Microsoft is recalling power cords on 14.1 million Xbox game consoles worldwide because the cords may pose a fire hazard, the company said today.
An electrical component failure can cause the Xbox cord to overheat and emit smoke. In 30 consoles worldwide, the problem has caused minor injury or property damage. In 7 instances, users reported a burn to their hands. In 23 instances, customers reported smoke damage or damage to a carpet or entertainment center, Microsoft said in a statement.
The physical injuries were reported in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, a Microsoft spokesperson said. In all cases where damage was reported, Microsoft worked with the customer and resolved their claim, the spokesperson said.
Fewer than 1 in 10,000 consoles have experienced these component failures, and in most instances the damage caused was contained within the console itself or limited to the tip of the power cord at the back of the console, Microsoft said in the statement.
The recall affects the majority of Xbox consoles sold. As of December 31, Microsoft had sold 19.9 million consoles worldwide, 13.2 million of which were in North America, 5.0 million in Europe, and 1.7 million in the Japan/Asia Pacific region, according to the company.
The replacement power cords should protect consumers and their Xbox consoles from the component failure. Gamers outside continental Europe with an Xbox manufactured before October 23, 2003, require a replacement cord. In Europe, owners of Xbox consoles built before January 13, 2004, need a new cord, the company says.
To check if a new cord is needed and to order one, Xbox users should go to the Microsoft Xbox Web site. Replacement cords will arrive two to four weeks after order placement. Microsoft advises that, while waiting for the new cord, users should turn off their consoles when not in use.
Xbox users without Internet access should call their local Microsoft office.
