Microsoft Discontinues Xbox 360, Servers Staying Online

Microsoft has ended production of the Xbox 360, the company announced today. The system was introduced in November 2005 and has sold more than 84 million units. Online services for the console will remain available.

"While we've had an amazing run, the realities of manufacturing a product over a decade old are starting to creep up on us," Xbox boss Phil Spencer said in a statement. "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."

Xbox 360 game servers are staying online, Microsoft said. Additionally, services like Games With Gold and Deals With Gold will continue on Xbox 360, while the hardware will still be covered by Xbox Support. Additionally, the Xbox 360 backwards compatibility marketplace on Xbox One will remain online.

"The Xbox 360 helped redefine an entire generation of gaming at Microsoft," Spencer said. "I am incredibly proud of all of the work and dedication that went into development of the Xbox 360 hardware, services, and games portfolio over the last decade. And I'm grateful to the fans for their continued passion and support."

Spencer also shared some big numbers that Xbox 360 players have achieved in the past decade.

• Over 78 billion gaming hours played
• Almost 486 billion Gamescore achieved
• 27 billion billion achievements unlocked
• 25 billion hours spent using apps

The Xbox 360 celebrated its 10th anniversary in November 2015. For lots more on the console, check out GameSpot's feature, "How Xbox 360 Dominated a Decade," which includes insight from the key players involved with launching the system.

What is your favorite Xbox 360 memory? Let us know in the comments below!