COSTCO has confirmed that it is no longer offering customers a popular gaming deal.
Members began to question whether or not the console, games, and accessories were still around after noticing them missing.
Costco has removed a popular gaming system from shelves (stock image)[/caption]
Xbox consoles and games have been missing at the retailer recently (stock image)[/caption]
In recent weeks, several avid gamers claimed Costco’s Xbox products were removed from shelves and listings online.
Rumors quickly started to circulate that Costco had moved away from offering any Xbox items in the foreseeable future.
This proved accurate on Thursday when a member decided to call in and request more information about what had happened.
“Just called Costco about the Xbox stock. I was told that they will no longer be carrying Xbox consoles,” a former IGN employee, Destin Legarie, explained in a post on X.
“‘We don’t have any plans going forward to carry an Xbox console.’ Saying it was a business decision.”
“They did say they have some great deals on Switch & PlayStation, though,” they added.
NOT ALONE?
It also doesn’t appear to be a decision limited to Costco, either.
Several shoppers claimed in the comments on Legarie’s post that EB Games Canada is stepping away from Xbox offers.
Even so, their website still currently lists the Series S and Series X consoles.
“Wonder if it’s low sales or margins that made Costco pull the plug,” another shopper suggested.
A third emphasized that Costco members can still buy Xbox subscription and points cards.
Another gamer based in Australia confirmed that the Series X and its accessories are still available.
It appears to be only a US and UK-based removal for the time being.
The US Sun has contacted Costco for more details.
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PRICE HIKES
Microsoft did confirm in September that prices would be going up on several Xbox consoles in the US due to “chances in the macroeconomic environment,” per a press release.
“We understand that these changes are challenging, and they were made with careful consideration,” the tech giant wrote on its website.
September’s uptick is the second of the year on Xbox consoles, with the first being earlier this spring.
Starting October 3, the Xbox Series S 512GB will be $399, up $20 from $379, according to a PDF from Microsoft.
Xbox Series S 1TB is set at $449.99, Xbox Series X Digital $599.99, Xbox Series X $649.99, and the Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition at $799.99.
The Xbox Series X 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition is currently $729, so that means about a $70 increase.
The increases on the other consoles are at least $50.
PlayStation and Nintendo have also confirmed price hikes this year.
As of August 3, costs went up for the original Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, OLED models, and almost all Switch accessories.
Sony’s PlayStation consoles saw a $50 increase on August 21.
