The 20-year-old Xbox 360 just got an update and it was actually kind of worth it
In a bizarre bid to promote the Xbox Series X, Microsoft is targeting customers still holding onto their discontinued Xbox 360s.
Nintendo are often described as predictably unpredictable, but sometimes other publishers will show they too can make perplexing business decisions.
In this case, it's Microsoft, who's recently been talking a lot about its future hardware plans. Aside from two handheld devices scheduled to launch this year, the company announced a multi-year partnership with AMD, for its next generation of Xbox consoles.
And yet the company has been compelled to make an update to the soon to be two decades old Xbox 360 and apparently it's just to promote the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.
The Xbox 360 was officially discontinued in 2016; a few years after the launch of its successor, the Xbox One. So, most Xbox owners should have left it behind long ago.
Microsoft must think there are enough people that still regularly use them though, to warrant updating its dashboard earlier this week. Especially as they shut the console's digital storefront down last year.
For obvious reasons, Microsoft hasn't advertised the update, but awareness has spread online thanks to a post on the Xbox 360 subreddit, by Redditor trackwalker.
Sign up to the GameCentral newsletter for a unique take on the week in gaming, alongside the latest reviews and more. Delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning. 360 Dashboard updated
byu/trackwalker inxbox360
The update appears to only be cosmetic in nature, altering the thumbnails on the dashboard so they're not as stretched out – something that's earned approval from some fans and is likely a response to long-standing concerns about the UI.
Additionally, the dashboard now features promotions for the current Xbox consoles, alongside a QR code and the phrase: 'Experience next-gen performance. Upgrade today.' More Trending
Considering the Xbox Series X/S consoles came out in 2020, it's a bit late to be calling them next gen. They are very much current gen, especially when Microsoft is currently touting its next console line-up as having the 'biggest technological leap ever in a generation.'
From the Xbox 360's perspective they're definitely next gen though, even if now is arguably the worst time to purchase an Xbox Series X/S. Aside from the fact that Microsoft has begun talking about newer hardware, the company has been making a big deal about how you don't need an Xbox console to access its games.
Aside from PC, certain smart TVs, and the upcoming handhelds, Microsoft's begun porting its Xbox exclusives to PlayStation and Nintendo platforms; a decision clearly made in response to the Xbox Series X/S' ever worsening sales.
Not to mention Microsoft jacked up the price of the consoles last month, with the Xbox Series X now £499.99 (a £20 increase) and the Xbox Series S at £299.99 (a £50 increase).
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