Xbox Brazil would be demanding the return of Xbox Series X|S loaned to websites

In the last few hours, several journalists and content creators accused Xbox Brazil of requesting the return of Xbox Series X|S consoles sent to websites to cover games available on the platforms.

According to reports, the decision would be retaliation after vehicles reported the controversial price increase of the Xbox Series S in Brazil.

Journalist and photographer Nelson Alves Jr., who has worked with Xbox Brasil, was the first to report on the social network X (or Twitter, if you prefer) that Microsoft would be retaliating against press outlets that questioned the Xbox’s price increase. Series S, demanding the return of consoles loaned to newsrooms.

Another professional who reinforced Microsoft’s decision is Ariel de Souza, content creator on the Combo Infinito website. He also expressed himself on his official profile on X saying that the information about return requests is true.

It is common for game companies to provide products to selected media outlets for journalistic coverage. Consoles are normally provided via loan with no fixed deadline, but companies have the right to demand the return of video games whenever they want.

Several professionals from other websites commented on the controversy and were outraged by the supposed retaliation after criticism of the price adjustment of the Xbox Series S in Brazil. However, others believe that Microsoft is preparing to exit the Brazilian gaming market.

The controversy began when Microsoft readjusted the price of the Xbox Series S to R$3,599, an increase of R$950 compared to the previous price. The company reiterated that the website will be updated with the new information soon.

The decision was not well received by the players, being harshly criticized on social media. According to Jez Corden, editor-in-chief of Windows Central, the adjustment decision was not made by the Latin America division (LATAM) but by the company’s “highest echelon”.

To date, Xbox Brazil has not commented on the case.