Microsoft looks to the future of gaming as it ends production of Xbox 360

More than ten years after it first launched the Xbox 360, Microsoft announced today that it is ending production of its last-generation console.

Xbox chief Phil Spencer said today that "the Xbox 360 helped redefine an entire generation of gaming at Microsoft" adding that the console has "had an amazing run", but it's now approaching the end of the road.

He said that "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."

The Xbox 360 isn't being removed from sale just yet - the company says it will remain available to buy while stocks last, noting that availability will vary between markets.

And while the Xbox 360 is reaching the end of its retail life, Microsoft will continue to support the console, as Spencer explained:

• 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.

He also shared a few stats about Xbox 360 usage that may be of interest:

• Over 78 billion gaming hours played
• Nearly 486 billion Gamerscore
• 27 billion achievements
• Over 25 billion hours spent in apps

Now, though, Microsoft is focusing firmly on the future. Spencer said that "over the next few weeks and months, we'll be sharing more of our plans for gaming on Xbox One, Windows 10 and beyond". We expect to find out plenty more about those plans at the company's E3 2016 press conference in June.