A recent Xbox rumor emerged over the weekend, rapidly escalating as expected. On Saturday night, users on Reddit flooded the Xbox subreddit, reporting that a local Target was clearing out its Xbox section. Various blogs, seemingly eager to promote the idea of “Xbox’s demise,” picked up these unverified claims. This speculation was likely fueled by Costco’s recent reduction of Xbox offerings, which heightened fears of a broader retail decline.
This Reddit post led to additional stories where others mentioned a lack of Xbox stock in their nearby Target or Walmart for several months. However, counterclaims have emerged, including from Destin Legarie, who reported a conversation with Walmart confirming there were no plans to discontinue Xbox products.
Furthermore, we talked to an employee at Target who dismissed the idea of a widespread Xbox removal. Veteran Xbox figure Larry “Major” Nelson also shared his findings, stating he found Xbox hardware and games available at several stores this week. I personally visited a nearby Target and observed that while they had games and accessories, the consoles themselves were not in stock.
Checking online, I found no Xbox Series X consoles available but noted that several Xbox Series S consoles were for sale. Xbox stock tends to vary, as Microsoft appears to be producing consoles on an as-needed basis to avoid oversupply situations. The Xbox Series X often sells out due to this strategy, which is further complicated by the demand for components used in Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Despite circulating concerns, Microsoft reassured that both Walmart and Target remain “committed partners” for Xbox products, citing, “Target and Walmart, among other retailers, remain committed partners for Xbox consoles, accessories, and games.” As misinformation continues to proliferate, Microsoft has faced mounting scrutiny and negativity over the last year, raising questions about the origin of these claims and how they can be addressed.
This year, Microsoft announced price hikes for Xbox consoles, driven largely by tariffs. Prices for the Xbox Series X and S increased from $499/$299 to $649/$399 respectively. Coupled with a recent 50% increase in Game Pass Ultimate pricing, fears have spread that Microsoft might exit the hardware market, reminiscent of Sega’s history.
In response to unfounded speculation, Microsoft has reiterated its commitment to the Xbox brand, emphasizing new partnerships aimed at future hardware development. However, the company’s image has taken a hit recently, burdened by mass layoffs, controversial decisions, and aggressive pricing, challenging its public perception. It’s crucial for Microsoft to combat the tidal wave of misinformation to ensure its continued success and stability within the gaming ecosystem.
