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10th Jul 2013

Microsoft to drop MS points system on Xbox Live, but it may increase game prices

According to reports from the gaming world today, the latest Microsoft dashboard update will drop the Microsoft Points (MS) system in favour of cold hard cash, but the switch could potentially see you paying more for games.

Oisin Collins

According to reports from the gaming world today, the latest Microsoft dashboard update will drop the Microsoft Points (MS) system in favour of cold hard cash, but the switch could potentially see you paying more for games.

It may have taken eight years, but it looks like Microsoft has finally decided to stop making gamers buy MS points before buying a game or other DLC. However, according to both VG247.com and IGN.com, “Xbox Live products will increase in price after Microsoft drops its points-based payment system”. Uh oh…

The update is currently going through some initial tests with gamers from select regions, but UK Xbox owners who signed up to the beta testing have already noticed the increase.

According to VG247.com, 1600MSP games are now £14.99; previously £13.60. 1200 MSP games are now £11.99, previously £10.20. 800 MSP games are now £8.99; previously £6.80 and 400 MSP games are now £4.49, previously £3.20.

When the update is finally rolled out across all Xbox regions, your MS points will be converted at the existing rates and not the old rates. So if you’ve got a lot of points banked you might want to use them up now, before it’s too late.

So why the change of heart? Well, the switch actually brings the price of games bought on Xbox Live on par with those bought on the PlayStation Network (PSN). Like we said, there’s no word yet as to when the switch will affect Irish Xbox users, so keep your eyes peeled for updates on the update.

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