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New Xbox 360 update bids farewell to points, welcomes local currency
Goodbye, Microsoft Points. Hello, local currency. A new Xbox 360 update, debuting today, has finally made official the long-awaited switch from Microsoft's own virtual currency, allowing you to spend your hard-earned pennies on Xbox Live content. If you've still got Microsoft Points laying around, never fear. As we've previously reported, existing point balances will be converted to their equivalent cash value. According to the company's FAQ, prices are now listed in whatever your local currency happens to be, plus tax. It's worth noting that purchases made with converted money will not be taxed for the time being, and said currency is good until June 1, 2015. For more details, check out Microsoft's breakdown of the switch at the source link below.
Microsoft to stop selling PC games on Xbox.com on August 22nd
If Microsoft hiring a former Valve employee wasn't proof enough that it's looking to overhaul the Windows gaming experience, it's now announced that PC titles will be dropped from the Xbox.com store come August 22nd. An announcement on the Xbox support page loosely ties the closure to the impending death of MS points in favor of real currency, although we can't see how they're necessarily related. If you've splurged on PC games and extra DLC through the Xbox storefront, not to worry, as everything will continue to be accessible though the Games for Windows Live client, which will persist unaffected. Additional game content will also remain on sale in some instances, but that'll vary by title. When the PC Marketplace within Xbox.com does shut down, any Windows Live games published by Microsoft won't be available anywhere, although one can only assume they'll return to some new platform in the future. Newer PC games and XBLA ports are up for grabs in the Windows 8 store, of course, so perhaps MS will end up offering them there. Or, maybe it's time to revive the dedicated portal model -- that seems to be working for the other guys.
Microsoft Points from Xbox 360 transfer to Xbox One as real money, 'equal or greater in Marketplace value'
With the Xbox One, Microsoft is killing off the virtual currency of Xbox Live -- Microsoft Points are soon-to-be no more. But what of remaining balances? Apparently Microsoft's taking care of transfers, and even turning those points back into real currency. "When the transition takes place, the balance of Microsoft Points in an account will be retired and the customer will be given an amount in local currency that is equal or greater in Marketplace value," a Microsoft rep told our friends at Joystiq. "That value will be stored in your account and can be used similar to Microsoft Points to make purchases in the Xbox Live Marketplace." It sounds to us like you'll be making a permanent move with your account's currency from the Xbox 360 to the Xbox One -- 80 MS Points are equal to $1, currently. Regardless, it sure is nice that those virtual bucks aren't locked to a console that we'll soon be retiring to the attic.
Xbox Live to ditch Microsoft Points, switch to local currencies
Having to gauge how cash translates into Microsoft Points will be a thing of the past. Ballmer and Co. just announced that they're doing way with their specialized points on Xbox Live, and will instead rely on your local currency. That's not the only change coming to Redmond's online service, however. Just as promised right after the Xbox One reveal, a single Gold account can be shared among family members on a console. The more the merrier, eh? Follow all of our E3 2013 coverage at our event hub.
Windows 8 defaults direct cash payments for music and movies, puts Microsoft Points on backburner
Microsoft's real money to "Points" conversion has always been a point of contention among consumers, but that may all be about to change -- if the Windows 8 Zune Marketplace is any indicator, that is. Movies and music purchased via Windows 8 no longer default to the bizarre indirect system Microsoft set in place years ago with its Xbox Live platform, instead allowing actual currency for payment as well as MS Points (Windows 8 exclusively used the MS Point system for media purchases throughout beta). In fact, the system even automatically selects hard currency as the standard, reports The Verge. The MS Point system converts 80 MS Points to $1, and points much be purchased in a minimum of 400 point blocks -- a practice criticized as both deceptive and consumer hostile. Points were first implemented on Microsoft's Xbox 360 for purchase of games and associated content on Xbox Live Marketplace; the practice has since expanded to Microsoft's Zune music and movie platform, as well as Xbox.com. Direct payment is available as well, but only for select content, such as Games on Demand. As of this morning, the change hadn't affected the Xbox 360 Marketplace, though rumors earlier this year indicated that MS Points may be wholesale phased out by the end of 2012. Update: Microsoft offered us the following statement: "With Xbox expanding into new markets through Windows 8, we want to provide greater flexibility for you to purchase and access Xbox content by using your credit card. Local currency will be the primary method for making purchases in Windows 8. Current Xbox LIVE customers may also make a purchase using points. Microsoft Points continue to be the currency for purchasing content for the Xbox 360 console. We have nothing to announce regarding future plans."
