Microsoft have today announced that it will offer to replace up to 14.1 million Xbox power cords free of charge as a precautionary measure. The voluntary scheme is aimed at all Xboxes bought outside of Continental Europe before October 23rd 2003, and before January 13th 2004 in Continental Europe after a small number of occurring incidents which left seven people with minor injuries to their hands, and twenty-three incidents of carpet/entertainment system damage.

“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.”

Affected Xbox owners can go to xbox.com and click on “Power Cord Replacement for Xbox” where delivery will take between two and four weeks. In the meantime Microsoft asks that Xbox consoles are shut off when not in use...