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Rumour: Microsoft ditching MS Points, bringing Xbox more into line with Windows Phone

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Rumour: Microsoft ditching MS Points, bringing Xbox more into line with Windows Phone
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An unnamed source talking to Inside Mobile Apps has suggested that Microsoft plans to phase out its divisive MS Points system of payment in favour of real currency, thereby bringing the Xbox 360 experience more into line with the Windows Phone one.

At the moment, Microsoft's home console relies on users purchasing bundles of MS Points before they can buy any items from Xbox Live.

In contrast, very few Windows Phones titles currently employ that system, with only rare in-app purchases such as those found in Beards & Beaks requiring you to pay with this proprietary currency.

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The idea of closer integration between the Xbox 360 and Windows Phone isn't particularly controversial.

Over the years, the Xbox 360 has been increasingly brought more into line with other products from the company - the most recent being a major change to its UI which meant it more closely resembles the 'Tiles' layout of both Windows Phone and Windows 8.

However, while the integration aspect of this MS Points rumour sounds appealing, the idea of Microsoft ditching what is essentially a clever way of both hiding the true price of a product and ensuring extra cash (from people leaving small denominations of points on their account or feeling that they have to top up again to make use of said points) is less believable.

Will Wilson
Will Wilson
Will's obsession with gaming started off with sketching Laser Squad levels on pads of paper, but recently grew into violently shouting "Tango Down!" at random strangers on the street. He now directs that positive energy into his writing (due in no small part to a binding court order).