A lot has changed since 2013 when the Xbox One was announced. You remember the poorly named console right? Part of the big reason behind the hate it got was for its lack of focus on games. When they showcased the console for the first time, they focused quite a lot on what it could do for your TV entertainment purposes. But that was a long time ago.
Via Xbox’s service page, as of July 18th, 2025, Microsoft will no longer offer movies or TV shows for purchase or rent. Before you ask, yes, you will still have access to your already purchased movies and TV shows. It will not effect downloaded media either.
Be aware that you can not transfer your purchases elsewhere nor will refunds be available to you for those purchases.
Now, this is not to say that there will be no access to other services. Apps like Amazon Prime, Fandango, Apple TV+, Netflix, Hulu, etc., will still be available to you.
This ceasing of sales should come as no surprise since we have seen so many others shut down their digital storefronts. PlayStation is one example, they stopped sales on TV shows and Movies back in August of 2021. But not only digital store fronts are closing, but places like Best Buy has also stopped selling physical media.
Even places like Target are significantly reducing their sales of physical media as well. Its safe to say you can count on other chain stores to follow this trend as well. We knew streaming platforms would effect the physical world of media, but the digital world is swiftly dwindling as well.
The future is looking more and more like streaming platforms will be the last man standing. Is that the change you want or would you be happy to have it all in one place? Having it all in one place would be nice, but its hard to imagine a world where that is affordable.
We talk a lot about the value of physical media here at Gamer Social Club and this is just another reminder to us all how important it is to support physical media.
