Rumor: Microsoft to discontinue its virtual currency system Microsoft Points

Microsoft’s proprietary virtual currency system, Microsoft Points, will be phased out by the end of the year, according to a source with knowledge of the company’s decision. The change will affect developers for Windows Phone, the Zune marketplace and Xbox Live.

[iamnsuperman]

Not sure why they would. Using points gets rid of that feeling when you know you have spent £10 or so on a downloadable item. Its nice for the users to use real money (ease of use) but for Microsoft I would have thought it would be more beneficial to use points

[RedDead]

I'd prefer money

[xPhearR3dx]

I prefer MS points for one reason. No tax. If I was to buy two 800 MSP items on XBL, it would cost me an even $20. On PSN it would cost me $21-$23. May not seem like a lot, but it adds up after a while.

@blumuatt - I haven't bought a points card at an actual store in a long time, but I do not believe you pay tax. It's basically rung up like a gift card. So no tax. I purchase my points cards online and it's always $19.99 then the code is emailed to me.

I agree the point system can be frustrating sometimes, but if you frequently buy things from the marketplace, you'll actually save a lot of money.

[blumatt]

The points system sucks, imo. I'll give you an example. Say you want to buy an avatar for like let's say 80 points (since I'm not sure what they cost) and you don't have any MS points available. You're forced to buy the lowest denomination of 500 points to get that avatar. Then, you've got 420 points left. The idea is that you're always going to have a balance and then gonna have to add a little more to use that balance, and repeat....

I like how PSN let's you use real currency, and I even have my debit card linked to it so when I buy something it just takes it directly out of my account.

@xPhearR3dx
Don't you pay tax at the store when you buy the Points card?? lol What's the difference?

[-Alpha]

Yeah, when I had an Xbox, I got really peeved with the Points nonsense, it's extremely annoying and unnecessary.

Also, I swear I heard this rumor like 2 years ago.

[MariaHelFutura]

The point system is a scam, so you never actually have 0 points while buying things you actually wanted.

[Wenis]

Getting rid of MS points means you have to give MS you credit card information. And when you want to remove that information, from personal experience, that's a real pain in the ass.

[jthamind]

@blumatt

that's no different than PSN making you put at least $5.00 in your wallet for any purchase less than that amount.

[MAJ0R]

me too, I've always thought it was a cheap way to screw over their customers. Of course that's just my opinion, but seriously what genius came up with the idea of MS points instead of actual money?

[-Alpha]

@jthamind

Can't you buy an exact amount on PSN? I thought that u could.

[DragonKnight]

@xPhearR3dx: When PSN started out, there was a tax charge on the DLC you bought, but that's since been phased out (at least here in Canada) and don't think you're not paying tax with MS points, you still would be it's just hidden from you. Points is a pretty lame system and it ends up with you having points you can't use.

@jthamind: Except that with PSN, you can add any item(s) to the cart, then go to Add Funds, and add the exact amount of your purchase to your wallet, meaning nothing extra left over that you can't use.

[dantesparda]

@jthamind
Thats not true, you can buy a .50 cent avatar. You never have to have a minimum anything in your wallet. The minimum is only the amount what you buy is. in other words, i can have nothing in the wallet and use my credit card or debit card to just buy a .50 cent avatar and thats it.

And p.s. i live in Boston, Ma. and i never have to pay tax

[Nitrowolf2]

@xPhearR3dx

Just change your address (not in billing) and your tax free :P

@Alpha

yes you can but exact amount. No need to pay the $5 min if your using a card.

[zeal0us]

Its been long overdue for this to happen.

[xPhearR3dx]

@DragonKnight

How is it hidden from me when I only pay $19.99. My debit card is always charged exactly $19.99 when I buy points. MS can't charge me because there's nothing to charge, I redeemed a points card. If I buy something for 1600 points, it's going to take exactly 1600 and not a single point more.

[skyttskytt]

I don't know what you guys are thinking regarding the minimum funding on the PSN. If you're buying something that is $0.01-4.99 more than what you have in your wallet, you must add a minimum of $5 before making the purchase. You can't start at zero and simply add $0.49, you have to add the full $5.

Let's see if this image links properly:
http://i131.photobucket.com...

