While there has been quite a bit of doubt about Microsoft’s plans for the future of Xbox consoles and games, this has ultimately led to rumours about various retailers pulling stocks of Microsoft’s consoles and its games from their shelves. One such rumour popped up over the weekend courtesy of users on the Xbox subreddit where posters claimed that a local branch of retail chain Target had started taking down its Xbox section. These rumours were further bolstered by some claiming that their own local Target outlets, or even Walmart, had similarly begun doing the same.
According to Windows Central, employees of Target have noted that there has been no such mandate about taking down the Xbox sections in their stores. Former IGN writer Destin Legarie also similarly noted that, on calling a local Walmart, the employee said that “at least to my knowledge I haven’t heard anything about like clearing inventory or anything like that. Or about being discontinued.”
The rumours started gaining enough traction that Microsoft itself ended up offering its own statement. “Target and Walmart, among other retailers, remain committed partners for Xbox consoles, accessories, and games,” said the company in a statement.
Former Xbox executive Larry Hryb – known as Major Nelson to many – also took to social media to note that he had also seen local retail outlets for Target and GameStop still had Xbox hardware and games available for sale. “All I know is I went to a couple of Target and GameStop stores this week, and did find Xbox hardware and games for sale,” he wrote.
The company has been coming under fire for some of its recent decisions surrounding the pricing of its products and services. The company had announced that prices for Xbox Series X/S consoles would be going up in the US across the board, with the Xbox Series X 2 TB Galaxy Black Edition now being priced at $800. Similarly, the company had also recently announced a price hike for Game Pass Ultimate subscriptions, along with unveiling new subscription tiers.
Earlier this month, Microsoft Game Studios co-founder Laura Fryer had released a video calling out Microsoft for its decision to favour “greed over gaming”. In her video, Fryer said that Microsoft’s leadership was out of touch with what the Xbox audience wants.
“I’m not sure that their leadership understands what makes Xbox great,” she said. “I’m not sure that they’re listening to their fans. They keep doubling down on decisions that make it clear that they’ve been in a bubble, and all this feedback doesn’t seem to reach them any more.”
While there might be quite a bit of complaints about Microsoft’s current approach to consoles and games, the company is still keeping an eye on the future. A recent rumour indicated that Microsoft was in talks with its various partners to discuss a 2027 launch window for its next-generation Xbox. Check out more rumoured details about the console, including the chip that will be powering it under the hood, in our coverage.
