Xbox 360 Physical Game Prices Are Going Through the Roof

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Xbox 360 Physical Game Prices Are Going Through the Roof

Highlights

  • Xbox 360 physical game prices are skyrocketing as Microsoft closes its digital marketplace on July 29.
  • Research shows prices for popular Xbox 360 titles up by over 14%, with demand increasing.
  • PS3 digital storefront remains active, while Wii and Wii U online stores have shut down.

As a long-time gamer with a deep affection for the Xbox 360 console, I can’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia and frustration as I read about Microsoft’s decision to close down the digital marketplace for the console on July 29. This means that come August, I’ll no longer be able to purchase games digitally for my beloved Xbox 360.

Due to the imminent shutdown of the Xbox 360’s digital marketplace, the price of numerous physical games for this console has significantly increased in the past few months. As a result, avid gamers have been rushing to purchase their preferred Xbox 360 titles digitally instead.

Starting July 29, Microsoft will officially shut down the digital marketplace for Xbox 360 games. This means that new purchases of games for download will no longer be available, making physical discs the only legal method to play these titles going forward. The increased demand for these physical games, including popular ones like “Fallout 3” and “Fable Anniversary,” has led to significant price hikes.

Based on TheGamer’s study of thirty Xbox 360 best-sellers, the average price for these games went up by more than 14 percent. Approximately 85% of the titles in question experienced a price rise. Although TheGamer’s analysis focused on a limited number of games, it suggests that physical game prices might be trending upward as Microsoft winds down support for the Xbox 360.

The Xbox 360 Store is Next in Line To Be Shut Down For Good

From a different perspective, while Sony has not declared any closure plans for the PS3’s digital storefront, known as the PlayStation Store, price hikes have been minimal, averaging approximately 4 percent. In contrast, Nintendo shut down their digital stores for the Wii and Wii U some time ago, leaving the PS3 as the last standing marketplace for games from that console generation.

According to the information available, the games with the largest price increases are “Vampire Rain,” “Viva Pinata,” and “Lollipop Chainsaw.” On the other hand, some games like “Saint’s Row 2” and “Soulcalibur 4” have experienced price decreases. However, these two titles are exceptions to the trend. Unfortunately, many of the other games may become obsolete for those who don’t already own them or are unwilling to buy the physical discs. Meanwhile, “Lollipop Chainsaw” is scheduled to receive a current-generation remaster.

Luckily, Microsoft has announced a large-scale discount on Xbox 360 games just before discontinuing sales. This means that fans who haven’t given up on their console yet have a final chance to buy some digital titles. Even if you don’t possess the original hardware anymore, purchasing a few classic games for Xbox One or Series X/S might be a wise decision since they are backwards compatible.

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2024-07-19 20:03