Microsoft confirms cash for Xbox content in Windows 8, Microsoft Points remain for Xbox 360

The Verge writes: "Earlier this week The Verge reported that Microsoft's Windows 8 operating system now defaults to local currency for music and video downloads or rentals. The software giant has now confirmed the change to us, revealing that local currency will be the primary method in Windows 8 to purchase and access Xbox content. "Current Xbox Live customers may also make a purchase using points," says a Microsoft spokesperson."

[iamnsuperman]

Well it would be a bit random and late to transition now. This is a clear step that the point system is being faded out (possibly no points in the next xbox) which is a good thing

[ChunkyLover53]

I actually agree, why would they change it 7 years in? Its probably a safe bet that the Xbox 720 will use a different money system.

I don't mind MS Points, I like not having to pay tax on my purchases, since I get a lot of content, that'd be a lot of taxes.

I understand some people don't like having odd amounts of points, but I've never really had odd amounts, I usually keep at least 100 as a balance.

[trouble_bubble]

I don't pay tax on PSN either.

[eferreira]

I dont pay taxes on the wii or ps3. Only 3ds. Why get ripped off with those points.

[Ryo-Hazuki]

I don't pay taxes on PSN either. If a game is 9.99 then I'm paying 9.99 exactly

[lashes2ashes]

Come on. No body likes ms points, why are they still being used.

[ScubbaSteve]

Because when you have to purchase 10$ to buy an 8$ game that lets Microsoft keep 2$ in the bank which they can invest into their own projects. If you multiply the remaining balances across all the customers it adds up.

[humbleopinion]

Actually, if you buy games directly on the service you can assign a credit card / paypal account and then charge the exact value in your own currency. You don't have to buy prepaid cards (not to mention that today Amazon offers online codes with anything from 400 points to 4000 points).

I don't understand why people don't like this system: a smart customer will take advantage of exchange rate differences, or buy points when they are offered on sale from different retailers (I usually get 50$ worth of points for 40$). Once Microsoft locks you down with exact dollar value you will never be able to have this freedom to buy the points from wherever you want.

[MAJ0R]

Some people say it's so there are easier currency conversions for different countries, but those people have to spend money to buy them with their own currency anyways, so the difference seems negligible to me...

Maybe it's a cheap attempt at trying to make someone think they are spending less than they actually are?

[nukeitall]

"Come on. No body likes ms points, why are they still being used."

I like MS Points a lot because I can almost always buy them at a heavy discount, usually in the range of 20-25% discount.

Never been able to buy any other "currencies" at a discount on any other platform.

[Frankfurt]

Only crazy people want it converted to real money.

With MS points cards, you could buy them at insane discounts, getting a $50 card for $30. With real money, those $50 worth of content will COST YOU ACTUAL $50.

[PopRocks359]

I guess selling me 360 was a proper move.

[shutUpAndTakeMyMoney]

It's like I seen this coming 3 years ago. I wonder who has my old 360 now.

They also don't mention the fact that xbox live is free to any pc gamer who (for some reason) would be interested in buying pc games their over steam.

same features but free on windows 8.
http://www.youtube.com/watc...

I like their new direction with live.

[TalesFromTheBud]

ive never seen an issue with ms points... its not that hard to figure out.

[ItsTrue]

For me, that wasn't the issue. Lets say I buy 1500 MS points.So I want to buy some DLC which on average costs 800 MS points. So If I buy one, I'll have 700 MS points left, which is just short of buying another piece of DLC.
That's the only problem I see with it to be honest.

[Jag-T1000]

Who buys 1500 points? They only sell 1600 cards and 4000 cards.

[ItsTrue]

Not in NZ,they come in 1500,3000 and 4000.

[YodaCracker]

I will be really disappointed when Microsoft points go. I have earned thousands of free points already from using Bing Rewards. You can also find point cards on sales for less than their real value. Buying 4000 points for $39, for example, gives me $50 worth of content for $39. If you use real currency, you will then spend $50 for $50 worth of content. I don't care how you try to spin it, the point system gives me more for less than using actual currency would.

[Dlacy13g]

I think the point system will remain on 360 until its (the 360) officially phased out. There really just isn't any other way for MS to handle that situation. You can't just up and stop using points given how many people with 360's have point balances.

When the 360 was really the only hardware device for MS points were a smart move for them. Now with the onset of Windows 8, Windows 7/8 phones, surface tablets and their desired integration of all the ecosystems MS needs to have a unified store system. The move away from points is a natural evolution for them moving forward.

[greenpowerz]

I was thinking an update could just convert the points to cash. IMO the bigger problem is the retailers that have points stock.

[ApolloTheBoss]

Yet another reason why I'm about to sell my 360. Microsoft is f**kin up.

[ItsTrue]

Funny how you only just got annoyed with the points system now, when it has been used for years.

[ApolloTheBoss]

Didn't say it was the ONLY reason, did I? And I've been annoyed with it since day one.

[lastofgen]

Imo, that's a foolish reason to sell a gaming system. You just buy the point onine at amazon, you get the code via e-mail, and you punch in the code into your xbox manually or online. What's the big deal about that?

[ItsTrue]

"Didn't say it was the ONLY reason, did I? And I've been annoyed with it since day one."

At no point in my statement did I say it was your only reason. Please read more carefully.
If you were annoyed with it since day one, why didn't you sell it earlier? What has Microsoft done lately that has caused you so much anguish, that you feel the need to sell your console?
Also, your word choice "yet another reason" implies that you've only come up with this reason just now.

[claud3]

Its a fail and worthy of a quote only

[lastofgen]

We get it, you hate the 360.

[whitesoxfalife1976]

yall do kno u dont have to pay wit ms points u can pay wit cash on 360 jus sayn

[THE_MACGREGOR]

Well I for one think M$P are stupid..Your double buying. Which means, every time "You" make a transaction Microsoft is raping you right in the face. Im ready to see it go the hell on.....