Microsoft to Shut Down Xbox 360 Online Store and Marketplace in 2024

Microsoft has announced that it will be shutting down the online store and marketplace for its Xbox 360 console next year. As the company shifts its focus towards its latest consoles and subscription service Game Pass, gamers using the Xbox 360 will no longer be able to purchase and download new games from July 29, 2024.

However, Microsoft will still allow users to play their previously purchased Xbox 360 games and older titles that are compatible with the console. The decision to close the Xbox 360 online store and marketplace comes as technology has evolved and player expectations have shifted. Microsoft aims to make the Xbox Series X|S the best place to play both now and in the future.

The Xbox 360 was first launched in 2005 and quickly became one of the best-selling gaming consoles of all time, rivaled only Sony’s PlayStation 3. By 2014, Microsoft had sold approximately 84 million units of the Xbox 360. However, the company stopped reporting its sales figures when it launched the successor, Xbox One, in 2013.

In addition to shutting down the online store and marketplace, Microsoft will also be removing the Movies & TV app from the Xbox 360 console as part of its latest move. This decision reinforces Microsoft’s strategy of focusing on its newer consoles and services.

With the closure of the Xbox 360 online store and marketplace, Microsoft is urging gamers to embrace its latest offerings, such as the Xbox Series X|S and the Game Pass subscription service. These new platforms provide enhanced gaming experiences and access to a vast library of games.

Sources:
– Microsoft Announcement
– Reuters