Xbox has called time on supporting its original Xbox console with its Live service announcing that it's pulling the plug.

"On April 15 we will discontinue the Xbox LIVE service for original Xbox consoles and games, including Xbox v1 games playable on Xbox 360 and Xbox Originals", the GM of Xbox LIVE has said in a letter to gamers.

Putting the blame on a need to continue to grow the service beyond the 23 million users it already boasts, Microsoft has said in a statement that:

"To reach our aspiration, we need to make changes to the service that are incompatible with our original Xbox v1 games".

The Live service, which allows Xbox and Xbox 360 gamers to quickly and easily play online with each other has grown considerably since its first launch 7 years ago when the Xbox console was first announced. Since then Microsoft has added a number of features including movie downloads, and most recently Twitter and Facebook integration.

Xbox gamers affected by the announcement are recommended to check their messages for what will happen next:

"We will contact the Xbox LIVE members directly impacted by this change and if this includes you, I encourage you to check your LIVE messages and associated e-mail account over the coming weeks for more details and opportunities. We view you as a partner in this process".

Are you about to be cut off? Is it fair? Are you an Xbox 360 gamer who doesn't care what happens to those who haven't embraced the new generation console? Have your say in the comments below.