Microsoft to replace Xbox 360 racing wheel

SEATTLE — Microsoft will send out replacement parts for its Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel after 50 reports that the video game controllers overheated and released smoke when plugged in, the software maker said Thursday.

The $130 steering wheel-shaped controllers mimic the physical sensations of race car driving for games such as “Forza Motorsport 2.” About 230,000 have been sold to consumers, according to the company.

The Redmond, Wash.-based company said owners of the controller should stop plugging it in, but said it is safe to use with battery power.

This is the second Xbox 360 problem this summer. In July, the company said it expects to spend more than $1 billion to repair hardware problems in the video game console.

Microsoft Corp. didn’t offer any estimate of the cost of fixing the controller problems.

Gamers can register online to receive a “retrofit,” which Microsoft would send with instructions “if necessary.” The company would not say what replacement parts it plans to send to customers.