I currently have $2.01 in my wallet, and went to purchase something that's $2.49 just for this reply. It makes me add $5, and even says it's the minimum funding amount right in the middle of the screen.

[DragonKnight]

xPhearR3dx: I said you still would be. Meaning if you had to pay tax. You can't claim that you're charged tax on PSN and not on Live since there is no way governments would allow one to get away with not charging tax. The price of the tax would be included somewhere.

[xCaptainAmazing]

You pay tax when you BUY the points. What do you mean you don't pay tax?! The points system is garbage and is designed to get you to buy more than you need so you can buy other stuff you don't need.

[baodeus]

@blumat

i don't know why u would use your debit card...man, if only u get hack given that you do have lots of money. Never use debit card man....

I don't like MS point system either (although they already going hybrid)

[gamingdroid]

I prefer points!

Simply because I can find them cheaper all the time. I stock up when they are on 25% off.

Even on the Wii I get discounts, but on PSN cards I have never seen it discounted. One of the reason, why I never buy stuff there unless it is exclusive.

@skyttskytt:

Thanks for the link!

http://i131.photobucket.com...

Should put that case to rest....

[kreate]

Im not sure why superman got so many disagrees cuz he's kinda right.

And for some of u who never bought a psn card, there is no tax on it in America. A 19.99 psn card cost u 19.99

[r1sh12]

@xPhearR3dx

Im not sure about the US store, but I think digital downloads use a different tax amount.
Although in the UK the price shown has tax added to it already, I know in the US the price tag excludes tax (Again not sure about the MS marketplace).

Money is easier, because the MS points are a type of currency which are not fluctuating like actual markets, and therefore MS can make money on each point if the dollar/Pound etc..Falls.

Since MS points are a fixed price, they are technically not worth the amount you have purchased them for.

[DarthJay]

To the person that said they live in Boston and have never had to pay tax on a points card... I can vouch. Absolutely 100% true. I have gone into 7/11 or Target or Best Buy to only purchase a points card and have never once paid tax on it.

[ClimateKaren]

Wow, is this really that confusing? PSN requires a $5 minimum deposit, but beyond that there are no restrictions on the denomination you may deposit.

So in other words, any purchase whose grand total comes to over $5 can be payed for in the exact amount it costs, without having any leftover money on your account.

[Brosy]

I have a question, why do all of you sony fanboys even care? Blumatt you don't even know what your talking about. Half of you are just humming to be humming.

Microsoft isn't going to get rid of their points system this gen.

[Rhythmattic]

@xPhearR3dx

What?

So glad you prefer a currency that belongs to MS.

All your currency are belong to us.

hahah hahahaha

[SixZeroFour]

@r1sh12

you understand that that principle works both ways tho right? if you buy the points at a discount or when currency value is low, then MS is losing money when the currency value is up at the time of the purchase

on topic
considering "xbox live rewards" is very popular for the free msp rewards, i HIGHLY doubt MS would get rid of their points system...however, if they were to adopt an online system much like ps where the online portion is free to all and the apps and extras were sub based, i would be all for it (and wouldnt mind paying for gold either way) and could prolly attract more users/buyers to the 360 considering its online price is what deters a lot of ppl from buying it

[SilentNegotiator]

@Wenis

They could still make cards with DOLLAR amounts on them.

[dcbronco]

Points are far better than cash. There are certain things that are a slight problem. But there are two huge advantages. Like xPhearR3dx mentioned, no tax. You can buy a code on Amazon and have no shipping or taxes. Second and by far the biggest to me is point cards go on sale. When was the last time you got cash for less than it was worth.

Toys R Us has an annual sale each year for their mascot's birthday. Buy two get one free. It also counts for points cards. Meaning you get 33% off of your cash.

And then you buy a discounted item with those points.

Look, cash 5% off at Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-...

In the US you pay taxes based on state law. But you usually never pay taxes at outlets that don't have stores. If the business is internet based, there are usually no taxes.

[WetN00dle69]

Exactly!
No tax!

[Rageanitus]

Just like credit card awards..... cash back rewards show the REAL value of what your getting back in return. There is no messing around with it comes to real numbers at real percentages.

When it comes to point schemes.... there is always a way alter the worth of each point..

[honkyjesus]

I am just replying to the first comment like everyone else.

