Goodnight sweet prince.
It’s been over 10 years since Microsoft launched the first ever HD console, the Xbox 360. Since then, it has gone on to sell over 84 million units worldwide, and provide over 78 billion gaming hours played.
It has been an incredible success, but it is now time to move on. Microsoft has announced it will stop manufacturing new Xbox 360 consoles.
Xbox Executive Phil Spencer made the announcement in a press release yesterday. While Microsoft will not be selling new versions of Xbox 360, Spencer made it very clear that the company will continue to support the platform.
Xbox Live services like online play and Games with Gold will continue indefinitely for 360 users. Any additional hardware can be purchased at xbox.com/support, and games will still be available at retail, as well as through Backwards Compatibility for Xbox One.
“The Xbox 360 helped redefine an entire generation of gaming at Microsoft,” Spencer explained. “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.”
The 360 launched a number of iconic game series like Gears of War and Mass Effect. The system redefined how games could be played through the robust online connectivity of Xbox Live. As the gaming industry moves forward with hardware like PS4 and Xbox One, the impact left by this console will remain for years to come.
Thanks, Xbox 360. It was a blast.
