Employees and Shoppers Notice Shrinking Xbox Sections
Several Target and Walmart shoppers have reported that Xbox games and consoles are quietly disappearing from store shelves. Over the past week, multiple Reddit posts—some allegedly from store employees—claimed that both retailers are discontinuing physical Xbox games and, in some cases, removing Xbox sections entirely. The claims sparked widespread speculation among players and retail watchers alike.
One Reddit user identifying as a Target employee wrote: “The Target I work for is no longer selling Xbox games. All the games have been discontinued and will most likely go on clearance. After all these years of selling Xbox games, it’s weird to see only PlayStation and Nintendo games being sold.” A Walmart employee echoed a similar story, saying their store’s remodel “will have no Xbox games at all,” while another shopper from Kansas City claimed that local Target stores were purging all Xbox systems, games, and accessories.
Microsoft Responds to Rumors
Microsoft addressed the growing rumors in a statement to Windows Central on Saturday night. The company said: “Target and Walmart, among other retailers, remain committed partners for Xbox consoles, accessories, and games.” The clarification comes amid mounting online speculation that both retailers were pulling back on physical Xbox inventory chain-wide.
Neither Target nor Walmart has issued an official statement confirming or denying any corporate decision to reduce Xbox’s physical footprint. Store remodels, layout changes, and regional sales data often determine how much shelf space is allocated to specific gaming brands, meaning the shift may vary by location.
Decline of Physical Game Sales Could Be a Factor
Industry analysts note that physical game sales have been declining steadily across all platforms as digital downloads and subscription services gain traction. For Xbox, in particular, Game Pass has accelerated that shift—offering subscribers instant access to hundreds of digital titles. Some reports suggest that lower demand for Xbox discs, rather than an official policy, could be behind the reduced retail presence.
Microsoft has not announced any plans to abandon physical media. Earlier this year, the company reaffirmed that publishers can still release their titles on disc with “no minimum order quantity.” Xbox chief Phil Spencer also said in 2024 that physical media remains part of the company’s strategy, stating, “We’re supportive of discs—it’s not something we’re walking away from.”
What’s Next for Xbox in Stores?
For now, it remains unclear whether the reports point to a broader retail trend or isolated store-level changes. Microsoft continues to emphasize its long-term investment in first-party hardware, suggesting future consoles will still support physical media. Until Target, Walmart, or Microsoft provide further clarification, shoppers may see mixed experiences depending on their local store.
Meanwhile, the conversation online reflects growing concern among collectors and fans of physical games, as digital dominance reshapes how players buy and own their favorite titles.