This is one of those products that makes you check the release date for April 1. Exspect is a UK-based tech company with a wide line of peripherals and accessories for various electronic devices. Today they announced the “Drop ‘N’ Charge” line of rechargeable batteries that recharge without the ol’ remove-and-plug method; you simply lay the device on the special Drop ‘N’ Charge mat and let the super-science of RF refill your battery pack.

Drop ‘N’ Charge battery packs are available for the Wii Remote, the Wii Balance Board, and the 360 controller. You don’t even need to take the Wii Remote out of the silicone condom skin! Exspect claims a three- to four-hour slumber on the mat is enough to charge the Drop ‘N’ Charge battery pack for eight to ten hours of gameplay.

Exspect’s press release only lists UK pricing, with the mat+battery kit going for 30 pounds. Extra battery packs are 10 pounds. In American dollars, that’s kind of a lot… $50 and $16, in round numbers. But it’s definitely a cool idea, right? It’s one step simpler than fiddling with normal rechargeable batteries, and it requires no charging cables like the PS3 controller. THE MAGIC OF ATOMIC-AGE POLYMERS BRINGS THE FUTURE TO YOU, TODAY.

A brief product movie and full press release are after the jump.

No more crossed wires just Drop and Charge!!

Exspect launches Drop ‘N’ Charge Range for Nintendo Wii, Wii Fit and Xbox 360 wireless accessories

Gamers know there’s nothing more frustrating than having your wireless controller run out of power at those crucial gaming moments – whether you’re in the middle of losing those love-handles on Wii Fit, mowing-down your mates in Mario Kart Wii, or ridding the world of Russian rebels in Call of Duty 4 on your Xbox 360.

That’s why Exspect has launched its Drop ‘N’ Charge Range, making it even easier to keep your Nintendo Wii controllers, Wii Fit board, and Xbox 360 controllers fully charged. Simply replace the standard batteries in the controller/board with an Exspect compatible battery pack and then place it on the charge pad. A quick 3-4 hours charge on Exspect’s Drop ‘N’ Charge pad will give you enough playing time for a marathon gaming session*.

Using radio frequency (RF) waves that transmit electrical current from one point to another the Drop ‘N’ Charge will charge up to two batteries per pad, either separately or simultaneously. Unlike typical charging stations, the Drop ‘N’ Charge allows you to fully charge your remote without removing the silicone skin, Wii MotionPlus or having to dock the device. This is unique to the Exspect Drop ‘N’ Charge range and allows charging across several games platforms using one Drop ‘N’ Charge pad.

Only transmitting an electric current when a compatible battery pack is placed on the mat, the Drop ‘N’ Charge offers gamers a completely safe way to charge their wireless gaming accessories. It is also a highly energy efficient system as the charge induction stops the moment the battery packs reach full capacity, so you can leave them on the pad for as long as you like, without wasting energy.

The Drop ‘N’ Charge Range eliminates the need to buy and replace regular batteries, which can be costly in the long term – just plug-in a rechargeable Exspect battery pack and Drop ‘N’ Charge. For those that want to know the minute their devices are fully charged, the pad comes with LED indicators to illustrate the charge status by either a red/green glow.

“Wireless controllers have really enhanced the gaming experience, so it comes as little surprise that gamers frequently find themselves running out of power,” said Mike Sanderson, Head of Development, Exspect. “With our Drop ‘N’ Charge Range gamers can now quickly and easily re-charge their controllers, whilst reducing their energy consumption and saving money on batteries all at the same time.”

Available now, the Drop ‘N’ Charge kits for Nintendo Wii and Xbox 360 are £29.99 each from Tesco Direct and other leading retailers. Each kit includes:
1 x Dual Charge Pad
1 x Battery Pack (for either a Wii or Xbox 360 controller)
1 x USB Charge Cable
1 x AC Charge Adaptor

Additional battery packs for Wii controllers, Wii Fit board and Xbox 360 controllers can be purchased separately for £9.99.

EX528 Xbox 360 Drop ‘N’ Charge Kit
EX357 Wii Drop ‘N’ Charge Kit
EX358 Wii Remote Drop ‘N’ Charge Battery
EX359 Wii Fit Drop ‘N’ Charge Battery
EX360 Xbox 360 Drop ‘N’ Charge Battery

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*3–4 hours charge will provide the following approximate playing times:
• Nintendo Wii Fit – 16 hours
• Nintendo Wii controller – 10 hours
• Xbox 360 controller – 8 hours

For further information, photography or review samples please contact:

Exspect@33-digital.com
33 Digital
020 7608 4650

About Exspect
Exspect is a UK based brand, building an excellent reputation and portfolio of unique, well designed and well positioned technology accessories. Offering a full range of iPod, iPhone, Video game, laptop and digital camera accessories, whilst adding an element of fashion and individuality to each and every model we bring to Market.

Exspect is a subsidiary of GEM Distribution Ltd. www.exspect.co.uk