Sony Computer Entertainment today has issued a recall for the external AC power adaptor used with their slimline PlayStation 2 console.  Sony has received reports of these particular AC adaptors overheating, thus putting gamers at risk of injury.

Not all slimline PS2 AC adaptors are affected, of course.  According to SCE, only adaptors manufactured between August and December 2004 have been deemed unsafe.  That said, SCE still estimates that no less 3.5 million power units will need be returned as a result.  The majority of the AC adaptors in question were sold in Europe (around 2.3 million), while another 843,000 or so made it to North America and the remainder distributed amongst Asia.  If you own a slimline PS2, play it safe and visit SCEE's AC adaptor recall page here or here (for Europe) to see if you just so happen to own one of these faulty adaptors.

"In the United States, Sony received 38 reports of the adaptors overheating, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. There were two reports of minor burns, one minor shock and four reports of minor property damage, the agency said.

The U.S. recall covers about 843,000 power adaptors for the slim versions of the PlayStation 2 systems with date codes: 2004.08, 2004.09, 2004.10, 2004.11 and 2004.12 and serial numbers beginning with "F3," the CPSC said."

Naturally, SCE will reimburse you with a free, non-faulty AC adaptor if you need to return your current one.