Xbox 360 store is officially being closed by Microsoft
The Xbox 360 is a real champion of the gaming space, and though it's easy to think as such when we're all still nostalgic for its battle waged with the PS3, it was an era of vicious Modern Warfare lobbies, the grandest Halo title yet in Halo 3, and the beginning of the console dominion of Minecraft. And we wouldn't have it any other way.
The console is a real powerhouse, and certainly deserved its flowers - but now, sadly, it seems that it's time to say a fond farewell.
The Xbox 360's online store is shutting down, and we're not crying, you're crying
Click to enlargeIn a pretty sad reflection of how far it has been since the Xbox 360 landed on the market, it has been revealed that the shutdown of the Xbox 360's online store is imminent.
"A lot has changed since the Xbox 360 launched in 2005," reads a statement from Microsoft. "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.
"What has not changed is our commitment to preserving your ability to play the content you have already purchased on your preferred device, which means we are committed to supporting Xbox 360 gameplay for the foreseeable future – and you will still be able to play and re-download previously purchased content and connect with friends."
It's incredibly bleak, not only for players but also for video game preservation at large, that stores like this can simply vanish, but it looks as though the Xbox 360's time has come.
When is the Xbox 360 Store shutting down?
Click to enlargeIt has been revealed by Microsoft on the official Xbox website that the store for the Xbox 360 will cease sales of games, DLC and other entertainment on July 29, 2024. The console will also have its movies and TV app deactivated, meaning that all of the content that you've bought for it will be rendered useless.
It's pretty frustrating that the store will be closing and all of its digital movie sales will be practically destroyed, but at least players have the opportunity to download and keep the games that they want in the meantime. Requiescat in pace, our sweet prince.