Over the past two decades, the game console market has changed significantly. One of the most notable changes in console gaming has been the emergence of online marketplaces such as the Xbox 360 Store. Today, after 18 years of existence, the Xbox 360 Store and Xbox 360 Marketplace will be closing for good. Users will no longer be able to purchase games, content or watch videos. Previously purchased games will still be available.
Image source: all-digital.com
For all fans of the console, ten days before the closure, Microsoft updated the free dynamic background of the trading platform, inspired by the user interface of the console. The company showed it off in a post on social media platform X, saying that Xbox Series X and S owners can “enjoy sweet nostalgia” through the new dynamic background of the Xbox 360 Blades.
Image source: Microsoft
In February 2023, Microsoft has already significantly reduced the assortment of the Xbox 360 Marketplace digital store. Then Microsoft announced the imminent closure of the Xbox 360 Marketplace, but then took back its words. And today the store and trading platform will be permanently closed.
Over the past two weeks, Microsoft has been running a huge sale on old games at rock-bottom prices, down to $1 per game. For example, Resident Evil 4 cost $1.99, Strider cost $1.49, The Evil Within cost $2.99, Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell Chaos Theory cost $2.99, and Dead Island cost $0.74. We’ve previously advised you to consider purchasing some of these classics before the store closes for good.
Users will still be able to re-download previously purchased games that they have deleted from their console. Online support for multiplayer games will also continue as long as the corresponding online server is supported.
Image source: X
The closure of the Xbox 360 Store and Xbox 360 Marketplace inevitably reminds us of the times when games were distributed only on physical media. And only damage to the cartridge or disk could become an obstacle to a nostalgic battle in one of the gaming blockbusters of yesteryear.