Energizer Flat Panel Induction Charger Review

We all know buying batteries is a pain, especially when you pick up your favorite game controller to find out the batteries are either dead or about to die. There have been many solutions to this conundrum, like charging via USB, various types of charging docks, or just simply having a fresh supply of AA batteries on hand.

PDP (Performance Designed Products) has come up with a great solution for charging the remotes for your Nintendo Wii. Most of the Nintendo Wiimote charging solutions require you to disconnect the Wii Motion Plus and/or remove the silicon jacket to charge. PDP and Energizer have created a charging station that using inductive charging which eliminates this step.

For those of you interested in the science aspect, the device uses electromagnetism to charge the device. No metal to metal contact required, which means no need to remove the silicon jacket if you are using one. PDP also designed the Induction Charging System to also not require you to disconnect the Wii Motion plus which is VERY convenient.

We tested the Flat Panel 4X Induction Charging System will comes with the flat panel charging station and four Energizer NiMH 500 mAh 2.4V battery packs. There is also a 2X model as well which only comes with 2 batteries and the panel only fits 2 Wiimotes. The flat panel charging system has LEDs for each Wiimote showing whether or not the Wiimote is charged or charging. The panel doesn't take a lot of room up as they designed it to be just enough room for four Wiimotes (or 2 depending on which model you buy).

Unfortunately the panel is powered by a wall outlet and not USB although I’m sure this due to the power limitations of USB. Even though the power plug is a box type plug, you know the ones that usually take 2-3 outlet spots, PDP designed the plug to only take up one outlet. Overall great design.

We've been using this system for quite some time and it's great! Not only did it keep my mess of Wiimotes organized it kept them charged. No matter how often I used my Nintendo Wii the remotes were always ready to go and I didn't have to remove the jackets or the Wii Motion Plus. Throughout a typical night of gaming there neck was an issue of the Wiimotes dying mid-game.

The 2X model will set you back about $30 and the 4X model about $50. Both work the same way but each will satisfy your needs differently based on the amount of Wiimotes you have or plan to get. If you own a Wii, there is no reason why you don't own this charging solution. You will save quite a bit of money in the long run and not only that, there are no dead batteries being tossed in the trash hurting the environment.