Battery Chargers for XBOX ONE Video Game Controllers Recalled by Performance Designed Products Due to Burn Hazard

What was recalled

If you are a dedicated gamer who owns an Xbox One console, you might have the Energizer brand battery charger sitting on your shelf or near your gaming station. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has issued a recall for these specific items due to safety concerns. This action was taken by Performance Designed Products, the company responsible for manufacturing and distributing the product in question. The recall announcement was made official on March 14, 2017, and it targets a specific line of accessories designed to keep your game controllers powered up during extended play sessions.

The specific items affected are the Energizer® Xbox One 2X Smart Chargers. These devices were marketed as convenient charging stations that could hold and charge up to two Xbox video game controllers simultaneously. The physical design of these chargers is quite distinct, which makes them relatively easy to identify if you have one in your possession. They are constructed from black plastic and feature a rectangular form factor. When placed upright, the charger measures approximately 3.5 inches in length, 5 inches in width, and stands about 11 inches tall. The branding is clearly visible on the front label of the unit, where you will see the "Energizer®" name printed prominently.

To be absolutely certain that you have a recalled unit, you must look at the bottom of the charger. Printed there is a specific item number: 048-052-NA. This serial or model identifier is the definitive key to determining whether your device falls under this recall notice. If your charger does not bear this exact item number on its base, it is not part of this specific safety action, even if it looks similar in design. The recall focuses strictly on these black plastic chargers designed for Xbox One controllers that carry this particular identification code.

While the provided recall facts do not specify the exact retail stores or online platforms where these units were originally sold, nor do they list the total number of units distributed worldwide, it is important to understand that this is a widespread safety issue. Performance Designed Products has identified that these specific chargers can malfunction under normal use conditions. The lack of sales location details in the current record does not diminish the urgency; if you own an Energizer Xbox One 2X Smart Charger with item number 048-052-NA on the bottom, regardless of where or when you purchased it, it is part of this recall group and requires immediate attention.

The hazard, explained

When we talk about a "burn hazard" in the context of electronic accessories, it is helpful to understand exactly what is happening inside the device during that failure. The recalled Energizer XBOX ONE 2X Smart Chargers are designed to take standard electrical current from your wall outlet and convert it into a specific voltage and amperage that safely charges the batteries inside your Xbox controllers. Under normal circumstances, this process generates a small amount of heat, which is why these devices often feel warm to the touch while in use. However, in the case of the recalled units, a defect within the charger’s internal components causes it to generate excessive heat, far beyond what is considered safe for consumer electronics.

This overheating is not merely an inconvenience; it is a physical transformation event. According to reports from Performance Designed Products (PDP), the excessive thermal energy generated by the faulty circuitry becomes strong enough to deform the very plastic housing that protects the electronics. When the internal temperature rises critically, the structural integrity of the black plastic cover begins to fail. It softens and warps under the heat it is producing. This deformation is a critical warning sign because it indicates that the charger’s ability to contain that energy has been compromised. The plastic is literally melting or scorching due to the electrical fault within.

The danger to you, as the user, stems from two primary mechanisms: direct contact and chemical exposure. First, because the outer shell of the charger becomes deformed and significantly hotter than standard operating temperatures, touching the device can result in thermal burns. These are not mild warmth; they are hot enough to damage skin tissue upon contact, especially if you pick up the controller or the charger immediately after use without realizing it has become dangerously hot. Second, when plastics overheat to the point of deformation, they often begin to break down chemically. This is likely the source of the "burning odor" reported by several consumers. While the reports note no injuries yet, the release of fumes from degrading plastic can be irritating to the eyes and lungs, and in severe cases, could lead to fire if the internal components were to ignite or short-circuit further.

To put this into broader perspective, lithium-ion batteries and their associated charging circuits are sensitive to temperature control. When a charger fails to regulate its own heat, it creates a feedback loop where more current leads to more heat, which can degrade internal insulation and lead to short circuits. While this specific recall has not reported fires or electrical shocks, the potential for escalation exists whenever electronic components are pushed beyond their thermal limits. The deformed plastic is a visible symptom of an invisible electrical problem that has lost its safety margins. Therefore, treating the overheating and deformation as a serious failure rather than a minor glitch is essential for your physical safety.

Who is most at risk

The primary group affected by this recall consists of individuals who own an Xbox One video game console and utilize the official or compatible battery chargers to power their wireless controllers. Specifically, anyone who purchased the Energizer-branded XBOX ONE 2X Smart Charger with item number 048-052-NA is at risk. This product is designed to hold up to two controllers simultaneously, meaning that households with multiple gamers, families with teenagers, or serious hobbyists who frequently replace depleted batteries are the most likely to have this specific unit in their home. If you rely on these chargers to keep your gaming sessions uninterrupted, you are directly within the scope of this safety alert.

