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.
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through those links. This comes at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Christian Cawley is a writer and editor who covers consumer electronics, IT, and entertainment media. He has written for publications such as Computer Weekly, Linux Format, MakeUseOf.com, and Tech Radar.
He also produces podcasts, has a cigar box guitar, and of course, loves retro gaming.