You may have heard some rumors over the weekend claiming that major U.S. retailers, including Target and Walmart, are phasing out Xbox consoles, games, and accessories. So are these rumors true? Well, no. After verification and official clarification from Microsoft, the truth is much different.
I'm just one person and maybe it's different across all the Targets in the country, but I went to 2 different Targets today and the Xbox game section was gone.
— RJay64 (@agamersescape) October 13, 2025
These rumors started becoming viral as several alleged employees posted online that their stores were removing Xbox sections entirely. This also comes just weeks after Costco confirmed it would no longer sell Microsoft’s consoles. Of course, people thought that Microsoft’s hardware division might be in serious trouble.
The Rumor: Target and Walmart Are Pulling Xbox Stock
The entire thing began when several Reddit users, allegedly employees at Target and Walmart, claimed that their stores were discontinuing Xbox games, consoles, and accessories. u/Jawwaad127 said, “All the games have been discontinued and will likely go on clearance.”
Another user, u/CodeE1985, shared photos of a near-empty Xbox section, saying that “Targets in the Kansas City area are purging Xbox stock.”
u/Spacefox_85 is another alleged Walmart worker who shared similar comments about the situation. They noted that their store remodel had removed Team Green’s shelves entirely.
As you’d expect, these posts and comments quickly drew a lot of attention. Especially because of the rumors earlier this year that Costco and Sam’s Club were also reportedly pulling their stock of Xbox consoles.
It appears both Costco and Sam's Club no longer have #Xbox Series X and S console stock, and may have stopped re-stocking them altogether. 💀
— NIB (@nib95_) September 22, 2025
Both have #PS5 and #Switch2 stock. pic.twitter.com/to9VfP0EjN
However, none of these Redditors and supposed workers could be considered an official source. Neither Target nor Walmart issued immediate statements, but these comments still started the rumor mill. So is Xbox really facing a major retail pullout?
The Truth: Microsoft Confirms Retailers Remain “Committed Partners”
Despite the rumors and comments, official sources have debunked the whole idea that Target and Walmart are abandoning Xbox. By Sunday morning, Microsoft released a statement (via Windows Central) affirming that both retailers “remain committed partners for Xbox consoles, accessories, and games.”
Microsoft responds to alleged removal of Xbox products at Target and Wal-Mart:
— Shinobi602 (@shinobi602) October 13, 2025
"Target and Walmart, among other retailers, remain committed partners for Xbox consoles, accessories, and games"
➡️ https://t.co/NSupTdnJ4i#Xbox pic.twitter.com/TbBrd0fqI5
Windows Central even conducted further investigation as its officials personally contacted Walmart stores, which confirmed they had not heard of any discontinuation plans and still carried Xbox stock. A Target employee also dismissed claims of a company-wide purge, suggesting that any missing inventory was likely tied to temporary restocking or store remodels.
Even former Xbox spokesperson Larry “Major Nelson” Hryb confirmed via social media that he personally saw Xbox consoles and games for sale at several Target and GameStop locations just days ago. According to sources familiar with Microsoft’s retail logistics, the lack of Xbox Series X units in some areas isn’t a sign of withdrawal. It’s part of the company’s strategy.
So while it’s true that Xbox’s retail stock may fluctuate regionally, and certain chains like Costco have scaled back their stock, the idea that Target and Walmart are abandoning Xbox is quite false.
What do you make of these rumors? Do you think Microsoft is planning something huge in secret? Let us know in the comments!
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