[ClimateKaren]

I'm glad I'm not the only one whose nerves that gets on. I used to make a point of using my "not a reply" button, but nobody sees it, it's a waste of effort.

[mcstorm]

I think they should offer both tbh. If they give you the option to buy the extra with your points or straight form your bank account that way it will help kids when wanting to buy something from xbl as they can go to a shop and pick up a points card or for some one like me who likes to just buy things on my card I can.

[OMEGAZONE]

Bizarre logic.

[frostypants]

The points system is a borderline scam to force you to spend more money than you actually need to buy an item. There is zero benefit for the user. Some will say that it is good for managing purchasing power without a credit card, but one can always buy gift cards.

[arnyftw]

Well, the thing is that now ms points arent only used by live, they are used by windows phone and would have been used for the coming windows store. With Windows 8 coming out soon and more people connecting to the Windows Store, if they wanted to buy something first they would need to buy ms points. Even if they put their credit card in how are they supposed to know how much 800 ms points is? Buying ms points would be a lengthy extra step you would need to take to buy a app. Although I like the concept of ms points I recognize the need for change. Its just much more convenient for customers.

[otherZinc]

M$ needs to learn the fact that: the only people complaining are SONY fans or media that prefer the PS3.

Points are fine & it works. It does have the feeling of "Monopoly Money" vs real money & I was fine with that.

Also, my kids love it, its like another bank account to them.

[LiL T]

Yes Kids like to use monopoly money, Adults prefer to use real money.
Real money - accepted EVERYWHERE
MS points - accepted on 360
What woul you rather have in your wallet?
Ms plans on integrating all their products and when it happens do you really think app developers are gonna accept ms points....not a chance, they live in the real world where REAL money is used.

[im_right]

@iamnsuperman I agree the points system is a con.

[MultiConsoleGamer]

If its true, its about damn time.

[fooxy]

I don't care to be honest, kinda prefer points since don't have to attach any credit card to my account,maybe you gonna be able to buy vouchers with $ nomination ?

[Reborn]

They'll probably allow you to get money vouchers. Well, I'd hope so.

[Parapraxis]

LOL...of course they will.
Just like PSN cards.

[honkyjesus]

When you buy MS points you don't attach a credit card on Xbox? I can't get my credit card info off of MS at this point, that is the problem. I mean... without taking twenty minutes to take it off on the phone in 2012.

[IWentBrokeForGaming]

I should be able to pay/buy exact amounts that I want... I hate having random left over s#!t

[frostypants]

That's why they do it. At the end they get free money from users, as virtually everyone who walks away from their account will do so with a points balance remaining.

[Sobari]

Points piss me off, especially when you're only allowed to purchase a set number of points, which often ends in you being forced to purchase additional points you won't ever use. Why this hasn't created lawsuits, I'll never understand.

[frostypants]

How can people disagree with this?! It's *exactly* why MS does it. It's absolutely a rip-off tactic, and props to them if they're doing away with it.

@6 below ("Real money doesn't go on sale. Points do."):
Um...you DO realize they could just have a store sales and have the same basic effect, right? PSN does it all the time.

[dcbronco]

The thing is Frosty when you buy a discounted points card, you can still buy a discounted game or item. You can increase your discount even further by waiting for a sale on the item you want. I try to stock up too. If true, hopefully I can stock up again.

[Frankfurt]

Real money doesn't go on sale. Points do. Anyone thinking this is a good thing is insane.

You can get points for up to 50% discount. Can you get real money for 50% off?

[KingSlayer]

Wow! You save a WHOLE $1.00!!! http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-...

[LackTrue4K]

lol...."you mother 4ucker, you made me spit my beer!!!" hahah.......

[gamingdroid]

I have frequently gotten 25% off Microsoft points cards all the time!

Here it is 10% off, 2-3 weeks ago:

http://slickdeals.net/f/377...

Here is one for 20% off:

http://slickdeals.net/f/314...

Here is one with a whopping 30% off:

http://slickdeals.net/perma...

[irepbtown]

And you can give that 'WHOLE' $1.00 to charity...

[Sobari]

Except they could just discount the games. DERP.

[humbleopinion]

Except they ALSO discount the games.
I bought almost all of the games I own during weekly sales for 33% off or more. Couple that with the discounts promotions on point cards and with some xbox live rewards programs that give you refunds, and you can see that a 1600 card can cost you less than 15$ and actually give you over 40$ worth of content. Every little discount adds up.

