs on its Xbox 360 game console. Now, the company if offering a free “precautionary and voluntary” retrofit for its Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel alternative game controller because, it seems, in a small number of cases the units have overheated and started emitting smoke.

The overheating seems to happen only when the systems are powered using the AC/DC power supply. Microsoft is urging customers to stop using the power supply and run the wheel off batteries until they’ve obtained a retrofit. Wireless Racing Wheel owners can register for the retrofit via Microsoft’s Xbox support site or by calling 800/469-9269. The company says it’s working with the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission other other agencies to coordinate the program.

Microsoft describes the number of Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheels that have gone up in smoke as “very small;” the company has not detailed the nature of its “retrofit” kit, saying only that any necessary instructions will be provided along with it. Industry speculation has Microsoft offering replacement power adapters.