Xbox 360 Gets a Surprise System Update

Fans of the iconic console spotted a curious surprise: almost 12 months after the digital marketplace closed and nearly 20 years post-launch, the Xbox 360 suddenly got a firmware update. As users noticed, the late June update addresses a long-standing visual annoyance. Primarily, it fixes a bug that caused stretched and distorted game cover art on the console's dashboard. Images now display correctly again, restoring the interface to its original neatness.

However, the update wasn't just about fixes. New promo banners have appeared on the dashboard, reminding owners of the older "box" about the existence of modern Xbox Series X/S consoles. It's a gentle nudge towards a potential upgrade, although the Xbox 360's core functionality remains unchanged – access to the digital store is still shut down.

The fact that an update rolled out for a console whose main commercial life ended long ago has surprised the community. Many see it as a sign of appreciation from Microsoft towards the platform's die-hard fans, who still keep their 360s for retro gaming sessions or as collectibles. Despite the new console banners, the update adds no features and doesn't revive the online store. It feels more like a final polish – a little "tune-up" for those still powering on their old, yet still functional Xbox 360s.