Recall: Star Wars Lightsaber Recalled by Hasbro

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Originally issued June 24, 1999, Revised October 24, 2002 Release # 99-129

Company Phone Number: (800) 327-8264 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: Mark Ross, (301) 504-7076

Note: phone number change

CPSC, Hasbro Announce Recall to Repair Star Wars^TM Lightsaber^TM Toys

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Hasbro Inc., of Pawtucket, R.I., is voluntarily recalling about 618,000 Star Wars Lightsaber toys for repair. The spring in the battery compartments of these toys can dislodge, causing the batteries to overheat or rupture. This can cause burns to consumers.

Hasbro has received 38 reports of Lightsaber batteries overheating, including six reports of batteries rupturing. There are three reports of minor burns to consumers, and one consumer reported experiencing eye irritation.

There are two models of Lightsaber toys involved in this recall. The Darth Maul^TM Double-Bladed Lightsaber has retractable red plastic "light blades" on both sides of a metallic-gray hand grip. When the blades are fully extended, the toy is 5 feet long. The Qui-Gon Jinn^TM Lightsaber has a single retractable "light blade" made of green plastic that extends from a metallic-gray hand grip to about 3 feet. Both Lightsaber toys operate with two "C" batteries. The plastic blades on double-bladed Lightsaber light up when struck against another object, and the single-bladed Lightsaber stays continually lit when turned on. Both feature energy "humming," "charge-up" and motion-activated battle crash sounds.

Mass merchandise and toys stores nationwide sold these Lightsabers from May 1999 through June 1999 for $20 to $30.

Consumers should stop using these Lightsabers immediately, and call Hasbro to get a free repair kit. The repair kit contains instructions on how to install a battery protector. To get this repair kit or for more information, consumers should call Hasbro at (800) 327-8264 anytime, or go to their website at www.hasbro.com. Consumers also can write to: Hasbro Lightsaber Repair Program, P.O. Box 200, Pawtucket, RI 02862.

Lightsabers currently being sold with the sticker, "Now with battery protector" are not part of this recall.