Microsoft Points
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Microsoft Points are the currency of the Xbox Live Marketplace and Zune online stores. The points allow users to purchase content without a credit card. This new method of purchasing content also cuts down on the amount of credit card transaction fees Microsoft needs to pay. Many downloads on the Xbox Live Marketplace are free, but for premium content, such as full versions of arcade games, Microsoft Points will have to be purchased and redeemed to download that particular contents.
Points cost per region
Each region is billed for Microsoft points in their own local currency. The pricing however does not change with the current exchange rates, meaning some regions pay more for the same amount of points than others. Microsoft Points are non-refundable.
Microsoft Points are purchased either online by credit card or as Microsoft Points Cards from retail locations. Points can be bought in a number of different allotments ranging from 400 up to 5000 points. In the United States, 80 Microsoft Points is equal to $1. For example, an 800-point arcade game would cost $10 USD in real-world currency.
| 100 Points | 500 Points | 1000 Points | 2000 Points | 5000 Points | Cost per point | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia (AUD) | $1.65 | $8.25 | $16.50 | $33.00 | $82.50 | 1.65c |
| Canada | $1.55 | $7.75 | $15.50 | $31.00 | $77.50 | 1.55c |
| Europe | € 1.20 | € 6.00 | € 12.00 | € 24.00 | € 60.00 | 1.2c |
| Japan | ¥148 | ¥740 | ¥1480 | ¥2960 | ¥7400 | ¥1.48 |
| United Kingdom | £0.85 | £4.25 | £8.50 | £17.00 | £42.50 | 8.5p |
| USA (USD) | $1.25 | $6.25 | $12.50 | $25.00 | $62.50 | 1.25c |
In the United Kingdom, most video game retailers also sell pre-paid cards with a value of 2,100 Microsoft Points. These have a retail price of £17.50, though actual price varies depending on individual store. Purchasing one of these gives a cost of £0.00833 per point, which is slightly cheaper than purchasing online (£0.0085 per point).
In the United States of America, most video game retailers also sell pre-paid cards with a value of 1,600 Microsoft Points. These have a retail price of $20.00. Purchasing one of these gives a cost of ($0.0125 per point), which is the same as purchasing online ($0.0125 per point).
Canadian retail stores sell pre-paid cards with a value of 1,250 Microsoft Points for approximately $20 CAD. This works out to $0.016 per point, which is more expensive than buying online ($0.0155 per point).
In New Zealand, most game stores sell pre-paid cards with 1,500 Microsoft Points, for around $25 NZD. This equates to 0.0167 per point.
Differences Between Regions
The cost of buying Microsoft Points varies considerably between regions. Using exchange-rates from 20 November 2006:
| 100 Points (USD) | Price relative to USA | |
|---|---|---|
| USA | $1.25 | 1.00 |
| Japan | $1.25 | 1.00 |
| Australia | $1.27 | 1.02 |
| Canada | $1.35 | 1.08 |
| Europe | $1.54 | 1.23 |
| United Kingdom | $1.61 | 1.29 |
The available allotments also vary by region. For example, the minimum purchasable amount in the UK is 500 Points, compared to 400 Points in the USA.
Taxes
Depending on the registered country or address of an account, the purchase of Microsoft Points may be taxed. The following list includes regions which must pay value added tax or luxury tax in accordance with local government regulations:
Prepaid Cards
Prepaid Cards can be bought at stores such as Circuit City, Best Buy, or Gamestop. These cards have a certain amount of Points on them, and can be added to your Xbox Live account or Zune Marketplace account with a prepaid code. These cards usually have 1,600; 2,100; or 4,000 points on them.
Xbox Live Marketplace
Microsoft Points are the official currency of the Xbox Live Marketplace, including the Xbox Live Arcade. They can be used at the Xbox Live Marketplace to purchase arcade games, themes for the Xbox 360, Gamertag pictures, and other premium content. Points can either be billed directly to a credit card or can be purchased via pre-paid Microsoft Points card. Since November 22, 2006, users have also been able to purchase videos and television episodes from the Marketplace.
Zune Marketplace
Microsoft Points can be used at the Zune Marketplace just as at the Xbox Live Marketplace. The points are transferable between both systems for the user’s convenience. Music tracks can be bought with Microsoft Points at the Zune Marketplace for 79 Points each (99 cents). Whole albums can be purchased usually for 880 points ($11.00). Not all albums cost the same, as it depends on the selected album.
Criticisms
- Some speculate that the cost of Points was chosen in order to disguise the true price of items. For example, the Zune Marketplace price of 79 Points per song may convey the impression it is somehow cheaper than the actual price of 99 cents.[1]
- Some also complain that since Points are only sold in fixed allotments, the customer generally has to pay for surplus, unwanted Points in order to make a purchase.[2][3]
- Some have reported that the Xbox Live points cards are faulty and scratching it even lightly will remove part of the code.
See also
References
External links
- Microsoft Points Page at Zune Site
- Microsoft Points Page at Xbox Site
- Unofficial Microsoft Points Converter
- Official Xbox 360 Market Place Website
