Microsoft has acknowledged that the Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel is prone to overheating, after being informed of approximately 50 global incidents where the peripheral malfunctioned and actually released smoke when used with its AC/DC power adapter. The AC/DC power adapter can be used with the racing wheel when batteries are not handy for wireless gameplay. Microsoft announces a voluntary replacement program where the peripheral owners can apply for a free "retrofit" to be used with the wheel to prevent overheating thanks to the AC/DC power supply.

There have been no reported incidences of fire, personal injury or property damage due to the Wheel malfunction. Despite no known safety incidents, we are advising our customers about this because of our strong commitment to ensuring that our products are safe and perform to our design specifications.

Owners of the Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel should print out the retrofit form or call Microsoft at 1-800-4my-Xbox to register to receive the retrofit and protect against the potential hazard described above. Instructions will be provided with the retrofit. We are notifying and will be coordinating our response activities with the relevant regulatory agencies such as the US Consumer Product Safety Commission. This may impact delivery dates.

Owners of the Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel should stop using the AC-DC power supply until they have obtained their retrofit. Owners may continue to operate the Wheel using battery power. While operating in battery mode, the force feedback feature will not be available. Once retrofitted, owners may run the Wheel using AC power and reactivate this feature.