Xbox gamers warned they have until 29 July to say goodbye to a beloved feature

Alas, the end of an era is almost upon us. After two decades in operation, Microsoft will close the Xbox 360 Store and Marketplace on 29 July.

Time certainly does fly. Who else remembers rushing out to buy an Xbox 360 in November of 2005? It’s hard to believe that was almost 20 years ago.

Between Gears of War 2, Halo 3, Fable 2, and Forza Motorsport 3, it was arguably Xbox’s most iconic era.

Of course, those four titles are far from being the Xbox 360’s only bangers. Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts and Viva Piñata were my own personal favourites, and I’m sure you’re yelling yours at the screen right now.

While you may have journeyed to Game or GameStop to pick up a physical copy of the console’s latest release, many of us will also have turned to the Xbox 360 Store - in fact, it’s still very much still in use today.

The end is nigh though as on 29 July, in less than three months time, Microsoft will close the store alongside the Xbox 360 Marketplace meaning you’re running out of time to pick up some last minute bargains.

Microsoft is currently working on a reboot of Fable. Take a look at its trailer below.

As much as it pains me to say it, the Xbox 360 is now a retro console and with the Xbox 360 Store closing, game prices are only going to soar so it’s well worth picking up a few digital games if you can.

Of course, if you’re anything like me, you may prefer to own a physical copy but if that’s not immediately possible, a digital copy is recommended.

I need only direct your attention towards the closure of the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U eShops, with many major game titles now having drastically risen in price.

Those nifty few who secured digital copies in the last few days of those eShops are the ones laughing now.

As for exactly what’s changing for Xbox 360 users, consumers will no longer be able to purchase new games, DLC or other content from the Xbox 360 Store and Marketplace, with the Movies & TV app also disappearing.

“TV and movie content will no longer be viewable on your Xbox 360,” Microsoft wrote.

The good news, however, is that you will still be able to enjoy your Xbox 360 games and DLC on the console, with most titles available on the Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S too via backwards compatibility.

Multiplayer functionalities also remain working, so it’s not the end of the Xbox 360, simply its store. Still, it’s a blow if you’re used to regularly picking up games via that avenue.

You’ve been warned. You have until 29 July to satisfy all of your shopping needs.

Topics: Xbox, Microsoft