Yes — as of 2025, the Xbox 360 is officially considered a retro console by most gamers, collectors, and industry observers.
The Xbox 360 was released in 2005 — nearly 20 years ago — making it fall squarely into the "retro" category using the common benchmark that consoles become retro around 15+ years after release.
Key Reasons It’s Now Retro:
-
🕹️ No longer in production (discontinued in 2016)
-
📀 Physical disc-based games dominate its library
-
📡 Xbox Live Arcade introduced early digital indie titles
-
👾 Distinct gaming generation from modern consoles
-
💾 Saved data on memory cards, not cloud
-
🎨 Lower-res graphics (720p was “HD” at the time)
🔥 What Made the Xbox 360 Special?
-
Iconic games like Halo 3, Gears of War, Mass Effect, Fable II
-
Introduced achievements, Xbox Live parties, and digital downloads
-
Huge modding and custom console skin community
-
It was part of the legendary 7th console generation alongside the PS3 and Wii
📦 Can You Still Play It Today?
Yes! Many Xbox 360 consoles still work, and:
-
Many games are backward compatible on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S.
-
You can still find physical copies and consoles on sites like:
🛑 Is It Worth Collecting?
Definitely. Many Xbox 360 exclusives hold nostalgic value and have cult followings. Limited edition consoles (like Halo 3 or Star Wars-themed Xbox 360s) are especially collectible.
🕰️ Final Verdict
✅ Yes — the Xbox 360 is now a retro console.
It represents a key era in gaming history and remains beloved by fans of multiplayer, shooters, and RPGs.