Diehard Xbox fans will be disappointed to hear that the Xbox 360 digital storefront is closing down on July 29. Arguably the first console (alongside the PS3) to really popularise digital-only game downloads, the 360 was at the forefront of online gaming for that particular console generation. I have fond memories of Microsoft’s annual Summer of Arcade event, which ushered in the likes of Braid, Trials HD, Shadow Complex and my personal favourite, Hydro Thunder Hurricane. If you’re looking for some Xbox 360 Store game recommendations, then YouTube personality MetalJesusRocks has released a fantastic video outlining some of his favourites. It’s well worth checking out if you want to purchase some games before the Xbox 360 storefront shuts down at the end of the month.
To celebrate the Xbox 360, Microsoft has given fans the chance to download a nostalgic bonus for their Xbox Series X and S consoles.
Available free of charge, Xbox Series X and S users can redeem the Xbox 360 Blades dynamic background for their consoles.
The free Blades dynamic background transforms your Xbox Series dashboard into something reminiscent of the classic 360 dashboard.
If you want to download the Blades background, head to the Profile menu, then select System, Settings, General, Personalisation, My Background and Dynamic Backgrounds. Simply select the Dynamic Blades background to install to your console.
As somebody who spent many hours playing the Xbox 360 (and even getting the Red Rings of Death more than once), it’s a neat feature that almost makes me sad for days gone by.
You can check out the dynamic background for yourself by watching the video below.
It’s a rare bit of good news for Xbox fans, especially after Microsoft’s recent announcement that Game Pass subscriptions would be increasing in price.
The price of Xbox Game Pass Core (which grants access to a small library of games, as well as online multiplayer) will increase from £49.99 to £55.99 for an annual membership.
Likewise, the price of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will jump from £12.99 a month to £14.99 a month.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers will continue to get the same benefits as before, including day-one first-party releases, member discounts, Cloud Gaming, EA Play, online multiplayer and access to “specific entries to the Game Pass Ultimate library”.
Sadly, however, regular Xbox Game Pass console subscriptions have been scrapped, and will be replaced by a new tier called Xbox Game Pass Standard.
Unfortunately, this won’t include access to first-party games on the day of launch, although you will get online multiplayer functionality.