A used Xbox 360 shows up in many retro-gaming carts these days, and for good reason: it's cheap, the library is huge, and its online features are still holding up better than expected in 2026. If you're considering whether or not to revisit online games on a current-gen console, here's what it's really worth.
There are 10 reasons to believe an Xbox 360 is still a good choice for online gaming.
1. The first one is that it's one of the most affordable ways to enter online console gaming.
A used Xbox 360 and controller will cost less than a single new release game. The price is for the console, and most second-hand bundles include a couple of discs.
2. You can now play online through Xbox Live Multiplayer.4. Xbox Network Sign-In and Multiplayer still work.
The Xbox 360's online store was discontinued in July 2024, and you no longer have to pay for new Xbox 360 digital games on the website. However, the Xbox network itself (sign-in, friends list, and online multiplayer) remains functional for the console in 2026, allowing players of active Xbox titles to play online.
3. Massive Back Catalog of Multiplayer Games.
The Xbox 360 released more than 700 Xbox Live Arcade games, and hundreds of retail games had online modes. A deep pool of shooters, sports titles, and couch and online hybrids that can be picked up for a few bucks a pop.
4. Split-Screen Plus Online, in the Same Game.
Many Xbox 360-era games combined local and online multiplayer in the same game. That combination is less common on newer consoles than it was before, but it still helps if you have friends around and want to fill those extra slots with someone online.
5. No Limits on Basic Online Play Subscriptions
Many older and free-to-play games let you connect and play online without a Gold or Game Pass subscription. While you'll likely need a paid subscription for full-featured Xbox Live Gold-era titles, plenty of experiences let you play online without a paywall.
6. It doubles as a Media and Party Box.
Media apps, party chat, and 360 play DVDs well, plus streaming media apps, and it does a good job with party chat, even though it isn't a game. That's an awful lot of functionality for an extra room or a dorm room!
7. Physical Media - Costs are predictable.
Most 360 shopping happens on discs, since there is no digital store. Unlike digital sales, building a library doesn't have to escalate in price, since used games will remain fairly stable and may even get cheaper over time.
8. Backward compatibility will give you an exit ramp.
Some Xbox 360 games are compatible with Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S, and online capabilities transfer to compatible titles. Buy discs today, and some of these will still work if you upgrade consoles in the future.
9. A tried and true hardware solution
For surviving units, the "Red Ring of Death" era is a distant memory: most 360s still in circulation today are past that period. Hardware on the used market is usually backed up.
10. A Great Second Console for Local Multiplayer Nights That Go Online
Having a 360 even with your main console means you've got a safe machine to use for guests, kids, or retro game nights without worrying about the integrity of your main console's saves or settings, and you can still connect to the internet when the party calls for it.
Xbox 360 vs. Xbox Series S for Online Games
|
|
Xbox 360 (used) |
Xbox Series S (new) |
|
Typical cost |
Budget, secondhand pricing |
Full retail price |
|
New digital purchases |
Not available (store closed 2024) |
Fully supported |
|
Online multiplayer |
Active for supported titles |
Active, wider game support |
|
Game library |
Large, mostly physical/used |
Growing digital + Game Pass |
|
Best for |
Retro fans, budget setups, backup console |
Primary, long-term online gaming |
For those who want to enjoy a new online game for years to come, the Series S is the winner. The 360 makes the cut if you want to revisit or get into online console gaming, aren't looking for new releases, and want a budget-friendly option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will there be any Xbox 360 games available online in 2026?
Yes. It shut down in 2024, but Xbox network sign-in and Xbox Live online multiplayer remain active for Xbox 360 and any games that are still active online.
Are there still any new games for Xbox 360?
Not digitally. Microsoft shut down the Xbox 360 Games Store in July 2024. The most popular way to build a library today is to buy physical copies, used or new-old-stock.
Is Xbox Live Gold necessary to play online on Xbox 360?
Yes, for most multiplayer experiences in older games released before Xbox Live. Certain free-to-play and select games feature online access without a subscription.
Can I upgrade to the most recent Xbox and keep my Xbox 360 games?
Some will. Some Xbox 360 games are compatible with Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S and can even be played online, so make sure a game is compatible before assuming it will be.
Is a used Xbox 360 worth buying for a child's first console?
It could be a low-cost, low-risk way to introduce kids to online console games, especially when paired with parental monitoring and an agreement that new console games aren't the answer.
Should You Buy One?
A used Xbox 360 won't bring you tomorrow's releases. Still, until those new games come out, it's great for playing online with friends and offers a complete library of games that no other console can beat for the price and reliability. When checking a listing, make sure it is in good condition, includes the controller and cables, and that you're ready for a console that still has a shot at being played online.