Microsoft (MSFT.O) announced its decision to close the online store and marketplace for the Xbox 360 console next year, marking a significant shift in the company’s focus towards its newer gaming consoles and the popular Game Pass subscription service.
According to an official statement released on Thursday, the Xbox 360 Store and Xbox 360 Marketplace will cease operations on July 29, 2024. This move means that users of the aging Xbox 360 console will no longer be able to purchase and download new games through these platforms. The decision aligns with Microsoft’s strategy to streamline its offerings and provide a more enhanced gaming experience on its latest hardware.
However, Microsoft aims to soften the impact of this change on its dedicated user base. Gamers who possess previously purchased Xbox 360 games and compatible older titles will still retain the ability to play them on the console. This assurance underscores the company’s commitment to honoring the investments of its loyal customers.
The Xbox team expressed their rationale for this transition, stating, “A lot has changed since the Xbox 360 launched in 2005. Technology has evolved, expectations from players have shifted, and we are focused on making Xbox Series X|S the best place to play now and in the future.” This statement emphasizes Microsoft’s dedication to staying at the forefront of gaming innovation and delivering a seamless gaming experience to its community.
The Xbox 360, renowned as one of the top-selling gaming consoles of all time, enjoyed a fierce rivalry with Sony’s PlayStation 3 during its prime. The console’s popularity was evident from its sales figures, with Microsoft having sold approximately 84 million units of the Xbox 360 by 2014. Sales reporting for the Xbox 360 tapered off due to the launch of its successor, the Xbox One.
The company’s decision to discontinue the Xbox 360 online store and marketplace falls in line with its broader strategy shift. In 2016, Microsoft halted the production of the Xbox 360, a decision that signaled a gradual transition towards newer hardware offerings. This strategic evolution was further accentuated by the introduction of the Xbox Game Pass in the subsequent year. The Game Pass, a subscription-based gaming service, was designed to cater to both console and Windows platform users, offering a diverse range of games for a fixed monthly fee.
As part of this latest course of action, Microsoft will also be removing the Movies & TV app from the Xbox 360. This change is in harmony with the company’s overarching objective to optimize its services and resources for its more current gaming ecosystem.
In conclusion, Microsoft’s decision to sunset the Xbox 360 online store and marketplace reflects its unwavering commitment to innovation and providing an exceptional gaming experience for its users. While this transition may mark the end of an era for the Xbox 360, it also signifies a new chapter in the company’s journey as it continues to pave the way for the future of gaming.