Is Xbox 360 Marketplace Shut Down? Microsoft’s Xbox 360 Store to Close in July 2024
by Rubaditsha
Updated Aug 18, 2023
What is Xbox 360?
The Xbox 360, developed by Microsoft, emerged as a prominent home video game console succeeding the original Xbox, and it represents the second installment in the Xbox series. Positioned within the seventh generation of video game consoles, it engaged in competitive rivalry with Sony's PlayStation 3 and Nintendo's Wii.
The curtain was lifted on the Xbox 360 during a revealing broadcast on MTV on May 12, 2005. This was shortly followed by a more comprehensive introduction, encompassing launch specifics and game details, at the 2005 Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3).
Central to the Xbox 360's offerings is its online service, Xbox Live. The platform, evolving from its predecessor on the original Xbox, underwent regular updates during the console's lifecycle. Xbox Live, available both as a free service and through subscription tiers, presents a plethora of features.
It facilitates online gameplay, downloading of games via Xbox Live Arcade, access to game demos, acquisition and streaming of music, TV shows, and films through the Xbox Music and Xbox Video portals. Furthermore, it allows interaction with third-party content services through media streaming apps and enables local PC media streaming. The console's expansion into online multimedia transformed it from a gaming-centric device into an encompassing hub for diverse entertainment experiences.
Introduced globally between 2005 and 2006, the Xbox 360 encountered supply shortages upon release in various regions, including North America and Europe. Initial iterations of the console were marred by a notable failure rate, identified by the infamous "Red Ring of Death", necessitating an extension of the device's warranty.
Microsoft responded with redesigned models, namely the Xbox 360 S in 2010 and the Xbox 360 E in 2013. The console boasts the distinction of being the ninth-highest-selling home video game console in history and holds the title of the highest-selling console produced by an American company. Although not the highest-selling of its generation, the Xbox 360 earned recognition for its transformative impact, particularly in terms of digital media distribution and multiplayer gaming on Xbox Live.
Serving as the precursor to the Xbox One, the Xbox 360's reign concluded on November 22, 2013, upon the release of its successor. In April 2016, Microsoft disclosed its decision to halt the production of new Xbox 360 hardware, though the company pledged ongoing support for the platform.
Is Xbox 360 Marketplace Shut Down?
Yes, the Xbox 360 Marketplace is set to be shut down on July 29, 2024. This significant decision marks the conclusion of an era for the Xbox 360 platform. Microsoft, the parent company, has officially announced that both the Xbox 360 Store and the Xbox 360 Marketplace, accessible through the website marketplace.xbox.com, will cease operations on this date.
This entails discontinuing the ability to purchase new games, downloadable content (DLC), and other forms of entertainment content through these platforms. However, the shutdown will not impact your ability to continue playing the Xbox 360 and Original Xbox games you've previously purchased.
These games will remain accessible and playable on your Xbox 360 console. Additionally, compatibility has been maintained for these games on more recent Xbox consoles, such as the Xbox One and the Xbox Series X|S, provided they are part of the backwards compatibility program. This includes both digitally acquired and physical copies of games.
Furthermore, while the ability to purchase new content will be deactivated, Microsoft has clarified that you will still have the option to redownload games that you may have previously deleted from your Xbox 360 console, even after the shutdown date. For users who enjoy Microsoft Movies & TV content through the Xbox 360 console, it's important to note that the functionality of the Microsoft Movies & TV App on the Xbox 360 will also cease as part of this process.
Players interested in multiplayer games will still be able to engage in online gameplay if the game's publisher continues to support the relevant online servers. This move mirrors a broader trend in the gaming industry, as various digital storefronts for older consoles are being discontinued.
Nintendo and Sony have similarly taken steps in this direction, with Nintendo discontinuing eShops for older consoles, and Sony initially planning to close digital stores for some of its older PlayStation consoles before reconsidering in response to fan feedback. The decision to retire the Xbox 360 Marketplace comes as part of Microsoft's evolving strategy to focus on more current gaming and entertainment offerings.
Microsoft’s Xbox 360 Store to Close in July 2024
Microsoft has officially announced the closure of its Xbox 360 Store, slated to take effect in July 2024. This decision marks the end of an era for Xbox 360 enthusiasts. The forthcoming shutdown entails the discontinuation of purchasing new Xbox 360 games, downloadable content (DLC), and other content from the Xbox 360 Store. Furthermore, the Xbox 360 Marketplace, which encompasses avatars and games, will also cease to accept new transactions.