[irepbtown]

Exactly, when I walk in to Gamestation or Game and want to get a PSN card with £20 on it I have to pay... £20

Whereas with Microsoft points you get some cracking deals. I dont own a XBOX anymore and even I think the points should stay.

[theEx1Le]

True, picked up 2100 MS points for £9 before christmas. Thats half of what it was worth on Xbox live. Its good when retailers resell it like that, buying points straight from MS however is a flat out con.

[Parapraxis]

"Real money doesn't go on sale."
Money is money, sales are sales.
You make no sense.
The thing you purchase goes on sale in most cases, but just so you know, just like points cards, PSN cards go on sale as well..and they are considered "real money" when you go to make a purchase.

[jib]

"Except they could just discount the games. DERP."

except when points go on sale, you can use your discounted amount on any game(discounted ones as well). i don't think i've ever seen every xbl games go on sale at once

[Brownghost]

rather use money since i always have some left over

[Pikajew]

MS should do what Nintendo does with it's points . 10$ for 1000 points, it's easy to understand and not confusing like microsft points. 800 points for 10$, that confuses me.

Next gen I hope we can pick the amount we want

[Goozex]

Don't u understand that it's designed in that purpose. To confuse the heck out of u. It's much easier on Psn to buy stuff with a dollar to dollar amount.

[Buzz7S]

This comes after all of these reports about Xbox LIVE profiles being stolen and having their MS Points being used. Rather they work with EA on solving the problem.

[3GenGames]

There's 0 chance of this being true, what garbage. Like stated above, it makes it easier to spend money because it's not money once you buy it, it's points, and it makes it easier to spend. It makes no sense to do it as you'll lose money over what you do now with the points. When you lose money you don't do that move, period. Simple Business 101, and I never even took that class.

[jwk94]

How is spending money to buy something to spend on something else easier than using the money itself to buy said item?

[3GenGames]

You can buy codes anywhere even if you're a 13 year old with no credit card. It's better for the business. Plus if you really are paranoid about taking a minute of your time to enter a code to add points, go play with your PC games and have fun buying with your CC there, not for me. Plus, with the points system, they can do stuff (albeit small) like give you free points via the reward system that couldn't happen if there was no tracking method anyway.

Plus, you give up xbox point cards, the sony cards have no competition on the shelves, and that'd be the STUPIDEST thing you can do. Mark my words, this won't happen. You guys that do that think they would because it's "more convenient" need a reality check, it's RETARDED.

[gypsygib]

@ 3GenGames

Logic fail

[bozebo]

"Simple Business 101, and I never even took that class."

That much is obvious.

[SITH]

Good! I would rather use pulverized unicorn horn encased in unobtainium as currency.

[RockmanII7]

Either way it doesn't matter, I know 80=$1 800=$10, the rest is simple math. I'll do a little research into this when/if more details emerge but if this means that they will start taxing points I might horde a couple thousand for future use.

[Knightofelemia]

I doubt Microsoft would be that stupid to get rid of the points cards there are a lot of people who don't put their credit cards online specially after the FIFA hack. Thats like Apple getting rid of an I tunes card you can buy at Wal-Mart most people don't feel safe with the security these companies claim is full proof.

[gamerz]

I don't really care either way except I have a ton of points already so as long as they convert them to dollars it's all good.

[GraveLord]

Good job on copying Sony again Microsoft.

[rhcpfan]

You have got to be one of the biggest Sony fanboys on this site I swear...

[bozebo]

TBH they copied common sense not Sony. Though I can see where the misconception came from :P

[gamer7804]

I hope they do not do this, and everyone else should as well and here is why:

You can buy points on sale. Sales with $ cards like itunes and psn are much more rare and usually require buying multiple cards to get a smaller card free.

You also can get point cards on amazon without paying tax, there are also the bing rewards system which lets you earn points.

These savings far outweigh the remainder 80pts or so you may have leftover at a given time.

Microsoft points is a much better system for both the consumer and microsoft.

[Venjense]

Different in the states I guess but you pay tax on points in Canada. MS points are the reason why everything on Live is more expensive than on PSN.

