Xbox fans bid farewell to 360 marketplace after 19 years

The Xbox 360 Marketplace, a cherished virtual storefront that debuted in November 2005, officially shuts down today, July 29, 2024. This closure marks the end of an era for many gamers who grew up with the Xbox 360, making a wide array of games and add-ons exclusively available through this platform impossible to purchase moving forward. Notable titles affected by this shutdown include Aegis Wing, Meteos Wars, and Crimson Alliance. Microsoft's Larry 'Major Nelson' Hryb, a familiar face for Xbox updates, shared his nostalgic thoughts on social media, acknowledging the platform's significant impact over the last 19 years. While games previously owned and those available through backward compatibility can still be downloaded and played, content unique to the Xbox 360 era will be lost forever. Developers like Double Fine have issued warnings for players to download their purchased content before it's gone, emphasizing concerns from digital preservation advocates.

Even though the Xbox 360 Marketplace is closing, you can still redownload previously purchased games and DLCs. Additionally, you can buy backward-compatible games on the Xbox One and Series storefronts. However, games that are not supported on newer platforms and Xbox 360-era content such as avatars, icons, and themes will no longer be available for purchase or download.

The Xbox 360 was a flagship console for Microsoft, cementing its place in gaming history with its extensive library and significant impact on online gaming and digital sales. Key titles launched on the platform transformed both casual and hardcore gaming experiences. As players bid farewell to the Xbox 360 Marketplace, they cherish the fond memories and experiences it provided, making it a pivotal piece of gaming nostalgia.