Redmond, Wash. – Microsoft announced that it will replace power cords on 14.1 million Xbox video game consoles sold world wide as “a precautionary measure and out of concern for consumer safety.”
The company said the new power cords are designed to protect consumers and their Xbox consoles from rare electrical component failures that can pose a fire hazard. Fewer than one in 10,000 consoles have experienced these component failures, Microsoft said, and in most cases resulting damage was contained within the console itself or limited to the tip of the power cord at the back of the console.
Microsoft said that in 30 consoles worldwide the failures “are reported to have caused minor injury or minor property damage. In seven instances, customers reported sustaining a minor burn to their hand. In 23 instances, customers reported smoke damage, or minor damage to a carpet or entertainment center.”
In all regions except Continental Europe, Xbox consoles manufactured before Oct. 23, 2003, require a replacement power cord, Microsoft said. In Continental Europe, consoles manufactured before Jan. 13, 2004, require a replacement power cord.
To order a replacement cord, consumers should go to http://www.xbox.com and click on the Power Cord Replacement for Xbox link. Replacement cords will arrive two to four weeks after the order is placed. While waiting for the new cord to arrive, consumers should turn off their Xbox consoles when not in use.
