Microsoft Corp. announced today (Feb.17, 2005) that it will voluntarily replace the power cords on 14.1 million Xbox consoles worldwide as a precautionary measure and out of concern for consumer safety.

The replacement power cords are designed to Xbox consoles from rare electrical component failures that can pose a fire hazard. So far less 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.

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, svp 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 www.xbox.com and click on the Power Cord Replacement for Xbox link. Replacement cords should arrive two to four weeks after the order is placed. Until the new cord arrives, 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: 1800073897
Austria: 0800295177
Belgium: 080080943
Canada: (866) 271-0450
Colombia: 18009440724
Denmark: 80885649
Finland: 0800112951
France: 0800970176
Germany: 08000001521
Greece: 0080044148905
Hong Kong: 800901727
Republic of Ireland: 1800923947
Italy: 800925244
Japan: 0120558573
Korea: 0079885219551
Mexico: 18001238568
Netherlands: 08000200371
NewZealand: 0800880029
Norway: 80040975
Portugal: 800844441
Singapore: 8008523567
Spain: 900811914
Sweden: 0200810371
Switzerland: 0800561421
Taiwan: 00800666073
United Kingdom:08000289276
United States: (866) 271-0450