Dog buys 5,000 Microsoft points, says he just wanted to check out the Abbey Road DLC
Say what you will about dogs being man's best friend -- they sure can get into a lot of trouble. While our dogs have been limited to eating shoes and shedding on our furniture, Greg Strope of Richmond, Virginia has reason to believe his furry friend has gone the extra mile. While he lay in bed sleeping, his dog Oscar, he believes, purchased 5,000 Microsoft points. The only possible culprit, Oscar left some telltale signs (drool and scratches) on the Xbox controller, leading Greg to blame the $63 purchase on him. We have to admit the dog's actions rather impress us, though it also makes us nervous about all those times we left our laptop open and unattended around our own tiny beast. Video featuring damning photographic evidence is after the break.
Activision, 7-Eleven to promote Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, quench thirst
While Activision's upcoming Aerosmith-centric flavor of Guitar Hero may still have some of us sitting on the fence, a new partnership between the publisher and 7-Eleven ensures that we can at least enjoy and icy cold Slurpee while considering rocking out to the "bad boys of Boston." Activision and the convenience store chain, along with Coca-Cola and Microsoft have teamed to promote Guitar Hero: Aerosmith by offering 22-ounce Slurpee cups branded in the series' artwork, though bizarrely the above art is not of the upcoming version at all. Each the cups will include codes on the underside to enter an online contest to win the game, an Xbox 360, or Microsoft Points. According to an official announcement of the promotion, the parties plan on giving away 744 copies of Guitar Hero: Aerosmith and 711,000 Microsoft Points throughout the month of May. In addition, 10 Slurpee drinkers will walk away with a shiny new console and a copy of the game, leaving us pondering the only other question worth asking: Wild Cherry or Classic Cola?
Recent 360 and Live buyers get two free XBLA games
Microsoft offers two free Xbox Live Arcade games if you bought a 360 and Live account over the past year. Fill out a short registration form and enter code "XBX0807" to qualify. However, the site is cagey about which games you'll get. The terms and conditions state that you'll receive an email code by September 30 to download the titles, but the offer "will be for games selected by Microsoft."360 fence-sitters still have until September 15 to buy the console and net the games. And the promotion includes buyers as far back as August 8, 2006. The wording sounds like Live account renewals don't qualify, but we still registered. We've contacted Microsoft for clarification but hadn't heard specifics when this post went live. We'll update you when we learn more.[Update: Microsoft told us it hasn't announced which games you'll get and also stated that the promotion is for new Live accounts only. So officially at least, Live renewals get no love.][Via Dealnews]
Sunday deals: 3200 MSFT points for $20 and more!
We're happy to announce that the Sunday deal rumor was true! This week at Circuit City when you buy two Xbox Live accessories, you get $20 off instantly. This offer includes headsets, Xbox Live subscriptions and of course Microsoft points. So fanboys, it's like getting 3200 Microsoft points for $20, buying 1600 points and getting 1600 for free or simply half off ... however you want to look at it. We also noticed that this week at Circuit City Project Sylpheed is available for the low, low price of $39.99. Check that out if it tickles your fancy.That's about it for great Xbox 360 deals this week and be sure to pick up some (technically) half off Microsoft points. Spontaneous Marketplace purchases await!
