Microsoft announces upcoming closure of Xbox 360 store

Microsoft has just announced that the Xbox 360 Store will close next year, but confirms that you'll still be able to play any purchased Xbox 360 games or DLC.

Heidi Nicholas

Published 17 Aug 2023

The Xbox 360 Store will close next year, with Microsoft confirming, "on July 29, 2024, Xbox will stop supporting 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 Xbox 360 Store will close on July 29, 2024

"This November will mark 18 years since Xbox 360 launched. It was a generation-defining console that invited many to jump into gaming for the first time and connect with friends around the world," says CVP of Xbox player services Dave McCarthy. "Over the years, we’ve heard stories of players who found a lifelong love of games, starting with the likes of Kameo, Gears of War, Fable 2, and other Xbox 360 classics. We’re thrilled so many fans keep playing their favorite Xbox 360 games on Xbox 360, or on newer consoles via Backward Compatibility."

The announcement confirms that you won't be able to buy "new games, DLC, and other entertainment content" from the Xbox 360 Store and Xbox 360 Marketplace from July 29 2024, but you can continue making purchases until then.

McCarthy emphasizes that you'll still be able to play any Xbox 360 games or DLC you've already purchased after the date of the store closure and that you'll be able to re-download any purchased games that you've deleted adding, "Xbox 360 game content previously purchased will still be available to play, not only the Xbox 360 console but also Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S devices via backward compatibility."

The announcement also reiterates that after July 29, 2024, you'll still "be able to purchase hundreds of great backward-compatible Xbox 360 and Original Xbox games and DLC on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox.com" — we have a list of all the Xbox 360 games that appear to not be backwards compatible. You'll also still be able to play with multiplayer on any of your purchased games as long as the online servers are still up, and can move your cloud saves over to Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S.

After that date, you won't be able to use the Microsoft Movies & TV app on Xbox 360, "which means TV and movie content will no longer be viewable on your Xbox 360 after July 29th, 2024" — you can instead view anything you've purchased on Xbox 360 on the Microsoft Movies & TV app for Windows devices running Windows 10 or later, as well as Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.

"A lot has changed since the Xbox 360 launched in 2005. 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, McCarthy explains. "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."

Xbox 360

Written by Heidi Nicholas

Heidi tends to lean towards indie games, RPGs, and open-world games on Xbox, and when not playing Disney Dreamlight Valley, happily installs every new wholesome game that appears on Xbox Game Pass, before diving back into favorites like The Witcher 3. She's looking forward to Age of Mythology Retold, Everwild, Fable, and Avowed on the Xbox horizon. Heidi graduated with an MA in English Literature before joining the TrueAchievements team.