Xbox 360 Store: 200+ games disappear forever today
The digital chapter of the Xbox 360 is coming to an end: Microsoft is closing the Xbox Store after almost two decades. For gamers, this means the end of an era – but also the last chance to secure digital treasures. What options are left for the community now? Today, July 29, 2024, Microsoft will finally close the digital marketplace for the Xbox 360. After almost 19 years, the era of the first digital console store is coming to an end. For many gamers, this is not only a nostalgic moment, but also has tangible consequences.
The pioneer of digital console trading
The Xbox 360 Store, which launched in 2005 under the name “Xbox Live Marketplace,” was way ahead of its time. It allowed users to download games, expansion packs (DLCs) and other digital content to their consoles – a concept that seems obvious today, but was revolutionary at the time. An interesting side note: Until fall 2013, Microsoft used its own currency system called “Microsoft Points” for the store. Players could also purchase these points via PayPal or credit cards – a clever strategy to allow users without a credit card access to the market.
Impact on players
With the closure of the store, there are some changes for Xbox 360 owners:
- No new purchases: Effective immediately, no new games, DLCs or other content can be purchased through the Xbox 360 Store.
- Existing library remains intact: Content already purchased can still be downloaded and used.
- Multiplayer and cloud saves: According to Microsoft, these features will remain for the time being.
- Movies and TV content: These can no longer be played on the Xbox 360, but are still available on newer Xbox consoles and Windows PCs.
Players who only own an Xbox 360 are particularly affected. For them, the end of the store means that over 200 games can no longer be purchased. These include many indie titles and smaller productions that were distributed exclusively digitally and may now disappear forever.
The last sale
Microsoft launched a major discount campaign in the last few weeks before the store closure. Over 150 games that are not backwards compatible were offered with discounts of up to 90 percent. This campaign offered gamers the last opportunity to expand their digital collection and secure titles that may never be officially available again. For collectors and enthusiasts, the store closure could increase the value of physical Xbox 360 games, especially for titles that are not available on newer consoles. Infographic Video games: Downloads clearly beat physical discs
The Xbox 360: A look back
The closure of the store marks the end of a significant era in gaming history. The Xbox 360, which was produced from 2005 to 2016, was not only Microsoft’s most successful console, but also a milestone in the gaming industry:
- Over 84 million units sold worldwide
- More than 78 billion hours of gameplay were spent on the console
- 25 billion hours of application usage, mainly for movies and videos
The Xbox 360 introduced many innovations that are now standard, such as achievement systems and deep integration of online services. It was also the first console to offer streaming services such as Netflix.
View in the future
Although the store is now closed, this does not mean the complete end of the Xbox 360. Microsoft has assured that existing services such as cloud storage and multiplayer functions will continue to be supported for the time being. However, it remains unclear how long this support will last. Mattel recently unveiled a replica of the Xbox 360 console Many Xbox 360 games can also be played on newer Xbox consoles thanks to backwards compatibility.
Microsoft has put a lot of work into this feature in recent years to preserve the legacy of the Xbox 360. Nevertheless, some titles remain playable exclusively on the old hardware. With the closure of the Xbox 360 store, a piece of gaming history is undoubtedly coming to an end. It reminds us how quickly technology is evolving and how important it is to preserve digital content.
At the same time, it marks a turning point in the way we buy and consume games – from physical media to digital downloads to modern streaming services. Did you buy any games at the last minute or maybe you still own a working Xbox 360? Share your experiences and memories of this legendary console with us in the comments.
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