While Microsoft announced that it wants to pioneer the protection of video games in April 2024, the American manufacturer is increasing its contradictory actions…
As a matter of fact, as you know, the Redmond company confirmed last year that it would close its Xbox 360 store and marketplace as of July 29, 2024. In this article, we will try to answer your questions on this subject. the future of your previously purchased Xbox 360 and Original Xbox games, your Microsoft Movies & TV content, even online gaming and backward compatibility.
What content will be inaccessible after the closure?
What does the closure of the Xbox 360 store and related marketplace mean for gamers? In short, users From July 29, 2024 you will no longer be able to purchase the following list of products :
- original Xbox 360 and Xbox games
- Add-ons like DLC
- Avatar icons
- applications
- game images
- Game trailers
- videos
- Movies and series via the Microsoft Movies & TV app
As Microsoft states, Players will no longer be able to pay to change their Gamertag on Xbox 360You can even extend Xbox Game Pass Core subscriptions through the console store. To do this, you’ll need to go to xbox.com or Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S.
Do we need to re-download everything before closing the 360 store?
According to Microsoft, you won’t need to join a busy session to get plenty of downloads. Players will be able to continue playing their games on disc And reload previous topics Purchased in digital format on their Xbox 360. To do this, simply follow this procedure:
- see you later settings Select Account from the console
- Then click Download history
- Browse through the list of available content and select the game you want before confirming your order Download again
Note that this procedure applies if you want to transfer your games to a new Xbox 360 (provided you connect with the same Gamertag)
What will happen to your account balance or gift cards?
This is a question many gamers who are accustomed to funding their Xbox accounts through gift cards or credit cards may ask.
As Microsoft confirmed its support, Your account balance is tied to your Microsoft account. This means that it won’t be lost when the Xbox 360 store closes, and you can use it on microsoft.com or on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S. Regarding the exchangeable gift cards, They can still be added to your account on the redeem.microsoft.com website.
For example, regarding codes to download a game or DLC, It must be changed before July 29, 2024.. After this date only disabled.
What are the consequences of purchasing movies/TV series and applications?
As for apps, you’ll still be able to use them, provided you’ve already downloaded them to your machine (and the developer keeps the app active), but after July 29 No apps are available for download on Xbox 360.
Regarding movies and series purchased from Films et TV, please note that: You will no longer be able to read or obtain them on Xbox 360. The Microsoft Film and TV app will also rightfully close its doors on the console on this date. On the other hand, know this The app remains available on Windows devices (Windows 10 or later), Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. You’ll have access to all your content on these media.
Will we be able to continue playing online?
Microsoft is categorical on this point. The closure of the Xbox 360 store will not affect the console’s multiplayer services. In other words, You will be able to continue playing your downloaded games or disc games online.But remember that server maintenance is at the discretion of the publishers of your favorite games.
What about backwards compatibility?
We shouldn’t fool ourselves. Although Microsoft presents itself as a player in the protection of games, Xbox 360 store closure will mark the complete disappearance of hundreds of games. Or rather, around 220 games would have disappeared due to the lack of physical versions. Among them are small nuggets from 360 Bastion, Burnout Crash!, Child of Light, FezMany games and even the first ones compatible with the Kinect camera Life is strange And Ninja symbol.
Microsoft confirmed thisdid not intend to re-enable backwards compatibility support For games that will disappear after being closed. In other words, don’t expect to find them in the list of backwards compatible games that will be accessible later on Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S…