Sunday Deal Rumor: Get 3200 MSFT points for $20
Today's rumor of Sunday deals is a sweet one, so sweet it'll rot your teeth from the inside out and that my friend is very, very sweet. GameRush is reporting that this Sunday's Circuit City ad will feature an offer for $20 off the purchase of two Xbox 360 accessories priced $19.99 or above. And so, if said rumor is true, you could purchase two 1600 Microsoft point cards priced at $19.99 (which Circuit City considers accessories) and get an instant $20 off leaving you with 3200 Microsoft points for $20. See, we told you the deal was sweet. But, it's just a rumor right now, because GameRush doesn't supply any leaked ad-scans so we'll have to wait until Sunday rolls around. But if it's true, we'll so be standing in line come Sunday morning for our bountiful Microsoft points harvest.[Via Digg]
Buy Guitar Hero II, get 1600 MSFT points free
From now through August 18th, when you purchase Guitar Hero II from Circuit City you'll get 1600 Microsoft points for free and free shipping on your online order. This offer is available online and in-store, but you'll have to send in a rebate form to get your money back. Check out the offer here.True, we have seen a similar free 1600 Microsoft points offer before when GH II released and there was no forms to send in. But if you're willing to send in a rebate and wait for your cash this is definitely a good deal. Or you could just wait for Guitar Hero III or the game X3F is in love with ... Rock Band. Decide and plan your purchase accordingly.
Win free MS points from TheMan661
TheMan661, otherwise known as simply Frank, is offering up 1600 Microsoft Points to a lucky commenter with his Show Me The Money Points Contest. All you have to do is post a comment with either email address in the appropriate (mandatory) field, or if you'd rather have him message you over Xbox Live, your gamertag as well. So, what are you waiting for? Go comment now! While you're there, check out his Xcast, it's worth a listen.
Xbox Rewards may be expiring rewards [update 1]
X3F reader Shafnitz sent word that his Microsoft points that he won for completing the Xbox Rewards challenge are expiring. After winning the Old Spice Experience Challenge at level three, Shafnitz won a bunch of stuff including a 200 Microsoft points code. After redeeming the code and going on his merry way, weeks went by and he recently got the urge to take a look at his account online. And, to his surprise, he was smacked in the face with a points expiration notice as seen above. Expiring Microsoft points, who ever heard of that? Well, according to Microsoft's FAQ it states that "purchased points don't expire" but that "any points you get through promotions can have expiration dates. Typically, points expire within thirty days of the date you get them".Update 1: Shafnitz informed us that his expiring points problem was probably due to a contest he won over at the Gamerscore Blog and not from the Xbox Rewards giveaway. Oops on his behalf. So, expiring points from the Xbox Rewards program may not be true, but there are still expiring Microsoft points out there. You've been warned.
4000 Microsoft points cards coming soon? [update 1]
Yesterday, we received an anonymous tip from a Microsoft rep stating that they've been giving out promotional materials for an upcoming retail 4000 Microsoft points card. The rumored 4000 points card is said to be priced at $49.99 and be Microsoft's answer to getting Marketplace addicts their "fix" in one convenient (albeit huge) purchase. Our tipster also said that they had no firm release date on the new card as all the materials they were given listed it as "Coming Soon". If true, this would would be the second US retail version of Microsoft points cards coexisting with the current 1600 points cards which cost around $19.99. More money, more points, more problems ... how else did you expect to fill that 120 GB HDD? With Monopoly money?Update 1: Look what we have here. We guess it's no longer a rumor, go forth and buy your 4000 Microsoft points cards today!
