Microsoft will permanently close the Xbox 360 online store on July 29, 2024, ending the ability to purchase games, downloadable content and other items through the console’s Xbox 360 Store and Marketplace.
Customers who have already bought digital games will still be able to download and play them after the store shuts down. Microsoft says all previously purchased titles will remain available for download, giving users until late July 2024 to buy any digital-only or console-locked releases they still want.
Online multiplayer and cloud saves
Microsoft states that multiplayer for Xbox 360 games will continue to work only if the game’s publisher continues to support online servers. In other words, online play depends on third-party or publisher-operated server availability rather than the storefront’s status.
The company also notes that Xbox 360 game progress can be saved to the cloud, allowing players to continue their progress on newer hardware such as Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.
Movies & TV app removed from Xbox 360
Microsoft will remove the Movies & TV app from the Xbox 360, which means users will no longer be able to watch films purchased on the 360 using that console. However, purchased video content will remain accessible through the Microsoft Movies & TV app on devices running Windows 10 or later and on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.
Microsoft stops making new Xbox One exclusive titles
Matt Booty, head of Xbox Game Studios, told Axios that Microsoft has stopped developing new first-party games specifically for the previous-generation Xbox One. According to Booty, the company has moved on to the current generation—what he referred to as “generation 9” (Xbox Series S and X).
Despite ceasing new Xbox One exclusives, Microsoft plans to continue supporting online services for some previous-generation games, such as Halo Infinite, and provide access to new releases via cloud streaming. Booty said Xbox Cloud Gaming will be the means to “maintain support” for players on older hardware.
What users should know and next steps
- Store closure date: July 29, 2024.
- Purchases: Games and DLC bought before that date remain downloadable.
- Multiplayer: Online play persists only if the game’s publisher continues server support.
- Cloud saves: Progress can be moved to cloud saves for play on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.
- Video content: Movies and TV purchases will no longer be viewable on the Xbox 360 app but remain accessible on Windows 10+ and current Xbox consoles.
