| Microsoft Points | |||||
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| User(s) | Xbox Live Marketplace, Zune Marketplace, Windows Live Gallery | ||||
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| Symbol |  |
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| Plural | Points | ||||
| Banknotes | |||||
| Freq. The Xbox Live Marketplace ( XBLM) is a virtual market designed for Microsoft 's Xbox 360 console that allows Xbox Live members to download Zune is a brand of digital media players and services sold by Microsoft. Windows Live Gallery is a part of Microsoft 's Windows Live range of services A currency sign is a graphic symbol often used as a shorthand for a Currency 's name Plural is a Grammatical number, typically referring to more than one of the Referent in the real world used | Cards of 700, 1400, 1500, 1600, 2100, 2800, 3500, 4000, 4200 |
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| Central bank | Microsoft | ||||
Microsoft Points (denoted as ) are the currency of the Xbox Live Marketplace and Zune online stores. A central bank, reserve bank, or monetary authority is the entity responsible for the Monetary policy of a country or of a group of member states The Xbox Live Marketplace ( XBLM) is a virtual market designed for Microsoft 's Xbox 360 console that allows Xbox Live members to download Zune is a brand of digital media players and services sold by Microsoft. The points allow users to purchase content without a credit card, and reduce the number of small credit card transaction fees which Microsoft would otherwise pay. A credit card is part of a system of Payments named after the small Plastic card issued to users of the system Interchange fee is a term used in the payment card industry to describe a fee that a merchant’s bank (the “acquiring bank” pays a customer’s bank (the “issuing bank” when Microsoft Corporation is an American multinational Computer technology Corporation, which rose to dominate the Home computer [1] Many downloads on the Xbox Live Marketplace are free, but other downloads, such as full versions of arcade games and extras for some games, cost Microsoft Points.
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Point cost per region
Microsoft Points are sold in each country in the local currency. However, because the official price per point is defined differently for each country (in terms of their local currency), some regions pay more (in terms of cost relative to the US dollar) for the same quantity of points than others due to currency fluctuations.
Microsoft Points are purchased either online via credit card or in the form of Microsoft Points Cards (also known as "tokens") from retail locations. Points can be bought in a number of different allotments ranging from 400 up to 5000 Microsoft Points. In the United States, 80 points are equal to US$1. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the The United States dollar ( sign: $; code: USD) is the unit of Currency of the United States; it has also been [2]As a result, an 800 point arcade game would retail for US$10 in real-world currency. Xbox Live Arcade (XBLA is an online service operated by Microsoft that is used to digitally distribute video games to Xbox and Xbox 360 owners
| 100 |
500 |
1000 |
2000 |
5000 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | $1. 65 | $8. 25 | $16. 50 | $33. 00 | $82. 50 |
| Canada | $1. 45 | $7. 25 | $14. 50 | $29. 00 | $72. 50 |
| Europe | €1. 20 | €6. 00 | €12. 00 | €24. 00 | €60. 00 |
| Japan | ¥148 | ¥740 | ¥1480 | ¥2960 | ¥7400 |
| Sweden | 11. 50 SEK | 56. 50 SEK | 113. 00 SEK | 226. 00 SEK | 565. 00 SEK |
| Taiwan | $42 | $210 | $420 | $840 | $2100 |
| United Kingdom | £0. 85 | £4. 25 | £8. 50 | £17. 00 | £42. 50 |
| United States | $1. 25 | $6. 25 | $12. 50 | $25. 00 | $62. 50 |
Differences between regions
The price of Microsoft Points varies considerably between regions. When launched, Microsoft Points were priced approximately the same in each country. However, because Microsoft does not generally change the pricing to coincide with the current exchange rates, the cost per point in other countries relative to the United States is constantly fluctuating. In Finance, the exchange rates (also known as the foreign-exchange rate, forex rate or FX rate) between two currencies specifies how Using exchange rates from May 22, 2008:
| 100 (USD) |
Price relative to USD | |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | $1. Events 334 BC - The Greek army of Alexander the Great defeats Darius III of Persia in the Battle of the Granicus. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common The United States dollar ( sign: $; code: USD) is the unit of Currency of the United States; it has also been 58 | 126% |
| Canada | $1. 47 | 118% |
| Europe | $1. 88 | 150% |
| Japan | $1. 42 | 114% |
| Sweden | $1. 94 | 155% |
| Taiwan | $1. 38 | 110% |
| United Kingdom | $1. 68 | 134% |
| United States | $1. 25 | 100% |
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 US. Token amounts vary by country as well, in an effort to find a "natural" price point. For example, points cards are sold in the UK at 2100 points for £17. 50 and in the US at 1600 points for $20. In the UK, 1600 points would be £13. 33 and in the US 2100 points would be $26. 25, neither of which is a particularly round number.
