Microsoft to Shut Down Xbox 360 Store in 2024

Microsoft has announced that it will be shutting down the Xbox 360 store on July 29, 2024. This means that Xbox 360 owners will no longer be able to purchase games, DLC, or other entertainment content from the store on the console or the Xbox Marketplace website. The closure will also affect the Microsoft Movies & TV app on the Xbox 360, which will no longer work after the same date.

However, Xbox 360 owners will still have access to all the games and DLC that they have already purchased. They will be able to re-download and play these games, and they can also continue to purchase and play Xbox 360 games that are compatible with the newer Xbox One and Xbox Series consoles.

The closure of the Xbox 360 store is not unexpected, as the popularity of the console has waned over the years with the release of newer Xbox models. Microsoft likely made the decision based on the declining usage of the store. The shutdown will not affect Xbox Network services, so Xbox 360 owners can still play multiplayer games and chat with friends online.

This announcement also highlights the backward compatibility feature of the Xbox One and Xbox Series consoles, which allows gamers to play older Xbox games on the latest consoles. This ensures that players can continue to enjoy their favorite Xbox 360 games even after the store closure.

It will be a bittersweet moment for those who have fond memories of the Xbox 360 and the store, but it is a necessary step in the evolution of gaming consoles. As technology advances, it becomes necessary to phase out older devices and focus on supporting newer platforms. Thankfully, Microsoft has taken steps to ensure that players can still enjoy their Xbox 360 games on the latest consoles.

Sources:
Microsoft Press Release