PSA: Xbox 360 Marketplace Shuts Down Next Week on July 29

Consider this your formal reminder that Microsoft is shutting the Xbox 360 marketplace next week on July 29th. As of next week, players will no longer be able to make purchases on the console.

Last year, Microsoft announced its plans to shutter the Xbox 360 marketplace. Nearly 20 years after the console’s launch, the Xbox 360’s virtual storefront will be laid to rest. Effectively, as of Monday, July 29th, Microsoft will remove the ability to buy new games, add-ons, and other pieces of content. On top of that, Microsoft’s Movies & TV app will also be closed on Xbox 360, disabling purchases.

While Microsoft’s second console may lose its online storefront, not all will be lost. Xbox 360 owners will still be able to access all purchased games and content. As long as purchases have been made to their account, Microsoft supports the content. This also extends to any movies or shows purchased in the Microsoft Movies & TV app. Xbox’s online connectivity is also being supported. Multiplayer games will continue to receive support for the foreseeable future on Xbox 360.

It’s worth noting that Microsoft supports a pretty robust backwards-compatible platform. Countless Xbox 360 games are compatible with Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S. In the name of game preservation, it may be a good idea to snag a few beloved Xbox 360 games to maintain access before the marketplace closes.

During the time of the announcement, Dave McCarthy, CVP of Xbox Player Services, said the reason Microsoft is shuttering the Xbox 360 marketplace was to pivot resources and focus. “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.”

For more information on next week’s Xbox 360 marketplace closure, check out the FAQ on its website.