The Xbox 360 Marketplace, launched in November 2005 alongside the Xbox 360 console, is closing its virtual doors on July 29, 2024. For nearly two decades, this platform served as a digital hub for gamers, offering a wide array of games, add-ons, and exclusive content.
Xbox 360 Marketplace shuts down
The shutdown means that many games and downloadable content (DLC) exclusive to this marketplace will no longer be available for purchase. While users can still redownload previously owned titles and DLCs, new purchases are no longer possible via Xbox 360 Marketplace.
Here’s a list of some games that will no longer be available for purchase:
- Aegis Wing
- Meteos Wars
- Crimson Alliance
- The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai
- Death Tank
- Diabolical Pitch
- Kinect Party
Many fans and industry figures have taken to social media to share their memories of the platform following the official announcement from Microsoft.
Larry ‘Major Nelson’ Hryb, a former Microsoft employee who became synonymous with Xbox updates, expressed his appreciation for the community’s engagement over the years.
Almost 19 years on, all good things must come to an end. We are in the final 24 hours (or so) of the Xbox 360 Marketplace.
It was my pleasure sharing all the thousands of marketplace sales and updates I’ve given over the years.
Thank for having fun, playing fair and filing…
— Larry Hryb, Gamer Emeritus 📱⌨️🖱️🎮 (@majornelson) July 28, 2024
What remains accessible?
The closure has reignited discussions about digital preservation in gaming. Some developers, like Double Fine, have taken steps to make their games freely available before the shutdown.
However, many titles, especially those reliant on specific hardware like Kinect, will be lost to time.
Despite the closure, some features remain:
- Redownloading of previously owned titles and DLCs
- Purchase of backwards compatible games on Xbox One and Series consoles
- Online play for Xbox 360 games
However, Xbox 360-specific content such as avatars, icons, and themes will no longer be accessible.
Featured image credit: Xbox
