Microsoft To Replace Xbox Power Cords

The replacement 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, and, in almost all instances, any damage caused by these failures was contained within the console itself or limited to the tip of the power cord at the back of the console.

However, in 30 consoles worldwide, these 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. In Continental Europe, consoles manufactured before Jan. 13, 2004, require a replacement power cord.

“This is a preventative step we’re choosing to take despite the rarity of these incidents,” said Robbie Bach, senior vice president of the Home & Entertainment Division at Microsoft. “We regret the inconvenience, but believe offering consumers a free replacement is the responsible thing to do.”

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.

Customers who cannot access the World Wide Web should contact Microsoft at the appropriate toll-free number listed here:

Australia:                   1800 073 897                   Korea:                           0079885219551

Austria:                     0800295177                     Mexico:                         18001238568

Belgium:                    080080943                       Netherlands:                  0800 0200371

Canada:                    (866) 271-0450                New Zealand:                0800 880 029

Colombia:                 18009440724                   Norway:                        80040975

Denmark:                  80885649                         Portugal:                        800844441

Finland:                     0800112951                     Singapore:                     800 852 3567

France:                     0 800 97 01 76                 Spain:                            900811914

Germany:                  08000001521                   Sweden:                        0200810371

Greece:                     0080044148905               Switzerland:                   0800561421

Hong Kong:              800901727                       Taiwan:                         00800666073

Republic of Ireland:   1800923947                     United Kingdom:           0800 028 9276

Italy:                         800925244                       United States:                (866) 271-0450

Japan:                       0120558573