Gamertell

Microsoft announced it will be issuing replacement parts for 230,000 steering wheel-style controllers after reports of the device smoking and overheating. The controller was intended to mimic the steering wheel of a racing car for several popular Xbox 360 racing games. Although, there are not any reports of the accessory starting a fire, the cause of the malfunction is the AC power supply which has the potential to leas to more serious injuries. Microsoft warns owners of the device to stop using the power supply and until further notice use batteries to power the controller.

This is not the first time Xbox has experienced issues with the console this year. Earlier, in July 2007, Microsoft had to extend the warranty of the Xbox 360 after reports of the system locking up on the customers. Microsoft had to take an estimated loss of $1 billion to repair the malfunctioning equipment.

Microsoft asks that any customers currently having problems with the Xbox 360 console log onto the Xbox support site and register their console to receive the necessary fixes. Once registered, Xbox 360 owners should download and install the fixes themselves. If further assistance is needed, owners can contact Xbox support services at 1-800-4MY-XBOX.

Read [BBC News] Also Read [Beta News] Site [XBox 360]