Microsoft has announced that production of the Xbox 360 has ceased but also noted that the company would continue to support that console for the foreseeable future.
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“Xbox 360 means a lot to everyone in Microsoft. And while we’ve had an amazing run, the realities of manufacturing a product over a decade old are starting to creep up on us. Which is why we have made the decision to stop manufacturing new Xbox 360 consoles. We will continue to sell existing inventory of Xbox 360 consoles, with availability varying by country”, Phil Spencer, head of Xbox stated.
The Xbox 360 launched on November 22, 2005 and helped define a generation of gaming for Microsoft and the console turned 10 years old last November. “We know that many of you became gamers on Xbox 360 and are still active, so it’s important to us that while the overall Xbox gaming experience will evolve and grow, we will continue to support the platform you love in multiple ways”, says Phil Spencer.
This is how the company plans continued support for the Xbox 360 for the foreseeable future:
- Xbox 360 owners will continue to receive Xbox Live services for their console, such as online multiplayer gaming and parties, access to the apps they use today, and Games with Gold and Deals with Gold.
- Xbox Live servers that support Xbox 360 services will also remain online and active. Our Xbox 360 fans can continue to play their favorite games with the full support of Xbox Live.
- Gamers will also be able to continue to buy over 4,000 Xbox 360 games or Xbox 360 accessories at retail and through our Xbox 360 store online, while supplies last.
- Any Xbox 360 hardware will still be supported at xbox.com/support.
- And Xbox One owners will be able to continue to enjoy available Xbox 360 games through Xbox One Backward Compatibility – at no additional cost.
Phil Spencer also mentioned the Microsoft will share more plans for Xbox One, and Windows 10 and beyond over then next few weeks and months. For the full announcement be sure to head over to Xbox Wire.
