No matter which side of the frivolous console war you reside on, there’s no disputing that Microsoft knocked things out of the park last-generation with the Xbox 360. The console that firmly established the software giant as a player in the console space, the Xbox 360 brought about its own share of revolutionary ideas, top of the class performance in online gaming and a generally exceptional experience for customers. And after more than 10 years in production, Microsoft is bidding farewell.
Xbox Head Phil Spencer announced yesterday that Microsoft would not continue producing the Xbox 360, which has itself gone through several form factor iterations over the year. Spencer acknowledged the success the Xbox 360 enjoyed, will praising how the console impacted the way Microsoft approached gaming over the past decade.
The Xbox 360 helped redefine an entire generation of gaming at Microsoft. I am incredibly proud of all of the work and dedication that went into development of the Xbox 360 hardware, services and games portfolio over the last decade. And I’m grateful to the fans for their continued passion and support.
Spencer also made special mention of Xbox Live, which redefined the way online gaming worked in the console space from the moment the Xbox 360 launched. This, along with services like Xbox Live Arcade and the many franchise the console kickstarted, will ensure that its legacy is not easily forgotten.
Thanks to the Xbox 360, we evolved Xbox Live from the original Xbox into the thriving online gaming community it is today. And the console became a beloved gaming and entertainment hub with over 78 billion gaming hours played, nearly 486 billion Gamerscore on 27 billion achievements and over 25 billion hours spent in apps over its lifetime.
And while production on the console will come to a halt, Spencer made it clear that support for it won’t just yet. All online service will continue to run as normal, and updates will still be deployed for the many millions not ready to say goodbye just yet. But Microsoft is firmly focused on the Xbox One now, which isn’t too terrible considering you can play a growing number of Xbox 360 titles on the new console.
But it’s always a little sad to see such an exemplary piece of hardware go. I remember importing my own Xbox 360 into the country well before it became available here, right after owning the original Xbox through the same means. The 360 is a console I’ve probably shared most of my gaming memories with, and I thank Microsoft for all the work they put into it.
Last Updated: April 21, 2016
Her Highness the Hipster
April 21, 2016 at 07:48
You imported your Xbox and 360? Did you manage to blow those power supplies, too? #NeverForget
Captain JJ vs ..............
April 21, 2016 at 07:55
I had this happen to me. Went ape for a few seconds until I realised the smell was from the power supply and not the unit itself. 🙂
Captain JJ vs ..............
April 21, 2016 at 07:54
So they’ve red ringed it?
konfab
April 21, 2016 at 08:32
I was just about to say that.
Geoffrey Tim
April 21, 2016 at 08:05
The 360 is probably my favourite console ever. Great games, a great online service, an amazing community that’s helped forge friendship that carry through today. And then Kinect happened.
Fox1 - Retro
April 21, 2016 at 15:51
All was fine until you mentioned Kinect :/
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
April 21, 2016 at 08:08
*sniff* I never did get a chance to partake in that amazing online experience. Fortunately big brother is BC compatible
Loftus
April 21, 2016 at 08:23
I fully agree the so called console war is frivolous, there should be no console war. As a gamer this is sad news, having not played on the 360 there were many titles i was envious of not playing.
iusedtobe(a)regular
April 21, 2016 at 08:39
Console war is a funny (haha funny) thing, people are getting really caught up in it. I saw this hilarious thing where a guy (probably a kid) actually wrote that he does not “condone the console war” as if its a real war. It is fun though, to argue and see your product of choice come out on top.
Loftus
April 21, 2016 at 08:51
As a gamer the “war” shouldn’t matter, the only casualty those who are left out because of exclusivity.
Captain JJ vs ..............
April 21, 2016 at 09:14
The only war should be against unfinished games being released.
Loftus
April 21, 2016 at 09:23
Damn straight buddy!
Pieter Kruger
April 21, 2016 at 08:27
An emotional day, but time to lay the legend to rest…..Goodbye old friend!
Gareth Runnalls
April 21, 2016 at 08:59
Tarryn and I were just discussing putting her 360 out to pasture last night. I loved my 360, and when we can no longer get them, I will miss it, even though I no longer need it. R.I.P buddy, who introduced me to my wife.
Avithar
April 21, 2016 at 09:29
Ms should start bringing more games to the xbox 1 from the 360 generation.
Gareth Lagesse (eXCheez)
April 21, 2016 at 14:11
Start?
Avithar
April 25, 2016 at 10:08
I say start cause there is many great titles i feel should be on the current list
Darren Peach
April 21, 2016 at 09:29
Fond memories of ze 360. Gears, Project Gotham, Forza, That game with Mechs and snow, More Gears. Thanks for all the good times.
Fox1 - Retro
April 21, 2016 at 15:52
Lost Planet is that game you speaks off.
Admiral Chief in New York
April 21, 2016 at 09:41
Final RRoD
Gareth Lagesse (eXCheez)
April 21, 2016 at 14:12
So we can expect a XBone price drop soon, then?
Fox1 - Retro
April 21, 2016 at 15:53
The first console I’ve ever owned and the best games I’ve ever played with the best friends I’ve ever made from the 360 community.
Grant Hinds
April 22, 2016 at 00:26
What?! Noooo… 🙁