Microsoft Denies Xbox Pulled From Target, Walmart Stores
▼ Summary
– Microsoft denied claims that US retailers have stopped selling Xbox Series X and S consoles, stating major chains remain committed partners.
– Speculation arose after Costco reportedly halted Xbox sales in the US and UK, with some suggesting other retailers like Target and Walmart were doing the same.
– A Microsoft spokesperson confirmed that Target and Walmart, among other retailers, continue to sell Xbox consoles, accessories, and games.
– These rumors followed recent price increases for Xbox consoles in the US and a subscription price hike for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
– Microsoft justified the Game Pass Ultimate price increase by citing added benefits like Fortnite Crew, Ubisoft+ Classics, enhanced streaming, and over 75 day-one releases annually.
Microsoft has officially refuted widespread speculation that major US retailers like Target and Walmart are pulling Xbox Series X and S consoles from their shelves. The company firmly stated that these leading chains continue to be dedicated partners for distributing Xbox hardware, accessories, and video games. This clarification directly addresses growing concerns among gamers, sparked by recent changes in the retail landscape.
The rumors gained traction following reports that Costco had discontinued sales of Xbox consoles across its online and physical stores in both the United States and the United Kingdom. This development led some consumers to speculate that a broader retail exodus was underway. Social media users further fueled these theories by sharing photographs that appeared to show empty or cleared-out Xbox display sections, suggesting a potential purge of existing inventory.
In a definitive statement provided to the press, a Microsoft spokesperson moved to quash these claims. The spokesperson emphasized that the narrative of a widespread withdrawal is simply untrue, confirming that the relationships with these key retail partners remain strong and active. The company’s message was clear: shoppers can still expect to find Xbox products readily available at their local Target, Walmart, and other major outlets.
This retail speculation emerged during a period of significant price adjustments for Microsoft’s gaming services. The company recently implemented not one, but two separate price increases for its Xbox consoles in the US market. Furthermore, the cost of the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription tier has been raised from $19.99 to $29.99 per month.
Microsoft justifies this price hike by pointing to a substantial expansion of the service’s value. The updated Ultimate package now includes access to Fortnite Crew, a subscription typically valued at $11.99 per month, and Ubisoft+ Classics, valued at $7.99 monthly. Subscribers also benefit from improved streaming quality on Xbox Cloud Gaming and gain entry to a vast library that features more than 75 new titles available on their release day each year, including major upcoming games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 7.
(Source: Games Industry)