Taxes
Depending on the registered country or address of an account, the online 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:
In the United States, states continue to push for sales tax or use tax collection on online purchases. Value added tax ( VAT) or goods and services tax ( GST) is a consumption Tax levied on value added. Austria (Österreich ( officially the Republic of Austria (Republik Österreich Country to "Dominion of Canada" or "Canadian Federation" or anything else please read the Talk Page Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany ( ˈbʊndəsʁepuˌbliːk ˈdɔʏtʃlant is a Country in Central Europe. A sales tax is a Consumption tax charged at the Point of purchase for certain goods and services A use tax is a type of Excise tax levied in the United States. [3] As a result, Microsoft is now automatically assessing these taxes on online Microsoft Point purchases in applicable locations, e. g. New York. [4]
Prepaid cards
Prepaid cards can be purchased at retail stores such as Target, Circuit City, Best Buy, Wal-Mart, EBGames, Radioshack and GameStop allowing individuals who lack or do not want to use a credit card to directly purchase Microsoft Points using cash or check. Target Corporation ( is an American Retailing company that was founded in Minneapolis Minnesota in 1902 Circuit City ( is an American dealer and retailer in brand-name consumer electronics personal computers and entertainment software Best Buy Co Inc ( is a Fortune 100 company and the largest specialty retailer of Consumer electronics in the United States and Canada Wal-Mart Stores Inc (or Walmart as written in its new logo is an American public corporation that runs a chain of large discount department stores EB Games (formerly known as Electronics Boutique) is an international computer and video games retailer RadioShack Corporation (formerly Tandy Corporation) ( is a chain of electronics retail stores in the United States, as well as parts of North America GameStop Corporation ( is the world's largest Video game and entertainment software retailer Each card is worth a certain pre-determined amount of Microsoft Points which can be added to any Xbox Live account or Zune Marketplace account using a code located on the card. Cards come in various denominations of Points, depending on the country. Once used, cards have no further value and cannot be "recharged" or partially redeemed. Cards purchased in one region cannot be associated with Xbox Live accounts from other regions. This is often a surprise to Canadian and American residents purchasing cards across the border -- terms printed on prepaid cards do not explain this and the Terms of Use available online warn only that Microsoft "may further restrict your Points redemption offers based on your country of residence. "[5]
In the US, depending on the retailer, cards may either be activated at the register when purchased, or sold "live in the box" in "blister pack" packaging to prevent theft. Blister pack is a term for several types of pre-formed plastic Packaging used for small consumer goods The two primary components of a blister pack are a pre-formed
Card pricing
Cards are usually sold at their full retail price (plus applicable sales tax), but can be sold at a discount in some cases, providing a better-than-normal exchange rate.
In the United Kingdom, most video game retailers sell pre-paid cards with a value of 2,100 Microsoft Points. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK or Britain,is a Sovereign state located 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. 00850 per point).
In the United States, most video game retailers also sell pre-paid cards with a value of 1,600 Microsoft Points. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the 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). Additionally, cards with a value of 4,000 points are also available, with a retail price of $50. 00 (also $0. 0125 per point).
Canadian retail stores sell pre-paid cards with a value of 1,400 Microsoft Points for approximately $20 CAD. Country to "Dominion of Canada" or "Canadian Federation" or anything else please read the Talk Page This works out to $0. 014 per point, which is slightly cheaper than buying online ($0. 015 per point). Additionally, cards worth 2,800 Microsoft Points recently became available for approximately $40 CAD (which is the same price per point).
In Mexico, most game stores sell pre-paid cards with a value of 1,500 Microsoft Points, with a retail price of $199 MXN. The United Mexican States ( or commonly Mexico (ˈmɛksɪkoʊ () is a federal constitutional Republic in North America. This equates to about $0. 13300 MXN per point ($0. 01204 USD per point).
In New Zealand, most game stores sell pre-paid cards with a value of 1,500 Microsoft Points, for around $25 NZD. New Zealand is an Island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses (the North Island and the South Island This equates to about $0. 0167 NZD per point.
