Microsoft gave the Xbox 360 an unexpected software update 20 years after it’s launch. Here’s what happened.
Microsoft Closes the Xbox 360 Store July 2024
Last year when Microsoft closed the Xbox 360 store hundreds of games and DLC packs were delisted. Because of this, the dashboard they had in place for the older console was pretty barren without the store tiles and there was also an issue with the cover art for titles which just made this once new and exciting first party console seem like an aftermarket knock off.
New Update Brings Updated Graphics and Xbox Ads
Now, almost a year later, Microsoft surprised players with a new update which replaced the empty space with ads for its latest gen hardware. They also fixed the issue with the game tiles, so it looked less wonky. One of the tiles includes a QR code which just takes you to the Xbox website to shop for its latest lineup. I’m assuming this was mostly so they could have something more evergreen rather than a dedicated landing page they would continually need to manage or update.
The End of Xbox 360 Support
Aside from aesthetics, though it looks like everything else has been left untouched. The 360 stopped getting regular updates around the end of 2019 so while owners of this console may bask in the refreshed coat of paint this may very likely be the last time Microsoft gives any kind of love to this now ancient piece of hardware. I’d love to show you guys firsthand what it looks like buuuut mine Red Ringed a looooong time ago.