LOS ANGELES (MarketWatch) -- Microsoft Corp.'s blockbuster "Halo 2" video game runs the risk of getting a lot hotter on some of the software giant's Xbox gaming consoles, with the company Thursday voluntarily replacing just over 14 million of the machines' power cords due to a potential fire risk.
Microsoft MSFT, -0.25% based in Redmond, Wash., announced the move in order to prevent potential failures that could pose the fire hazard. The company has sold slightly less than 20 million Xbox consoles globally.
The company said less than one in 10,000 consoles have experienced the component failures, with damage mostly contained within the console itself or limited to the tip of the power cord. However, in 30 cases, the failures caused minor injury or property damage, with seven customers reporting minor burns to their hands.
"This is a preventative step we're choosing to take despite the rarity of these incidents," said Robbie Bach, senior vice president of Microsoft's home and entertainment business.
"We regret the inconvenience, but believe offering consumers a free replacement is the responsible thing to do," Bach said.
Company spokeswoman Charlotte Stuyvenberg declined to provide specific details on the cost of replacing the power cords, but said Microsoft had spent "thousands of man hours to pinpoint the issue and design, certify and manufacture millions of new cords."
"This is a significant investment for Microsoft, but the return is even better consumer safety, so it's worth every penny," the spokeswoman said.
Microsoft's recall affects Xbox consoles made in Europe before Jan. 13, 2004, and consoles manufactured elsewhere before Oct. 23, 2003.
Consumers can request a replacement power cord through the company's Xbox Web site, with replacements expected to reach customers in two to four weeks.
In the meantime, Microsoft advised customers to switch off their Xbox consoles when not in use.
The company's stock closed lower by 14 cents, or half a percent, at $25.65, in a broadly weaker market for technology stocks.