Microsoft Debunks Xbox Recall Rumors

Microsoft Thursday refuted news reports that it had issued a mass recall of its Xbox gaming system in Japan due to technical problems. The company said it had received reports of game and movie disks being scratched after use in the console, but less than one percent of consumers were affected.

"While this is not a common occurrence, and minor scratching is primarily a cosmetic issue that does not affect performance, a positive customer experience is of the utmost importance to Microsoft," the company said in a statement. "An apparent misinterpretation of information on a Microsoft Japan Web site resulted today in a media report of a recall of Microsoft's Xbox game console in Japan. This report is incorrect. There is no recall of Xbox in Japan or any other market."

The Xbox launched in Japan last month touting 12 game titles, three months after making its North American debut. Microsoft will release the Xbox in Europe and Australia on March 14.