Microsoft to close Xbox 360 Store in July 2024

The decision marks the end of an era in Xbox gaming.

Microsoft to close Xbox 360 Store in July 2024

Image via Xbox.com

In a significant move that marks the conclusion of an era in gaming, Microsoft has officially announced the impending shutdown of its Xbox 360 Store. This virtual marketplace, which has been a hub for gamers to access a plethora of content, is set to close its doors on July 29, 2024. As the gaming community braces for this transition, let’s delve into the details and implications of this decision.

The Xbox 360 Store has been a central platform for Xbox 360 console owners to acquire a diverse range of digital content, including games, downloadable content (DLC), avatars, and more. However, Microsoft’s decision to shutter the store is a strategic move aligned with the company’s evolving vision for gaming and digital entertainment.

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Starting from the specified date, Xbox 360 owners will no longer have the option to purchase new games, DLC, or other digital content directly from the store. This marks a significant shift in how gamers will access new titles and additional content for their consoles. The closure of the Store also includes the discontinuation of the Marketplace, where users could find avatars and a variety of games.

Related: Xbox icon Larry “Major Nelson” Hryb bids farewell to Microsoft after 20 years

What will happen to existing owners of Xbox 360 games?

Microsoft to close Xbox 360 Store in July 2024
Image via Destructoid

Existing owners of digital Xbox 360 games need not worry, as these titles will remain playable. However, the ability to expand their gaming library with new purchases will no longer be available via the Xbox 360 Store. Microsoft is keen to emphasize that this move will not affect the capacity to play online multiplayer games or transfer games between different 360 consoles, as these crucial services will remain operational even after the store’s closure.

Furthermore, Microsoft is making another change that impacts the entertainment aspect of the Xbox 360 experience. The Movies & TV app, which enabled users to access television shows and movies on their 360 consoles, will also be removed in conjunction with the store’s shutdown. After July 29th, 2024, users will no longer be able to view TV and movie content through this app.

While the closure of the Xbox 360 Store may seem like a loss, Microsoft is concurrently opening new avenues for gamers to continue their Xbox 360 experiences. Backward-compatible Xbox 360 games, as well as Original Xbox games and DLC, will still be accessible through other channels. Xbox One, Series X|S, and Xbox.com will serve as the platforms through which gamers can continue to purchase these titles.

Microsoft’s decision to shut down the Xbox 360 Store on July 29th, 2024, marks a turning point in the history of gaming. As gamers bid farewell to a platform that has played a significant role in their gaming journeys, they also anticipate the exciting possibilities that lie ahead in the world of Xbox gaming.

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