While any user can be harmed by overheating electronics, certain demographics face a heightened vulnerability due to the nature of the burn hazard involved. The recalled units have been reported to overheat significantly enough to deform the plastic casing and emit burning odors. For children, who often play for extended periods and may not recognize early warning signs like unusual heat or strange smells, the risk is particularly acute. Children might touch the charger while it is actively charging their controller, potentially leading to thermal burns on their hands or fingers. Furthermore, younger users may be less likely to immediately report that a device feels "too hot" or smells burnt, allowing the hazard to persist until physical damage occurs.

Elderly individuals or those with reduced sensitivity to heat also face increased danger. As we age, our skin becomes thinner and our nerve endings may become less responsive to temperature changes, meaning a burn could occur before the user realizes the charger is dangerously hot. Additionally, users who leave these chargers plugged in overnight or for long durations while away from the device are at greater risk of unattended overheating. The deformation of the plastic cover indicates internal failure; if this happens while no one is present to notice the burning odor or smoke, the fire risk escalates beyond simple personal injury to potential property damage.

It is also important to consider users with limited mobility or dexterity issues. If a charger becomes hot enough to deform its plastic cover, it may become difficult to handle safely. Someone who relies on precise grip and steady hands might struggle to unplug a dangerously hot device quickly, increasing the duration of exposure to heat. Therefore, anyone in your household who depends on these chargers for their gaming needs should be treated with extra caution until the unit is returned or replaced.

• Gamers using Energizer XBOX ONE 2X Smart Chargers: Anyone with item number 048-052-NA on the bottom of a black charger labeled "Energizer."
• Children and teenagers: Due to potentially slower reaction times to heat warnings and thinner skin.
• Elderly users: Due to reduced heat sensitivity in the skin.
• Unattended users: Those who leave chargers plugged in for long periods without monitoring.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

Before taking any action, it is critical to confirm that your device is part of this specific recall. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has identified a very particular set of battery chargers as unsafe, and because these items are designed for a popular gaming console, they can look like legitimate, high-quality accessories at first glance. To determine whether your charger falls under this alert, you need to examine several physical characteristics and printed details. The product in question is the Energizer® XBOX ONE 2X Smart Charger. If your charger does not bear the "Energizer" brand name, it is likely not part of this specific recall, though you should always verify the manufacturer if you are unsure.

The most reliable way to identify the recalled unit is by looking at its physical construction and dimensions. These chargers are made of black plastic and are designed to hold up to two XBOX ONE video game controllers simultaneously. When measuring the device, it should be approximately 3.5 inches long, 5 inches wide, and 11 inches tall. This specific size profile is a key identifier; if your charger feels significantly smaller, larger, or has a different shape factor, it may be a different model. However, do not rely on size alone, as visual inspection of the branding is far more definitive.

You must also check the labeling on the device itself for two crucial pieces of information: the brand name and the item number. Look at the label on the charger's body; it should clearly display "Energizer®". More importantly, turn the charger over and look at the bottom. You need to find the item number printed there. The specific item number associated with this recall is 048-052-NA. If you see this exact alphanumeric code on the bottom of your black plastic charger, it is part of the recall. The absence of this number means your device is not included in this safety action. There is no information available regarding the price at which these were sold or specific retail stores where they might have been purchased, so physical inspection is your only method of verification.

If you find that your charger matches all these criteria—black plastic construction, approximately 3.5 by 5 by 11 inches in size, labeled with "Energizer®", and bearing the item number 048-052-NA on the bottom—you have a recalled product. In this case, stop using it immediately. Do not attempt to inspect it further or try to fix it yourself. The risk of overheating is real, as evidenced by reports of deformed plastic covers and burning odors. Your next step is to contact Performance Designed Products for a full refund.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you are reading this because you suspect you own one of the recalled Energizer XBOX ONE 2X Smart Chargers, the most important thing to know is that the manufacturer, Performance Designed Products, has established a straightforward and generous remedy. Unlike some recalls that require you to ship items back at your own expense or wait weeks for a repair estimate, this recall offers a full refund. This means you are not stuck with a defective product, nor are you expected to pay for shipping or restocking fees to get your money back. The company has acknowledged the defect and is taking responsibility for it by making the financial recovery process as simple and frictionless as possible for consumers.

To access this remedy, you must contact Performance Designed Products directly. They have set up dedicated channels to handle these claims efficiently. You can reach their customer support team by calling 800-263-1156. It is helpful to know that this line is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. If you prefer to handle things online or want to review the specific instructions before calling, you can visit their website at www.pdp.com. Once there, look for the "Safety Recall" section, which will provide detailed guidance on how to proceed with your return and refund.

