Latest Gaming News

XBOX Power Cord Replacements - FIRE HAZARD! - Xbox

18th February 2005, 1:40am
Microsoft Announces Power Cord Replacement for Xbox

As a precautionary measure and out of concern for consumer safety, Microsoft announced today that it will voluntarily replace the power cords on 14.1 million Xbox consoles worldwide.

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 centre.

Xbox consoles in Australia manufactured before 23rd October, 2003 require a replacement power cord. To view information on other countries, please visit the Official Site

"This is a preventative step we're choosing to take despite the rarity of these incidents," said Robbie Bach, senior vice president, Microsoft Home & Entertainment Division. "We regret the inconvenience, but believe offering consumers a free replacement cord 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 at the top right. 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.

Let's hope nobody has an accident in the meantime, or they could sue for millions! Imagine, right now somewhere, 14,100,000 power cords are being produced!
by David Latham