Report: Private Equity Eyed Xbox at Up to $150 Billion
The firms willing to pay up to $150 billion never opened negotiations with Microsoft, according to The Information.
Private equity firms explored a possible purchase of Xbox and were willing to pay as much as $150 billion, according to a report from The Information. The companies involved did not begin negotiations with Microsoft.
The reported valuation would place Xbox among the largest gaming assets ever discussed in a potential deal, though no talks materialised.
The claim follows earlier reporting in Fortune that some people inside Microsoft believe Xbox is being prepared for an eventual sale, spin-off, outside investment, or conversion into a subsidiary. According to that reporting, a high-level presentation exploring potential scenarios was made after Asha Sharma took over as Xbox CEO.
Sharma has previously said Xbox is not for sale. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said earlier this year that the division needs to pull its financial weight, with profit margins at only 3%.
Other reported details include a next Xbox console that could cost as much as $1,800 depending on Microsoft's subsidies, an Xbox XP unit focused on non-gaming initiatives such as multimedia projects, and Xbox Labs, which appears aimed at the rise of vibe-coded web browser ports.
Quick answers
Did private equity firms negotiate to buy Xbox?
No. According to The Information, the firms did not begin negotiations with Microsoft, despite being willing to pay as much as $150 billion.
How much was Xbox reportedly valued at?
The private equity firms were willing to pay as much as $150 billion, according to The Information.