Xbox 360 Storefront Officially Shuts Down July 29th

After more than a decade, some of Xbox’s most iconic console generation is being dismantled. Already, we witnessed this with the arrival of Xbox Game Pass Core. The new subscription tier does away with Xbox Live Games with Gold alongside the titular ‘Xbox Live’ service as a whole – now bundling the service with the game service.

Additionally, the Xbox 360 store is out the door later this year. In a previous announcement, Microsoft confirmed the Xbox 360 Marketplace/Xbox Games Store for that platform is to shutter later on in 2024. However, it is clarified that this will not affect titles available via backwards compatibility and will be available for purchase on newer generation stores.

In a new update on the Xbox Support page, Microsoft now scheduled the Xbox 360 Marketplace to close on July 29th this summer. “Beginning on July 29, 2024, we will no longer support the Xbox 360 Store or the Xbox 360 Marketplace (marketplace.xbox.com),” the post reads.

Until this date, purchases made in the Xbox 360 Store and the Xbox 360 Marketplace will continue to be supported. This will not impact how the community plays currently owned games on Xbox 360 or via backward compatibility. Players will be able to continue to download and play games they already own on Xbox 360, Xbox One, or Xbox Series X|S consoles via backward compatibility.

Microsoft clarifies that online services for compatible titles will remain after the switch is flipped. “You’ll still be able to play multiplayer as usual on previously downloaded games and games owned on disc. Online services per game will vary based on publisher support for legacy titles.” Of course, digital purchases & physical media is still supported on hardware as well.

In the same FAQ, Microsoft also reiterates that select listings for Xbox backwards compatibility is still available following July 29. “Hundreds of Xbox 360 and Original Xbox backward compatible games and add-ons can still be purchased directly from xbox.com, on Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S consoles.” Microsoft in the past has pressed it is investigating for more room to support other legacy titles on the store ahead of its demise in 2024.

A new development on the matter was actually shared in a new update. In a report from Windows Central, Xbox president Sarah Bond made a statement ensuring that the firm is “committed to bringing forward the amazing library of Xbox games for future generations of players.” You can read the full report by heading here.

Are you saddened by this announcement?

Source: Xbox Support