Last chance: Xbox 360 Marketplace closing tomorrow forever

With the Xbox 360 Marketplace set to close its doors tomorrow, gamers have a limited time to make their final purchases before the digital storefront is gone for good. This move, announced last year by Microsoft, follows similar closures of the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS eShops. The shutdown will result in over 220 digital Xbox 360 games no longer being available for purchase through official channels, posing a significant issue for game preservationists. While Microsoft's efforts in backward compatibility have been commendable, not all Xbox 360 titles are accessible on newer consoles like the Xbox Series X/S. Resourceful gamers can take advantage of ongoing sales, some with discounts of up to 90%, to grab remaining titles before the deadline.

Gamers should make any last-minute purchases of digital Xbox 360 games and downloadable content they want to retain access to, as these will no longer be available through official channels after the marketplace shutdown.

The Xbox 360 played a pivotal role in the evolution of the gaming industry, especially in fostering the modern indie game movement. Titles like "Braid," "Castle Crashers," and "Super Meat Boy" gained significant popularity and critical acclaim thanks to the platform's support for indie developers. The console's vast library and its impact on gaming culture make the closure of its marketplace particularly poignant for fans and historians alike.