Microsoft will end production of the Xbox 360

After 10 years of bringing exciting franchises to its second Xbox console, Microsoft will end production of the Xbox 360 this year.

On Xbox Wire, Phil Spencer mentioned how the console and its games brought the Xbox 360 to the next level of gaming. “Franchises like Gears of War were born on the 360, and established blockbusters like Halo really came into their own during this console generation.”

Though Microsoft is letting gamers play many of their Xbox 360 titles on the Xbox One without the need of a service or add-on, the production of the company’s 10-year-old console cannot last much longer. “Xbox 360 means a lot to everyone in Microsoft. And while we’ve had an amazing run, the realities of manufacturing a product over a decade old are starting to creep up on us. Which is why we have made the decision to stop manufacturing new Xbox 360 consoles. We will continue to sell existing inventory of Xbox 360 consoles, with availability varying by country.”

Fortunately, Microsoft will continue offering services for owners of the Xbox 360, such as Xbox Live, to purchase games and play multiplayer games, along with hardware support, among others.

Thanks, Microsoft, for 10 marvelous years of Xbox 360.

[Q]: How do you feel about the end of production of Xbox 360 consoles?

[Source]: Xbox Wire: Achievement Unlocked: 10 Years – Thank You, Xbox 360.