Microsoft discontinues decade old Xbox 360

Months after the console celebrated its tenth birthday, Microsoft has announced it'll be discontinuing the Xbox 360. 

The news came straight from the mouth of Xbox chief, Phil Spencer, who, writing on Xbox Wire, explained that the "realities of manufacturing a product over a decade old are starting to creep up" on Microsoft. 

Spencer also assured all active 360 owners that they'll continue to receive Xbox Live services, such as Games with Gold, and that the Xbox Live servers supporting the 360 will remain online.

Since launching in November 2005 the console has sold over 80 million units worldwide, and although Microsoft is finally laying it to rest, the company will continue to shift any remaining inventory. 

"We know that many of you became gamers on Xbox 360 and are still active," said Spencer, "so it’s important to us that while the overall Xbox gaming experience will evolve and grow, we will continue to support the platform you love in multiple ways."