The move away from Microsoft Points has been rumored for some time now, but now it looks like Microsoft may be officially ditching its virtual currency system and instead allow Xbox users to make purchases with gift and credit cards.
That’s what sources are telling The Verge this morning. As it is now, people can purchase games and other content with Microsoft Points, but that may soon be replaced with the arrival of the next-generation Xbox.
According to The Verge, users will be able to load real money onto cards, similar to Apple’s iTunes vouchers, and then make purchases across Microsoft’s platforms like Windows Store, Windows Phone Store and Xbox.
Here’s the statement Microsoft gave us:
We’re continuously listening to our customers and currently offer a variety of ways for customers to purchase from a comprehensive marketplace of games, movies and entertainment content on Xbox LIVE. We’re currently testing purchase options on our marketplace but don’t have any further details or announcements at this time.
This would appear to remove a degree of complexity for Xbox Live users and other Microsoft customers, as they can do away with having to first convert actual dollars to a virtual Microsoft currency.
There’s a little more than a week to go until Microsoft unveils the next generation of the Xbox at a special event May 21 on the the company’s Redmond campus. GeekWire will be there to cover it all.
Previously on GeekWire: Photo: Microsoft building a gigantic tent for next week’s Xbox unveiling
