Microsoft is shutting down Xbox 360’s online store next year; 200+ games will be lost

Microsoft Xbox 360’s online store has had a great run. But all good things must come to an end. Microsoft announced on Thursday that it would pull the plug on its online store and marketplace for the Xbox 360 next year. This move comes as the company shifts its focus towards its newer consoles and the Game Pass subscription service.

The news comes just a few months to mark 18 years since the launch of Xbox 360, a console that defined a generation, introducing countless newcomers to gaming and global connections

Since its launch about two decades ago, many players discovered a lasting passion for games with titles like Kameo, Gears of War, and Fable 2. It’s exciting to see fans enjoying these classics on Xbox 360 or newer consoles through Backward Compatibility.

According to Microsoft, the Xbox 360 Store and Xbox 360 Marketplace will be officially closed on July 29, 2024. This means that users who are still using the old console will no longer be able to buy and download new games, as outlined in a post on the Xbox website. However, Microsoft is ensuring that players can still enjoy the games they have already purchased for the Xbox 360, along with older titles that are compatible with the console.

In a news release titled, “The Xbox 360 Store Will Close July 2024, But You Can Keep Playing Your Favorite Games,” Dave McCarthy, CVP Xbox Player Services, said:

“On July 29, 2024, Xbox will stop supporting the ability to purchase new games, DLC, and other entertainment content from the Xbox 360 Store on the console and the Xbox 360 Marketplace (marketplace.xbox.com). Related to this change, the Microsoft Movies & TV app will no longer function on Xbox 360, which means TV and movie content will no longer be viewable on your Xbox 360 after July 29th, 2024.”

He also added that “the change will not affect your ability to play Xbox 360 games or DLC you have already purchased.” From now until July 2024, gamers can still buy games and DLC from both the Xbox 360 Store and the Xbox 360 Marketplace. In addition, previously purchased Xbox 360 game content remains accessible for play on not just the Xbox 360, but also on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S devices through backward compatibility.

However, it’s been calculated that Xbox 360 will lose 200+ games after the store shutdown and some may never be seen again.

Microsoft ceased the production of the Xbox 360 in 2016 and subsequently introduced the Xbox Game Pass in the following year. This subscription-based gaming service is available on both consoles and Windows platforms.

“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,” Xbox said.

As part of this transition, the Movies & TV app on the older Xbox 360 console will also be phased out.

The Xbox 360 holds a notable place in gaming history as one of the highest-selling consoles, competing closely with Sony’s PlayStation 3. Up until 2014, Microsoft had sold approximately 84 million units of the Xbox 360. Sales figures were no longer reported after 2014 due to the launch of its successor, the Xbox One.