On July 29, 2024, the Xbox 360 Store will officially close its doors. This closure means that Xbox will no longer support purchases of games, add-ons, apps, trailers, avatar items, and DLCs from the Xbox 360 store and marketplace. However, gamers can still purchase content until the store shuts down.
After the store closes, any content purchased before the shutdown will remain accessible. Thanks to backward compatibility, gamers can still enjoy their Xbox 360 content on newer consoles like the Xbox One and Series X|S. This ensures that players won’t lose their favorite games and add-ons.
The closure will also affect the Microsoft Movies and TV app on the Xbox 360. After July 29, the content from this app will no longer be available on the Xbox 360. However, users can still access their entertainment content on Windows 10 and later versions, as well as on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.
To mark the 18th anniversary of the Xbox 360, Microsoft has offered significant discounts on various Xbox products. Gamers can enjoy up to 90% off on some of their favorite titles, including classic Xbox games. With only a few days left before the store closes, many gaming enthusiasts are rushing to purchase must-have titles.
Some popular titles on sale include “Sonic 2006,” “Tom Clancy,” “Tomb Raider,” “Batman Arkham Asylum,” and “Call of Duty Classic.” Notable DLCs on sale include “Sonic Generations Free Casino,” “Lara Croft,” “Left for Dead 1 & 2,” and “The Maw.” Additionally, there are discounts on avatar and theme store items.
The Xbox website lists all the products available for these discounts, which started with Microsoft’s first discount list in May. The gaming community recognizes that some titles might be lost forever after the store closes, making it important for gamers to acquire them now.
Microsoft has also introduced new Xbox 360 merchandise in the Xbox Gear store. Fans can purchase items from the Heritage Collection, including the Heritage tee, pullover hoodie, and vortex hoodie. This merchandise celebrates the legacy of the Xbox 360.
Other companies, such as Double Fine, are also offering discounts to Xbox 360 users. Double Fine has provided free digital copies of “Kinetic Party” and encouraged gamers to download their games before the store closes to ensure they don’t miss out.
In April, Xbox President Sarah Bond emphasized the company’s commitment to game preservation and improving backward compatibility. In an email to staff, she highlighted the efforts made over the past six months to preserve games and mentioned plans for next-generation hardware, which she described as a significant technological leap for Xbox.
Bond acknowledged the challenges of game preservation due to digital licensing models and online services. She pointed out that publishers and companies often don’t prioritize keeping older games available. To address this, Xbox has created a team dedicated to game preservation, aiming to ensure future generations can experience past Xbox games.
As the Xbox 360 Store prepares to close, gamers are reflecting on the impact of the console and the games they enjoyed over the years. The Xbox 360 played a significant role in the gaming community, and its legacy will continue through the content preserved and the memories made.