Stuttering start for Microsoft Rewards program
The Xbox Rewards program remains deadlocked today, following yesterday's launch, which apparently drew more prospective registrants than anticipated. If you've yet to register -- perhaps planning to leisurely earn your 'rewards' during the allotted month -- you've likely already missed out. 'Cause guess what? All those rewards are limited to finite numbers; paltry numbers when compared to Xbox Live's user base.This isn't an 'Old Spice Challenge,' it's a Competition -- and no doubt there are enough registered players teens already racing to gobble up those prizes. If you're lucky, you might score (possibly another) copy of Contra, since 70,000 download codes will be handed out. But even the '100 Microsoft Points' prize (limited to 6,000 winners) could be gone by week's end. Bah, who wanted Fusion Frenzy 2 anyway?Hint: Try this link.
Aquazone publisher fishing for MS Points, 5000 MS Points!
EA could learn a thing or two from Frontier Works. The publisher of Aquazone released its Japanese aquarium sim with only 480 unlockable Achievement Points. To get the rest, players need to hit Xbox Live Marketplace and start paying.Recently, an additional 400 points were made available through the purchase of 18 new fish. Anyone willing to take the bait would end up forking over an alleged 5,000 Microsoft Points ($62.50).Suspiciously, each fish weighs a mere 108KB, suggesting that purchasers aren't actually downloading new content, but simply buying code that unlocks the relevant data on the game disc. This would explain how Frontier dodged Microsoft's requirement, which demands that all Xbox 360 titles include 1,000 Achievement Points (Xbox Live Arcade games must contain 200 points). Aquazone does offer 1,000 points to add to your Gamerscore; but it costs more than your playing time to unlock them. Scandalous.[Via GameLife]
Gamerscore Blog giving away the goods
With the announcement of the impending release of ten new XBLA titles, the Gamerscore Blog is feeling a little generous. They are giving away 100,000 Microsoft points in a trivia contest awarding 100 winners 1,000 Microsoft points. All you have to do to enter is answer the three trivia questions posed on their website and send them in. They'll select 100 winners from those who answered all three questions correctly. Brush up on your XBLA knowledge and get to answering some trivia! Oh yeah, the contest is only open to US residents who are 18 years or older ... sorry global fanboys.[Thanks, dpcough]
Confirmed: Street Trace only 800 Points
We just got word that upcoming XBLA title Street Trace will come to the Arcade at only 800 Microsoft Points. Last week, we uncovered all the achievements for the game and were hoping it wouldn't cost over 1000 Points. Well, it looks like our worries have been short lived, because we confirmed that the urban hoverboard racing game will only set you back 800 Microsoft Points. Since the game is going to cost only $10, are you more inclined to purchase it? Of course we'll get to demo it first, but 800 Points makes the game seem oh so more sweet.
Xbox 360 video download service succeeding, others failing
According to Variety's recent assessment, Xbox 360's video download service is the year's digital distribution success story. Perhaps "success" is an overstatement, but despite an install base that's utterly dwarfed by the total number of Amazon.com users, Xbox Live's Video Marketplace is getting just as much love as the online retailer's 'Unbox' service, which also offers video on demand downloads.The Xbox secret? Simplicity. Each video is only a few button presses away, and the console is (usually) already connected to the TV. For most users, Amazon is confined to a PC monitor, likely stashed on a desk, tucked away in the corner of the house; and getting content from Unbox to the TV is a tedious process.So has Microsoft nailed it? Is Xbox 360 the frontrunner of the digital distribution era -- even with a 20 GB hard drive and limited studio support?
Win 1600 MS points: The Xbox360Fanboy Challenge
Ryan of HammyDown sent word that they're giving away 1600 Microsoft Points (delivered to you from Amazon) to the first person who answers all of their self made Xbox360Fanboy questions. If you remember, Ryan created a little song called White Button Thugs back in July and has recently started the HammyDown website which gives away hardware, gift certificates, PC games and other goods to loyal members of the site. We're flattered that HammyDown created a quiz about our little fanboy site and that they're giving away 1600 Microsoft Points with no strings attached ... but what's up with that doped up pig? Ryan, we love you man, but your pig really needs to be cleaned up and checked into rehab stat. Go win some Microsoft Points!
