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Microsoft Points Will Disappear With The Next Xbox 360 System Update
Microsoft is sending out e-mails to Xbox Live users to let them know that the next Xbox 360 system update will eliminate Microsoft Points.
As we make this transfer from Microsoft Points to to real-world currency, not much will change, except the currency used to make purchases. Your current Microsoft points will be converted to money after the update, and it's important to note that those converted funds will expire on June 1, 2015.
There are no plans to discontinue the acceptance of Microsoft points, so there is no rush to redeem codes if you have a few lying around. In the future, there will be gift cards available for purchase at retail locations for use online if you're wary of lending Microsoft your credit card.
You can check out the full text of the e-mail on page two, as well as a full FAQ on the change on Microsoft's website.
Our Take
Good riddance! Every time I write a news post about a multi-platform digital release, I have to write the game's price as it will appear on the PlayStation Network and PC (and any other platforms), and then I have to write a separate few words dictating the Microsoft points amount on Xbox Live. It's annoying and time consuming! I'm sure this is a problem everyone can relate to, and is likely the main motivation behind the currency switch.
Use Money instead of Points on Xbox
Transactions on Xbox will soon take place using your local currency instead of Microsoft Points. This change will make it even easier for you to access and enjoy the games, apps, HD movies and TV shows, and other great content you love on Xbox!
After the next Xbox 360 system update, when you next choose to initiate a purchase or redeem a Points card or code with your Microsoft account, we’ll put into your account an amount of currency equal to or greater than the marketplace value of your Microsoft Points. Your Microsoft Points will be retired, and you’ll immediately be able to use your new funds, in addition to other current payment methods available in your region, to purchase content from your favorite Xbox stores – or the Windows Phone Store on Windows Phone 8. For your current Microsoft Points balance, go to http://www.xbox.com/account.
Xbox Gift Cards (denominated in your local currency) will be available through our online retailers’ websites and in local retail stores starting in late 2013, and can be added to your Microsoft account at that time. In the meantime, please continue to purchase and redeem Microsoft Points cards and codes – we’ll accept them until further notice. The funds we put into your account at the time of the transition will expire in June 2015. Microsoft Points codes you received as part of Xbox Live Rewards, promotions, or contests will retain their original expiration dates after your account transitions.
For more information on the transition and what to expect, please visit http://www.xbox.com/pointsfaq.
Sincerely,
The Xbox Live Team
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