Just as Nintendo has closed the Wii U and 3DS eShops, so the Xbox 360 marketplace must fall into Microsoft’s data shredders. The date for the Xbox 360 Marketplace closure is July 29, 2024.
Released 18 years ago (this November), the Xbox 360 is a genuine retro gaming platform, with over 2000 games in its library. The closure of the Xbox 360 marketplace isn’t intended to end anyone’s gaming enjoyment – many titles remain available to play via Xbox One and Series S/X consoles. Backward compatible titles are unaffected.
Most importantly, Xbox 360 consoles will continue to be able to play games:
Yes, you will still be able to play the games you purchased on Xbox 360. If you purchased the game digitally or have a physical disc, you can still jump in and play. If you’ve deleted a game that you have purchased, but you want to play again, you’ll still be able to re-download it.
Similarly, multiplayer games will continue to work. The Xbox 360 Marketplace closure appears to already be underway, based on the phrasing “As we head toward 2024, we have a change to share about the Xbox 360 experience.”
So, between now and that important July date, Micosoft will be ending the ability to purchase new games, DLC, and other entertainment content from the Xbox 360 Store on the console and the Xbox 360 Marketplace. The Microsoft Movies & TV app will also be discontinued on that date, so TV and movie content will no longer be viewable on your Xbox 360 after that date. However, you can still purchase games and DLC from the Xbox 360 Store and at the Xbox 360 Marketplace until July 29, 2024.
This news comes via an announcement on Microsoft’s official Xbox 360 website.
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Christian Cawley is the founder and editor of GamingRetro.co.uk, a website dedicated to classic and retro gaming. With over 20 years of experience writing for technology and gaming publications, he brings considerable expertise and a lifelong passion for interactive entertainment, particularly games from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras.
Christian has written for leading outlets including TechRadar, Computer Weekly, Linux Format, and MakeUseOf, where he also served as Deputy Editor.
When he’s not exploring vintage consoles or retro PCs, Christian enjoys building with LEGO, playing cigar box guitar, and experimenting in the kitchen.
