Recently, there’s been a lot of uncertainty about Microsoft’s plans for Xbox, leading to rumors that stores are reducing their Xbox stock. This started over the weekend when users on the Xbox subreddit reported seeing a Target store removing its entire Xbox section. Others quickly chimed in, saying they’d noticed similar changes at their local Target or even Walmart stores.
Windows Central reports that Target employees haven’t received any instructions to remove Xbox products from shelves. Similarly, former IGN writer Destin Legarie called a local Walmart and was told by an employee that they hadn’t heard anything about clearing out Xbox inventory or the product line being discontinued.
The rumors became widespread enough that Microsoft had to respond. They released a statement confirming that Target and Walmart are still important partners for Xbox, continuing to sell consoles, accessories, and games.
Larry Hryb, formerly of Xbox and widely known as Major Nelson, shared on social media that he recently visited Target and GameStop stores and found Xbox consoles and games still in stock. He stated, “I went to a couple of Target and GameStop stores this week, and did find Xbox hardware and games for sale.”
The company is facing criticism for recent price increases on its products and services. They announced that Xbox Series X/S consoles will cost more in the US, with the Xbox Series X 2 TB Galaxy Black Edition now priced at $800. Additionally, the price of Game Pass Ultimate subscriptions has gone up, and the company has introduced new subscription options.
Earlier this month, Laura Fryer, a co-founder of Microsoft Game Studios, publicly criticized Microsoft, accusing them of prioritizing profits over the interests of gamers. In a video she released, Fryer stated that Microsoft’s leaders don’t seem to understand what Xbox players actually want.
She expressed concern that Xbox’s current leadership doesn’t fully grasp what makes the platform successful. She also feels they aren’t paying attention to what their fans want, and continue to make choices that suggest they’re out of touch, seemingly ignoring the feedback they receive.
Despite some criticism of Microsoft’s recent gaming strategy, the company is already planning for the future. Rumors suggest Microsoft is aiming to release its next Xbox console in 2027 and is currently discussing this timeline with partners. You can find more details about the potential new console, including its expected processor, in our related article.
I called my local Walmart to check if they were stopping sales of Xbox consoles. They said they hadn’t heard anything about removing them from shelves or discontinuing them, and that they currently still have Xbox in stock.
— Destin (@DestinLegarie) October 12, 2025
This week, I checked a few Target and GameStop stores and was able to find Xbox consoles and games available for purchase.
— Larry Hryb, Gamer Emeritus 📱⌨️🖱️🎮 (@majornelson) October 12, 2025
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2025-10-13 15:41