Target, Walmart Confirm Xbox Products Are Staying

Rumors suggesting that Target and Walmart are phasing out Xbox products have been officially debunked by Microsoft, which confirms both retailers remain committed partners for Xbox hardware, games, and accessories. Over the weekend, speculation ran wild on social media after a Reddit user claimed their local Target store was removing its Xbox section. This single report quickly gained traction, amplified by blogs that frequently circulate narratives about Xbox’s supposed decline. The situation appeared more credible to some because Costco recently scaled back its Xbox offerings, fueling fears of a broader retail withdrawal.

However, these claims have not held up under scrutiny. Multiple sources have contradicted the initial rumor. One industry observer contacted a local Walmart, where a staff member stated they had received no instructions to clear out or discontinue Xbox inventory and confirmed that consoles were still available. Similarly, a Target employee dismissed the idea of any company-wide removal of Xbox products. Even well-known Xbox community figure Larry “Major” Nelson weighed in, reporting that he personally visited several Target and GameStop locations and found Xbox hardware and games on display.

A spot check at a local Target revealed Xbox accessories and games in stock, though the Xbox Series X console was not on shelves. The store’s website also showed the Series X as unavailable, while the more affordable Xbox Series S remained readily purchasable. Stock levels for Xbox consoles, particularly the high-demand Xbox Series X, often fluctuate significantly. Microsoft appears to manage production carefully, possibly to avoid oversupply, and some components may also be allocated to support the growing Xbox Cloud Gaming service.

At Walmart, both the Series X and Series S were observed in stock, further undermining the rumor. When asked for comment, Microsoft provided a clear statement: “Target and Walmart, among other retailers, remain committed partners for Xbox consoles, accessories, and games.” Despite this reassurance, misinformation continues to spread, partly driven by general discontent with recent Microsoft business decisions.

The company has faced growing criticism this year after implementing two separate price increases for Xbox consoles. The Xbox Series X now retails for $649, up from $499, while the Series S increased from $299 to $399. In addition, the monthly subscription for Game Pass Ultimate recently rose by fifty percent. These changes have sparked online speculation that Microsoft might exit the console hardware market altogether, similar to Sega’s shift decades ago.

This theory persists despite Microsoft’s summer announcement of a new ten-year hardware partnership with AMD focused on future Xbox consoles. In response to the rumors, the company reiterated it has no plans to leave the console business and pointed to the AMD collaboration as evidence of its long-term commitment.

Public perception of Microsoft and Xbox has noticeably soured over the past year. A combination of factors, including corporate layoffs, repeated price hikes amid record profits, and a series of unpopular business moves, has damaged brand sentiment. This is happening even as Xbox Game Pass enjoyed a strong year before the price adjustment and the company’s first-party game lineup has shown notable improvement. The Xbox Series X and S consoles are also widely regarded as well-designed hardware, yet social media reactions reflect a community growing increasingly frustrated.

As one of the world’s most influential tech firms, Microsoft rightly faces significant public and media scrutiny. However, the current environment, saturated with exaggerated claims and negativity, risks alienating players and partners who depend on a healthy Xbox ecosystem. Moving forward, Microsoft will need to take proactive steps to rebuild trust and counter misinformation with transparent communication and consistent support for its gaming community.

(Source: Windows Central)