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Microsoft Points (denoted as 
, and introduced in November 2005 as Xbox Live Points) were a digital currency issued by Microsoft for use on its Xbox and Zune product lines. The points could be used to purchase video games and downloadable content from the Xbox Live Marketplace, digital content such as music and videos on Zune Marketplace, along with content from Windows Live Gallery.
By the end of 2013, Microsoft Points were phased out, in favor of using local cash currencies (such as the United States dollar and Euro) on its digital distribution platforms. A software update to the Xbox 360 implementing this change was released on August 26, 2013; users' existing Microsoft Points were converted into an equivalent amount of local currency for purchases.[1]
Distribution[]
Microsoft Points were sold online and through gift cards at retail outlets. However, because the official price per point is defined differently for each country (in terms of their local currency), some regions pay more (in terms of cost relative to the US dollar) for the same quantity of points than others due to currency fluctuations.
In North America, points could only be purchases in increments of 400. In the United States, the minimum 400 points costs $5 to purchase, 800 cost $10, while 1600 cost $20.[2]
| Country | 100
|
500
|
1000
|
2000
|
5000
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $1.25 | $6.25 | $12.50 | $25.00 | $62.50 |
| Canada | $1.45 | $7.25 | $14.50 | $29.00 | $72.00 |
| United Kingdom | £0.85 | £4.25 | £8.50 | £17.00 | £42.50 |
| Australia | $1.65 | $8.25 | $16.50 | $33.00 | $82.50 |
| Mexico | $14 MXN | $69 MXN | $138 MXN | $275 MXN | $687 MXN |
| Europe | €1.20 | €6.00 | €12.00 | €24.00 | €60.00 |
| Japan | ¥148 | ¥740 | ¥1480 | ¥2960 | ¥7400 |
| Taiwan | $42 | $210 | $420 | $840 | $2100 |
Criticisms[]
The Microsoft Points system was criticized for being deceptive in terms of actual real-world cost, as well as for users often having to purchase more points at once than are immediately needed. In his review of the Zune, news editor for Windows IT Pro Magazine Paul Thurrott mentions:
Microsoft is obscuring the true cost of this content. A song on Zune typically costs 79 Microsoft Points, which, yes, is about 99 cents. But it seems to be less because it's just 79 Points.
Xbox product director Aaron Greenberg defended the points system, arguing that the system was intended to reduce the number of individual credit card transaction fees Microsoft would have to manage for its users.[3]
References[]
- ↑ Sarkar, Samit (August 26, 2013). "Xbox 360 update turns Microsoft Points into local currency today". Polygon.
- ↑ Tassi, Paul (January 24, 2012). "Microsoft May Be Ditching Their Points System on Xbox Live". Forbes.
- ↑ Klepek, Patrick (December 7, 2007). "XBL WTF: Why Can't I Pay Exact Change on XBL?". 1UP.com. Archived from the original on July 18, 2012.
See also[]
- Xbox Live Marketplace
- Xbox Gift Cards