[gamer7804]

Oh i can only speak to the united states. Do they offer bing rewards over there? Its really easy i earn about 400 pts a month off that plus the rewards.xbox.com you get for purchases off the marketplace, surveys etc.

[2pacalypsenow]

good

[ziggurcat]

i certainly hope so!

being forced to purchase more points than you need (say, if you purchase a 600 point game) is a little silly. they could have at least allowed you to add the exact amount of points to your account for any given game/add-on prior to purchasing it from the marketplace.

it's the one thing i prefer about the PS store over the marketplace.

[kingPoS]

I love me some $10 psn cards. Heck I've only bought
ten dollar cards (from best buy) as of last May, you can't go wrong!

[honkyjesus]

Zune LMAO.

[HacSawJimThugin]

Who Cares!!

[Tacklebait]

Good: Now I will know what I'm actually spending.

Bad: Now I will know what I'm actually spending.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

So about this...part of me says no way given pts have been a nice little twist for MS to get people to just buy cause they have them. However...with MS making a big push for unified platforms for xbox, phone and PC it makes far more sense for them to do this. Their phone market place will flounder using pts and get muddy given the different carriers, and we already know PC gamers have been very resistant. So yeah, i could see the move.

[Venjense]

If they got rid of the points system MS would definitely re-enter my good books.

I always wondered why a multi-billion dollar company tries so hard to scam consumers out of literally dimes and nickels by pricing everything in way to ensure excess points.

All it does it make me buy/rent stuff on my PS3 instead and makes MS look a bit too cheap while pissing me off.

And don't even get me started on removing credit card info. Seriously, it's almost as if MS is trying to piss off customers but I guess all those nickels add up. Question is is it worth the damage to the brand.

[bozebo]

I hope so. Faith in MS could be regained depending on what their next gen console is (like, as long as it doesn't try to take the spot that the Wii did this gen).

[Droid Control]

I prefer Sony's approach. I like ton know how much i'm being overcharged.

M$ should junk M$ points ASAP.

[Why o why]

Lol

But yeah, Money is more straight forward. No brainwork needed.

[DigitalRaptor]

With MS points purchases you have to work out how much you're actually spending each time. It's designed to mask and confuse.

Not only that, but it causes publishers to mis-price games on other platforms that use real currency, and unfairly charge more for other platforms. The system needs to go.

[Les-Grossman]

I say its a bad move. Especially since sometimes they seem to purposelty make it a pain in the ass to remove Credit Cards. They would need to change their strictness of Credit Cards, Say if someone used a Credit Card to renew XBOX Live, That card can not be removed until that Live Account goes back to Silver. They would need to change that. Because no way in hell would I keep my Credit Card info on both Live & PSN

[joeyisback]

it depends which state you live in if psn cards cost an extra few dollars where im at we dont have tax on psn cards or any kind of card that does the samething period no tax online like xbl or psn i know ny has it and il has it but we dont in georgia

[Igniter]

It's going to be interesting to see how Indie games and avatar sales are affected if points are eliminated. I think people will be less inclined to whip out the credit card for one dollar purchases.

I don't know why you guys cry so much over left over points. I've gotten enough free points over the years from rebates, XBL Rewards, and Bing rewards to more than make up having a couple of dollars setting around in points. Getting rid of points is going to mean spending more money for me!

[hazardman]

I honestly dont care about MS points, but I have been reading a lot of comments that make no sense. PSN and MS Points are same shit. just different styles of payment. MS uses points/PSN uses cash value. $20 PSN = 1600 MS points. Also I get taxed when I buy a MS/PSN card.(I live in Boston) Then I get taxed again for every item bought on PSN. MS points for some reason is different when you buy something its for exact amount of points. IDK if im paying taxes on that item but it doesnt seem that way. That being said I really dont care what system they use as long as Im still able to get a XBL card without having to use my credit card I'm good.

[kingme71]

I hate the point system. The very fact they made the dollar->point translation confusing is a cheap ploy to confuse you into buying something that you think is cheaper then it is. Most veterans have the hang of it, but when you are new to XBox Live, you have to sit and figure out. Ok, 1600 points is not $16.00, its really $5.00 for every 400 points so 1600 points is $20.00.

There's no logical reason for their point system to follow how they structured it except for the purpose of making it seem like a smaller dollar figure and to confuse those not used to it.

