Microsoft has unveiled its plans to shutter the Xbox 360 store, marking the end of an era for the iconic gaming console.

As of July 29, 2024, users will no longer have the ability to purchase games, expansions, or any other content through the Xbox 360 console or Marketplace. However, any backward-compatible original Xbox or Xbox 360 games and DLC can still be acquired via the newer consoles’ storefronts.

The impending closure also extends to the Microsoft Movies & TV app on the Xbox 360 console. After the same date, users will be unable to use the app for watching TV shows and films. Content already purchased from the Xbox 360 store will remain accessible in user libraries and can be enjoyed on Windows 10 and 11 devices, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Additionally, titles with Movies Anywhere compatibility can be accessed through that service’s app and website, IANS reported from San Francisco.

While Xbox 360 games and content can still be purchased through the console’s storefront until July 2024, the announcement has raised concerns over game preservation. This decision will impact digital-only games and limit players’ ability to acquire them after the store’s closure.

It’s noteworthy that the Xbox 360, which celebrates its 18th anniversary this year, has not seen any new game releases in approximately five years. The move to close the store may align with Microsoft’s strategic direction, but it does raise questions about the preservation of digital gaming history.

Microsoft has assured users that games in their libraries will continue to function on the Xbox 360 post-store closure. Additionally, many of these titles will be available for play on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S through backward compatibility. Several Xbox 360 games have also received enhancements on the newer consoles, such as FPS Boost, Auto HDR, and improved loading times.

Multiplayer features on Xbox 360 games will persist if publishers and developers keep their game servers operational. Players will also have the option to save their game progress to the cloud, allowing them to seamlessly resume their gaming sessions on Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S.

The decision to close the Xbox 360 store follows a trend in the gaming industry where legacy systems’ digital stores are being phased out. While Microsoft’s move aligns with the evolving gaming landscape, concerns about game preservation continue to be a point of discussion among gaming communities. Notably, Sony’s plans to close PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita stores in 2021 were met with backlash, ultimately leading to a reconsideration of the decision.

In an era where digital distribution is dominant, the closure of digital storefronts raises pertinent questions about the preservation of gaming history and the availability of classic titles to future generations.