When it was revealed that Microsoft’s next operating system Windows 8 would use real cash as the primary currency, it was speculated that the Xbox 360 would also ditch the MS Point system in favour of this method. Wrong!
Microsoft told The Verge that Microsoft Points “continue to be the currency for purchasing content for the Xbox 360 console”. It doesn’t seem to be changing any time soon either, as the company has no announcements regarding future plans for MS points.
The absurd thing is that this will just alienate its userbase. Customers must use Windows 8 machine if they want to purchase Xbox Video or Xbox Music content without using Microsoft Points. While content is exactly the same on the Xbox 360 console, MS Points are a requirement rather than an option. Considering Microsoft is trying to push its console as an entertainment hub, this will not benefit them.
Its a shame that Nintendo have made the right move by replacing Wii Points with cash for the new eShop but Microsoft stubbornly chooses not to. Sony never had a point system in place for PSN either, so the competition is looking more appealing.
In a world where convenience and simplicity in entertainment is critical, MS Points may benefit Microsoft but not consumers. It forces customers to spend more than they need to since they can only purchase points in multiples of 500, leaving points leftover on the system that can potentially go to waste. It wastes unnecessary time to buy or redeem them, too.
Then again, without those leftover points, how else will Microsoft sell horse armour DLC and those Avatar items that should be free?
[Source: The Verge]
