Microsoft has decided to stop supporting first-generation Xbox games and consoles on its Xbox Live service as well as on Xbox 360 from April 15, 2010.

"This change will allow us to continue evolving the LIVE service with new features and experiences that fully harness the power of Xbox 360 and the Xbox LIVE community", wrote Microsoft's Larry 'Major Nelson' Hryb

According to Xbox Live general manager Marc Whitten, the company plans upgrades to the Live service that are incompatible with the older games and consoles.

Microsoft's 'Project Natal', scheduled after holiday season 2010, is set to make experience of 'in gaming' and home entertainment more exciting.

"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", writes Whitten

Xbox LIVE community has grown to 23 million strong and continues to evolve the service with features and experiences that harness the full power of Xbox 360. Changes to the service that are incompatible with original Xbox v1 games needs to be made.