Xbox Brazil is allegedly recalling loaned consoles from local media outlets that report on the Xbox Series S price hike in the country.
The co-founder of a local media outlet in Brazil, Combo Infinito, took to Twitter to share that Xbox Brazil is recalling the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S consoles given to them at start of the current console generation for raising voice against the Series S price hike in the country.
The co-founder of the local media outlet, ArielKombo, explained that Xbox Brazil had sent both current-gen consoles to them based on a contract that stated they were being loaned to them for an indefinite period of time. However, for reasons unknown to him, the console maker has decided to recall both the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S units given to Combo Infinito. According to him, Combo Infinito is not the only local media outlet facing this situation.
Another Twitter user, Nelson Alves Jr., clarified that Xbox Brazil is recalling its consoles as a result of the vocal stance taken by local media outlets against the recent Series S price hike by 1000 Brazilian Reais in the country. According to him, Xbox Brazil is doing this in retaliation against any local media outlet that dared to question the “abusive” increase in the Series S price. He urged others to protest against this act.
The Series S’s manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) in Brazil has increased by 1000 Brazilian Reais, and is now retailing for 3599R$. This is approximately 726.78 US Dollars based on the current exchange rates. In comparison, the PS5 Digital edition can often be bought at a similar price point. As such, the price hike may lead to a decline in the popularity of Microsoft’s consoles in the region. The move comes after Microsoft had put an end to the availability of physical games in Brazil, raising a question mark over the console maker’s commitment to both its platform and its consumers in the country.