Fortunately, players who have amassed a collection of digital Xbox 360 games need not worry about their existing library. These games will remain playable post-closure, although the ability to procure new games or DLC directly from the Xbox 360 console will be disabled.
Additionally, the Microsoft Movies & TV app, integral for viewing entertainment content, will be removed from the Xbox 360 platform. As a result, TV shows and movies obtained from the Xbox 360 Store will become inaccessible after the July 2024 cutoff, according to Dave McCarthy, Corporate Vice President of Xbox player services.
Despite the store's impending closure, the accessibility to backward-compatible Xbox 360 games will endure through other avenues. Gamers can continue purchasing a diverse array of such games and associated DLC via platforms like Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox.com. However, post-closure, viewing previously acquired TV shows or movies from the Xbox 360 Store will necessitate devices such as Windows 10 or later PCs, Xbox One, or Xbox Series S / X.
It's worth clarifying that while the Xbox 360 Store's discontinuation is on the horizon, Xbox network services for Xbox 360 consoles will persist. Online multiplayer gameplay and the capacity to transfer games across different Xbox 360 consoles, as well as to Xbox One and Xbox Series S / X, will remain unaffected.
Microsoft has assured ongoing support for updates to Xbox 360 games post the store's closure. For those seeking more detailed information, Microsoft's comprehensive FAQ page on the subject provides answers to pertinent queries.
End of the Road: The Xbox 360 Game Marketplace Will Shut Down
The journey for the Xbox 360 Game Marketplace is drawing to a close, as Microsoft has officially announced its impending shutdown. Scheduled to cease operations in the upcoming summer, on July 29, 2024, this marks a significant chapter in the console's history, occurring almost two decades after its inception. The closure applies to both the in-console store interface and the web-based Xbox 360 Marketplace.
Dave McCarthy, Corporate Vice President of Xbox Player Services at Microsoft, confirmed the decision through a blog post. This change will encompass the discontinuation of the ability to purchase games, movies, TV content, as well as avatars and profile customizations. However, existing game owners can find solace in the fact that their acquired titles will remain available for download and play beyond the specified date.
Despite the forthcoming closure, numerous core network functionalities will continue functioning. This includes maintaining communication with friends, accessing cloud saves, and participating in online multiplayer gameplay in titles whose developers offer support. Developers will also retain the capacity to issue updates and patches for Xbox 360 games, assuring ongoing enhancement.
Interestingly, the avenue for acquiring backward-compatible Xbox 360 games will remain open through the Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S stores, as confirmed by Microsoft. Nevertheless, there's a divergence in treatment for acquired video content. Although previously purchased TV episodes and films will persist within users' libraries, the ability to playback such content on Xbox 360 consoles will be disabled.
Users seeking to relish this content will need to resort to platforms like Windows PCs or newer Xbox consoles such as the Xbox One or Xbox Series X. This move resonates within the broader gaming industry, as similar shutdowns have transpired. Notable instances include Nintendo's cessation of the Wii U and 3DS eShops and Sony's initial plans to close down the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita stores, which were ultimately reconsidered due to public outcry.
Despite the closure, the Xbox 360's impact endures, its legacy intertwined with digital media distribution and multiplayer gaming on Xbox Live. The console paved the way for its successor, the Xbox One, which emerged in 2013. While Microsoft will cease new Xbox 360 hardware production, ongoing support for the platform will persist.
Is Xbox 360 Marketplace Shut Down:FAQs
Microsoft has officially announced that the Xbox 360 Game Marketplace will be shut down on July 29, 2024. This shutdown will affect both the in-console store and the web-based Xbox 360 Marketplace.
The shutdown is scheduled to take place on July 29, 2024.
With the closure of the Xbox 360 Game Marketplace, users will no longer be able to purchase games, movies, TV content, avatars, and profile customizations through these platforms.
Yes, if you have already purchased games from the Xbox 360 Game Marketplace, you will still be able to download and play them after the shutdown date.
Yes, many network features will continue to work. This includes communication with friends, cloud saves, and online multiplayer gameplay in titles that are still supported by their developers.