Sony Issues Global Recall On PlayStation 2 AC Adaptors

Officials from Sony Computer Entertainment have announced a recall of two models of AC adaptor packaged with the recently revamped slimline PlayStation 2, after admitting that the devices are prone to overheating. A statement on the Sony Computer Entertainment America website indicates that the company is working in conjunction with the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission, and is voluntarily replacing PlayStation 2 AC Adaptors manufactured by Hipro Electronics free of charge. Only AC Adaptors sold after October 2004 and manufactured by Hipro Electronics identified with a serial number that begins with the prefix ”F3” are affected by the recall. The website indicates that in an unspecified number of incidents the AC adaptors generated unexpected amounts of heat, and sometimes emitted smoke or odors, or melted their plastic housing. The site suggests that this may constitute a burn or fire hazards or possibly a risk of electrical shock. The incident recalls the problems Microsoft experienced in February 2005 with Xbox power circuitry necessitating new power cords, when the company admitted that a small percentage of faulty units could cause minor burns or property damage - though in Microsoft's case, the units may have had problems with loose power connections within the Xbox itself, whereas in this case, it appears to be the AC adaptor itself is at fault.