The process generally involves stopping use of the charger immediately and then initiating a return request through the channels mentioned above. Because the hazard involves overheating and potential fire risk, do not attempt to fix the charger yourself or continue using it while waiting for instructions. The remedy is strictly a return for a full refund. This approach eliminates any ambiguity about whether you will receive a replacement unit that might have the same issue; instead, you get your money back so you can choose how to proceed with your gaming setup in the future.

Please keep in mind that this recall was announced on March 14, 2017. While the remedy remains available, it is wise not to delay. The longer you wait, the more likely it is that the charger’s condition may deteriorate further, or that records of your purchase might become harder to locate. By acting now, you ensure that you receive the full amount paid for the device without any complications. Remember, the goal here is your safety and financial protection, not a complicated repair process. The company wants you to be safe, and the refund is their way of ensuring that.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to stop using a product that has become part of your daily routine, especially when the issue seems minor or distant. You may think that because the problem hasn’t happened to you yet, it won’t happen at all. However, with electrical components like these battery chargers, the risk is not just about convenience; it is about immediate physical safety. The core danger here is thermal runaway—a situation where the charger’s internal electronics fail and generate excessive heat instead of regulating power correctly. When you continue to use a recalled Energizer XBOX ONE 2X Smart Charger that has developed this fault, you are essentially leaving an uncontrolled heat source sitting on your desk or nightstand.

The consequences of ignoring this recall can escalate quickly from nuisance to danger. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Performance Designed Products, the primary failure mode is overheating that damages the charger’s own plastic housing. This means the exterior of the device can become hot enough to soften or deform the very plastic casing designed to protect you. If you leave a faulty charger plugged in overnight or while you are away from your gaming setup, that heat has nowhere to go. The plastic cover can melt, warp, or crack, exposing live electrical components that were previously shielded. This transforms a simple charging accessory into a potential fire starter.

Beyond the risk of fire, there is a direct danger to the expensive equipment you are trying to protect. The recalled chargers have been reported to not only damage themselves but also to harm the XBOX ONE video game controllers they are meant to charge. If the internal voltage regulation fails due to overheating, it can send a surge through the charging ports. This can permanently damage the battery or circuitry inside your controller, turning a $60–$80 accessory into an expensive paperweight. You might find that your controller no longer holds a charge, connects inconsistently, or stops working entirely after using one of these defective units.

While no injuries have been officially reported to date among the 24 incidents documented by the company, the nature of electrical fires is that they often start small and spread rapidly. The reports of chargers emitting a burning odor are significant warning signs that internal insulation or wiring is already degrading. Ignoring these signs means you are gambling with your home’s safety for the sake of keeping an old charger plugged in. Once the plastic begins to melt or smoke, the window for safe intervention has closed, and the risk of igniting nearby flammable materials—like game cases, carpeting, or curtains—becomes a real possibility. The most logical step is to remove the hazard before it creates a scenario that requires emergency services.

Staying safe: broader tips

While this specific recall addresses a defect in a particular model of battery charger, the underlying issue—electronic devices overheating during charging—is a common concern for households with numerous gadgets. Battery chargers, whether for gaming controllers, smartphones, laptops, or power tools, convert high-voltage alternating current from your wall outlet into the lower-voltage direct current your devices need. This process generates heat as a natural byproduct of energy conversion. However, when ventilation is blocked or internal components fail, that heat can accumulate to dangerous levels. To prevent such hazards in your home, always ensure that charging devices have adequate airflow. Avoid placing chargers under pillows, inside closed drawers, or on soft surfaces like beds and couches, as these materials trap heat and can quickly turn a warm device into a fire hazard.

It is also wise to be mindful of the power strips and extension cords you use for charging. Overloading a single outlet with multiple high-draw devices can cause wiring to overheat, regardless of the charger’s individual quality. Always check that your power strips are UL-listed and have a sufficient wattage rating for the equipment you are plugging in. If a power strip feels warm to the touch while in use, unplug it immediately and replace it; this is often an early sign that the circuit is struggling to handle the load.

Regular maintenance of your home’s safety systems plays a crucial role in preventing injuries from electrical fires. Ensure that smoke alarms are installed on every level of your home, inside each bedroom, and outside sleeping areas. Test them monthly and replace batteries at least once a year, or when you change your clocks for daylight saving time. For devices that use lithium-ion batteries, such as many modern gaming controllers and smartphones, be vigilant for signs of battery swelling or leakage. If a device’s casing appears distorted or the battery seems to be pushing outward, stop using it immediately and dispose of it according to local electronic waste guidelines.

Finally, staying informed is one of the most effective ways to protect your family. Sign up for email alerts from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) at SaferProducts.gov so you can be notified instantly if a product you own is recalled. Do not assume that because a device has worked safely for months or years that it will continue to do so indefinitely; materials degrade, and manufacturing defects can occasionally slip through quality control. By combining proactive monitoring with proper usage habits, you create a safer environment for all your electronic investments.