Last fall, Microsoft issued a software update on the Xbox One’s second birthday that included backward compatibility that allows owners to play some of their old Xbox 360 games on the newer console. With that feature firmly in place, Microsoft announced Wednesday that it will say goodbye to the 10-year-old console.
Microsoft said in a blog post on Wednesday that it has shut down production of the Xbox 360, noting that manufacturing a product that’s a decade old isn’t as feasible as it once was.
“Xbox 360 means a lot to everyone in Microsoft,” Xbox Chief Phil Spencer explained in the post. “Which is why we have made the decision to stop manufacturing new Xbox 360 consoles.”
The company plans to continue to sell existing inventory of the consoles, and will support existing 360s with regard to hardware and software.
For example, Xbox 360 owners will continue to receive Xbox Live services for their console, such as online multiplayer gaming and parties and access to the apps they use today, the company says.
Xbox Live servers that support Xbox 360 services will also remain online and active, so that users can continue to play games online.
Additionally, 360 owners will continue to be able to buy games and accessories at retailers and online.
“I want to personally thank the Xbox community – that includes the vast and diverse audience of gamers, developers and publishers who brought so much passion and creativity to the Xbox 360,” Spencer said. “You are the heart of what we do at TEAM XBOX, and you have been critical to the success of Xbox 360.”
by Ashlee Kieler via Consumerist