In an unexpected move, Microsoft recently pushed out an update for the aging Xbox 360 console, nearly 20 years after its original launch. While the update thankfully fixes a long-standing visual bug affecting game artwork, it also introduces noticeable advertisements for the newer Xbox Series X and S consoles, signaling a clear push for users to upgrade.
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Remember the Xbox 360?
Launched way back in 2005, the Xbox 360 was a massive hit for Microsoft. It remains their best-selling console to date, with around 84 million units sold globally. Even after its successor, the Xbox One, arrived, the 360 stayed popular for years, especially in certain markets. It truly had an impressive run, with its online store staying live for an incredible 19 years before finally shutting down in July 2024.
The Latest Update: Fixing a Visual Glitch
Following the shutdown of the digital store last year, Microsoft released an update to clean up the Xbox 360 dashboard by removing unused menus and features. However, that previous update accidentally introduced a frustrating glitch: game thumbnails and box art on the home screen appeared stretched and distorted, looking quite jarring.
Good news for dedicated 360 users: this new, recent update specifically addresses and fixes that visual bug. Now, your classic game collection should look proper and clean on the dashboard again.
But Wait, There’s More… Ads!
While fixing the box art is a welcome change, users have also reported that the update adds something less desirable: prominent ads for the latest Xbox Series X/S consoles directly onto the 360’s home screen.
These ads appear in different forms, including one showing images of the Series X and S consoles and another featuring a QR code. This QR code, when scanned with a smartphone, directs you to the official Xbox website, urging players to “Experience next gen performance.”
Interestingly, trying to click or interact with these ads directly on the Xbox 360 itself does nothing. It’s simply a visual prompt designed to get you to look towards newer hardware, requiring a second device to actually follow through on the call to action.
Xbox 360 dashboard displaying large advertisements for the Xbox Series X and Series S consoles
The new ads encouraging users to upgrade to the latest Xbox consoles are now visible on the Xbox 360 home screen.
Why Update an Almost 20-Year-Old Console Just for Ads?
It might seem odd that Microsoft is still pushing updates, let alone ads, to a console that’s nearly two decades old and whose digital store is closed. The reason likely ties back to the 360’s immense popularity and lingering presence in some households. While the core user base is much smaller than its peak, there are clearly still enough people dusting off their old consoles to make this kind of direct advertising worthwhile for Microsoft. It’s a cost-effective way to remind these long-time fans that newer, more powerful options are available.
It shows that while Microsoft might have moved on to newer generations, they haven’t completely forgotten the platform that was so important to their success. For those still holding onto their beloved 360, this update brings both a minor visual improvement and a very clear nudge toward the future of Xbox gaming.
