Tag Archive

Microsoft Retires Microsoft Points Today


Posted on August 27, 2013 by Jason Nason

Today is the day. Microsoft has now officially switched from using Microsoft Points for purchasing downloadable games and content to real world currency. The switch will happen across all Xbox Live regions and will automatically convert any existing balance or newly-entered Points card into your local currency.

The Xbox Live Marketplace now lists all prices in local currency instead of points as well, and Microsoft reports on its official site that all Points converted to currency will be valid until June 1, 2015 (but “the currency you purchase and add to your account after the transition will not expire”).

Even after your account transitions, Microsoft will still accept purchased Microsoft Points Cards and codes until further notice. The company will add to your account an amount of local currency equal to or greater than the Marketplace value of those points. When you next redeem a Points card or code, those Points will be retired, and your account will begin using your local currency instead.

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Microsoft Announces New Xbox 360 Model & Changes To Xbox Live


Posted on June 10, 2013 by Rae Michelle Richards

Xbox One might be all the rage, now that the console has been announced, but Microsoft had a few surprises and changes in store for the Xbox 360 during their press conference. Among these are the eradication of Microsoft Points, a re-designed Xbox 360.

Starting in November, when the Xbox One will launch in North America, Microsoft will do away with their preparatory digital currency, Microsoft Points, replacing it with real world prices similar to Steam & PSN.

Up until this items on the marketplace were prices in blocks of 400 / 800 or 1200 Microsoft Points, with the equivalent value of these amount in USD being: $5, $10 and $15. Complaints from users in Canada arose a few years ago after the Canadian Dollar rose to parity with the USD and Microsoft failed to change the price of Microsoft Points to reflect this. The end result was that those who have bought point cards in Canada are paying more when compared to their American counterparts.

Also of surprise was that Microsoft will release a second re-design of the Xbox 360, which is smaller than the initial ‘slim’ re-designed console released in 2010. The new design looks strikingly similar to the Xbox One (re-design pictured above).

News/ Image Source: Kotaku


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Microsoft Confirms Cash for Xbox Content on Windows 8


Posted on October 9, 2012 by Jason Bassett

Today, Microsoft lifted the veil on their pricing for Xbox content on PC’s running Windows 8. Windows 8 will indeed be taking normal money for Xbox content. This is welcome news for anyone looking to get new content via the Xbox Live Marketplace. In a statement that was given to The Verge:

“Current Xbox Live customers may also make a purchase using points,” says a Microsoft spokesperson.

This also brings up a very big important point for Xbox 360 users. Microsoft will not be getting rid of the Microsoft Points and it will still the the primary method of obtaining content on Xbox 360 machines. This is a huge blow to many fans wanting Microsoft to get rid of the point system and using normal currency to purchase and obtain content. Microsoft also gave The Verge a statement about this as well:

“Microsoft Points continue to be the currency for purchasing content for the Xbox 360 console.”

Does this mean the Xbox 360 will always use the point system? It seems very possible that Microsoft will continue to use the point system until the end of the Xbox 360’s lifecycle. It could be an inclusion in next year’s Xbox 360 console update cycle. I wouldn’t hold my breathe on that one.


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