Microsoft is ceasing production of the Xbox 360, according to a new blog post from the company’s gaming boss Phil Spencer. You’ll still see the Xbox 360 in stores while Microsoft sells the remainder of its stock, but it does not plan to manufacture any more. This console was the company’s breakout hit in the United States, and it provided the market ( and especially Sony ) with serious competition that went on to shape what gamers expected from the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Microsoft’s older system also introduced a suite of online features and multimedia support that the industry now considers standard. Most important, the 360 helped maintain the importance of consoles in the $99.3 billion gaming industry through 2013.
What this really signifies is that Microsoft is now selling only one device that is primarily built for games. The Xbox One debuted in 2013, and it has sold well — although it has fallen significantly behind the PlayStation 4 in worldwide sales. At the same time, Spencer is overseeing an expansion of the Xbox brand to Windows 10, and ending 360 production is part of tightening that focus on this new strategy.
“Production of the Xbox 360 may be ending, but Microsoft has committed to continuing to support the system for the foreseeable future. This will include:
Xbox 360 owners will continue to receive Xbox Live services for their console, such as online multiplayer gaming and parties, access to the apps they use today, and Games with Gold and Deals with Gold.
Xbox Live servers that support Xbox 360 services will also remain online and active. Our Xbox 360 fans can continue to play their favorite games with the full support of Xbox Live.
Gamers will also be able to continue to buy over 4,000 Xbox 360 games or Xbox 360 accessories at retail and through our Xbox 360 store online, while supplies last.
Any Xbox 360 hardware will still be supported at xbox.com/support.
And Xbox One owners will be able to continue to enjoy available Xbox 360 games through Xbox One Backward Compatibility – at no additional cost.”
More info at – Source
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