[Tyre]

That is the most stupid thing i've heard in light of all the hacks and cybercrime this last year...the most user info safe system IS the redeem system of currency in online digital based systems. If anything is true of this rumor, than it will be that MS changes the points representation to money units, so we can actually see our redeemed money represented in money on XBL. If they are actually going to stop this system and make it creditcard only, it will cost them sales. This is a good system and the most safe of all.

[MasterD919]

This is retarded...All this commotion about how ridiculous it is to use MS points and now they want to use money?

What about the points I have just waiting to be used that aren't going to be used anytime soon? They better not be void...I don't see how you could put a monetary value on that point system anyhow that is legit.

[Xenoflare]

Wait, what about the solution for people like me who rely on points cards, I DO NOT want to attach my credit card on it.

If MS do not introduce prepaid cards it would be just crazy, and for people who already have points around the time when the system is converted, will their points gets converted as well?

[MacDougal]

People are overlooking the biggest reason that points cards were a great thing: they're always on sale.

There are constant sales of 4000ms points for $40 or 1600ms points for $15. Having direct monetary denominations makes them much less likely to go on sale because people aren't going to sell $50 for $40.

[Vortex3D]

Glad to see someone understands the reason to have MS Points, often sold at discount since MS Points card has no $ printed on it.

I even saw a local store trying to sell MS Points card at higher value but I don't think they were able to cheat too many customers on it.

[Dr Face Doctor]

Yay, now I get to pay sales tax! This is TOTALLY what I've been asking for, thanks Microsoft!

[AngelicIceDiamond]

Some people find it beneficial, I would like to see a points system and real money. Instead of scrapping things completely, MS needs to give options. Just do both can't be that hard.

[Vortex3D]

Not that I like having to divide MS Points/80 to know the actual value, but do all of us like to buy MS Points card at discount at any time?

Answer that first before saying it's good Microsoft maybe dropping the MS Points to use actual currency.

If you answer is yes than once the MS Points card becomes actual currency, don't complain if you don't see any MS currency card discount as often anymore.

Don't believe me, look at PSN points card and Nintendo points card. They use actual value, even Nintendo points card is directly translated to currency value. It's rare to see either points card on sale. Even when they are on sale, the discount is much smaller because the points card has actual currency price printed on it. MS Points card is on sale very often if just search online retails. (I even saw MS Points card sold at higher value because there's no $ value printed on it). I don't expect many to agree with me today until it happens.

[Totoro17]

MS Points were always kinda bs to me. I prefer the direct Playstation Store $ amount. If this is in fact true, I'm happy :)

[Vortex3D]

Until you don't get many sales anymore on MS "Currency" card like PSN card that rarely on sale.

[CrimsonEngage]

I like the point system. Especially because i'm an Xbox Live Rewards member and I get free MS points for doing a few surveys every month.

If they get rid of it, it's not going to deter me as i have credit cards but still... :(

[Beastradamus]

That would be a good thing. The system as is, is confusing and I still don't get it after having a 360 for 3 months.

[edgeofblade]

Good riddance. I love my Xbox, but I'd rather do the $5 minimum thing that PSN does. Easier to keep sh!t straight.

[omegaheat]

I've always hated their currency system. It's a rip off that other companies use to keep the consumer spending or slightly unaware of how much they're actually spending in real currency. If you buy content from Xbox Live, every peice of content is priced in a way that would never let the consumer break even with points. You'd always have either two little points to make a purchase or more points than you need. Having points left over always leaves the consumer pressured to buy something with the left over points. But guess what, you still probably won't have enough to buy something else without having to purchase more points. It's a scam, and I think Microsoft has come to realize that a lot of consumers aren't buying it. Notice that Live keeps your credit card on file. Why isn't there a point system for a Live subscription. I would love to see how they are going to phase the virtual currency out with so many members.

[NotSoSilentBob]

This has been rumored 2-3 times before I highly doubt MS is going to actually help the consumer.

[PixL]

Making things easier for their customers? I don't believe it.

[rizzo-rizzo]

Microsoft will cut of it's consumers demands & needs & requirements for more money. They do work on an unethical business module. It's really that simple when it comes to M$.

Whatever circumstance, benefical or detrimental. They're & never have, or will be in the green zone.