The Xbox 360 marketplace is officially shut down after 19 years of successful run in the gaming market. The marketplace was officially dismantled on July 29, 2024, and this made a lot of fans sad as they had to say goodbye to their childhood memories associated with the console as well.
However, the news did not get as much hate as Sony’s PlayStation 3 store, and many fans are calling out the gaming community for being hypocrites due to this.
Xbox 360 Is Now Officially Dead
Xbox 360 was carried off the marketplace like a martyr, as opposed to PlayStation’s crucifixion back in 2016. Xbox 360’s departure was characterized as being biased and unfair because fans did not raise any fingers about the decision.
It is also true that fans will have to say goodbye to many games that are not backward compatible with other Xbox consoles, and only a few remain that can still be downloaded and purchased from the market.
Pardon me, but wasn't PlayStation crucified when they tried to take down the PS3 store? I'm not seeing the same reaction here. What gives?
— Em (@E4xtream) July 29, 2024
No, genuinely asking. https://t.co/1lZ0HTZtD4
However, backward compatibility of games with Xbox 360 is a huge reason why fans have not shown the same backlash as they did with PlayStation and also because Xbox 360 managed to run for 19 years without fail.
Nevertheless, there has indeed been bias in the actions of fans, and that is not fair, as both of them should be seen as equals as they both managed to provide players with a great gaming experience throughout their lifespan.
Many fans were of the opinion that PlayStation’s farewell was not well received and that it deserved a better ending.
To all those speaking about backwards compatibility. First, only about a quarter of the 360 library is supported by modern hardware on Xbox.
— Em (@E4xtream) July 30, 2024
Second, a store has nothing to do with back compat. A store is about buying new games. Back compat is about playing those you bought. pic.twitter.com/dKmOuRoVnO
Another user said:
Do t nobody play that garbage but a few holdovers
— GhostInaShell55 (@GhostinaGarage) July 29, 2024
The backward compatibility of games was the strongest point that was put forth in the debate. Fans have claimed that most of the games are still available in stores with backward compatibility, whereas Sony wanted to completely delist all PS3 games to make room for new ones.
Not Every Xbox 360 Title Manages to Survive
Xbox 360 indeed offers backward compatibility for a lot of games, but it is still not enough, as they too failed to deliver the same for some of the most beloved games that people wanted to stay alive for longer.
The shutdown of the marketplace not only means the death of the console but also of a long list of video games and add-ons that were exclusive to the digital storefront that have become impossible to buy now.
Some of these games include The Dishwasher: Dead Samurai, Death Tank, and Project Sylpheed, among many others. You can, however, still download previously owned titles and backward-compatible games on the Series X and S storefronts.
You can still play online on Xbox 360, but fans will still have to say goodbye to many games that were not backward-compatible, as well as some Xbox 360-era avatars, icons, and themes forever.
What are your thoughts as Xbox 360 store is now closed? Let us know in the comments!
