Highlights
Microsoft will be shutting down the Xbox 360 store on July 29, 2024, ending the ability to purchase new games and content for the console.
Xbox 360 gamers will retain access to their previously purchased content; however, they will no longer have the option to purchase new digital games. Online multiplayer services for Xbox 360 will continue to be available, and users can still access Movies & TV content on Windows 10+ PCs and newer Xbox consoles.
Microsoft has announced that the Xbox 360 store will be closing on July 29, 2024. Introduced in 2005, the Xbox 360 is Microsoft's most successful gaming console to date and marked the start of the seventh console generation. It surpassed the PS3 in popularity during its time and offered a wide selection of games that are still cherished by players today.
Despite being two generations old, there are still enthusiasts who enjoy playing Xbox 360 games. With the backward compatibility program, many of these games can be played on both Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S consoles. However, not all Xbox 360 games are available through backward compatibility, and unfortunately, starting next year, fans will no longer be able to purchase these games digitally.
When is the Xbox 360 Store Shutting Down?
The Xbox 360 digital marketplace is scheduled to cease operations on July 29, 2024. After this date, gamers will no longer be able to acquire new games, DLC, or other content for the console, including movies and TV shows. Additionally, the complete shutdown of the Movies & TV app on that day will render it impossible for gamers to access any movies or TV shows they have purchased on the Xbox 360. While this news may be devastating for Xbox 360 fans, there are still silver linings to be found amidst the situation.
July 29, 2024
Beginning July 29, 2024, gamers on Xbox 360 will no longer be able to purchase games digitally. However, they will still have the option to download any previously purchased content. It's important to note that this change only affects the Xbox 360, and gamers can still purchase backward compatible Xbox 360 games on the newer Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S consoles. Additionally, Microsoft will continue to keep the Xbox 360 multiplayer services online for the foreseeable future.
Regarding Movies & TV content, users can still enjoy it on Windows 10+ PCs, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X. Although Xbox 360 gamers will no longer be able to access this content on their console, they will still have access to their entire digital library.
The announcement of the PlayStation Store shutdown on PS3 received significant backlash, but it is yet to be determined if a similar reaction will occur for the Xbox 360 shutdown. The availability of numerous major Xbox 360 games for play on modern Xbox consoles through the backward compatibility program might help mitigate any outrage, but only time will reveal the true response.
