Microsoft denies U.S. retailers like Target and Walmart have removed Xbox products from stores

Microsoft has refuted claims U.S. retailers have withdrawn sales of its Xbox Series X and S consoles, insisting major chains “remain committed partners for Xbox consoles, accessories, and games.”

After Costco reportedly stopped selling Xbox consoles in the U.S. and UK in both its online and physical stores, some speculated that further retailers like Target and Walmart were similarly withdrawing Xbox hardware from sale, with some players sharing images intimating retailers were also purging Xbox console stock.

Now, in a statement provided to Windows Central, a Microsoft spokesperson dismissed the rumors, saying: “Target and Walmart, among other retailers, remain committed partners for Xbox consoles, accessories, and games.”

The rumor arrived on the heels of not one but two recent price rises in the U.S., and news Microsoft has raised the price of its subscription service Xbox Game Pass, with its most expensive tier, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, increasing from $19.99/£14.99 to $29.99/£22.99 per month.

Microsoft said the increase comes as it expands its offering, with Fortnite Crew (valued at $11.99/month) and Ubisoft+ Classics (valued at $7.99/month) added to its Ultimate library, as well as enhanced Xbox Cloud Gaming streaming quality and access to over 75 day one releases a year, including Call of Duty: Black Ops 7.