Microsoft has stepped up to clarify the situation regarding the alleged removal of Xbox products from major U.S. retailers, including Target and Walmart. In a bold statement, the tech giant refutes these claims, emphasizing its strong partnership with these retailers for Xbox consoles, accessories, and games.
This clarification comes amidst a wave of speculation sparked by Costco's decision to stop selling Xbox consoles in both the U.S. and the UK. Some players even shared images suggesting that other retailers were following suit, further fueling the fire of this controversial topic.
However, Microsoft's spokesperson, in an exclusive statement to Windows Central, has put these rumors to rest. They emphasized the continued commitment of Target, Walmart, and other key retailers to the Xbox brand.
But here's where it gets interesting: this clarification arrives in the wake of not one, but two recent price hikes for Xbox consoles and accessories in the U.S. market. Additionally, Microsoft has increased the price of its subscription service, Xbox Game Pass, with its premium tier, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, now costing a whopping $29.99 or £22.99 per month.
Microsoft justifies these price increases by highlighting the expanded offerings included in the Ultimate tier, such as Fortnite Crew and Ubisoft+ Classics, along with enhanced streaming quality and access to a vast library of games, including the highly anticipated Call of Duty: Black Ops 7.
So, while Xbox products remain available at major retailers, the price increases have undoubtedly sparked debate among gamers and industry experts alike. What do you think about these developments? Are the enhanced features and expanded library worth the price hike? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