Similarly, Australian game and department stores also sell pre-paid cards with a value of 1,500 Microsoft Points at an RRP of $25. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. The ( manufacturer's) suggested retail price ( MSRP or SRP) list price or recommended retail price ( RRP) (originally 00 AUD. This equates to about $0. 0167 AUD per point, which is slightly more expensive than purchasing online ($0. 0165 per point).
In Japan, retail stores and some convenience stores sell pre-paid cards with a value of 700 Microsoft Points for ¥1,050, 1,400 Microsoft Points for ¥2,100 and 3,500 Microsoft Points for ¥5,250. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Japan topics. A convenience store is a small store or shop. They are often located alongside busy roads or at gas/petrol stations. These works out to ¥1. 5 per point, which is slightly more expensive than buying online (¥1. 48 per point).
Xbox Live Marketplace
Microsoft Points are the official currency of the Xbox Live Marketplace, including Xbox Live Arcade. The Xbox Live Marketplace ( XBLM) is a virtual market designed for Microsoft 's Xbox 360 console that allows Xbox Live members to download Xbox Live Arcade (XBLA is an online service operated by Microsoft that is used to digitally distribute video games to Xbox and Xbox 360 owners They can be used at the Xbox Live Marketplace to purchase games, themes, Gamertag pictures, original Xbox titles, game expansion material (e. g. vehicles, maps, songs, etc. ), and other content. Since November 22, 2006, users in some regions have also been able to purchase videos and television episodes from the Marketplace, however many regions - such as Australia - are still paying comparatively more (on the exchange rate) for a service that does not provide any of this content. Events 498 - Kofi Aseidu- After the death of Anastasius II, Symmachus is elected Pope in the Lateran Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Microsoft Points and purchases made with them are non-refundable.
Zune Marketplace
Microsoft Points can be used at the Zune Marketplace just as at the Xbox Live Marketplace, and are transferable between both systems. Zune is a brand of digital media players and services sold by Microsoft. Music tracks can be purchased with Microsoft Points at the Zune Marketplace for 79 Points each ($0. 99 USD) or 99 Points each ($1. 24 USD). Whole albums can often be purchased for 880 points ($11. 00 USD), although the pricing varies depending on the selected album.
Criticisms
The Microsoft Points system has been criticized for being deceptive in terms of actual real-world cost. In his review of the Zune, news editor for Windows IT Pro Magazine Paul Thurott mentions[6]:
Microsoft is obscuring the true cost of this content. Zune is a brand of digital media players and services sold by Microsoft. Paul Thurrott (born October 29, 1966) is a technology reporter published author podcaster and news editor A song on Zune typically costs 79 Microsoft Points, which, yes, is about 99 cents. But it seems like less because it's just 79 Points. And that's not right.
Also, The Wall Street Journal technology reporter Walt Mossberg notes[7]:
To buy even a single 99-cent song from the Zune store, you have to purchase blocks of “points” from Microsoft, in increments of at least $5. Walter S Mossberg (born March 27 1947) is an American Journalist who is the principal technology columnist for the Wall Street Journal You can’t just click and have the 99 cents deducted from a credit card, as you can with iTunes. [. . ] So, even if you are buying only one song, you have to allow Microsoft, one of the world’s richest companies, to hold on to at least $4. 01 of your money until you buy another.
See also
References
- ^ Klepek, Patrick (2007-12-07). The Xbox Live Marketplace ( XBLM) is a virtual market designed for Microsoft 's Xbox 360 console that allows Xbox Live members to download PlayStation Network Cards (or Tickets) are prepaid cards used to buy PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable contents in the online PlayStation Stores Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 43 BC - Marcus Tullius Cicero assassinated 1696 - Connecticut Route 108, one of the oldest highways XBL WTF: Why Can't I Pay Exact Change on XBL?. 1UP. com.
- ^ XBOX Live Points Converter. The Wrong Advices (2007-03-05). Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 363 - Roman Emperor Julian moves from Antioch with an army of 90000 to attack the Sassanid Empire, in a
- ^ Becker, David (2004-04-09). "MMIV" redirects here For the Modest Mouse album see " Baron von Bullshit Rides Again " Events 193 - Septimius Severus is proclaimed Roman Emperor by the army in Illyricum (in the Balkans) States push for piece of online sales. CNET News.
- ^ Purchaser's Obligations to Pay Sales and Use Taxes Directly to the Tax Department: Questions and Answers. New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. Retrieved on 2007-02-22. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1495 - King Charles VIII of France enters Naples to claim the city's throne
- ^ XBox Live Terms of Use. Microsoft. Retrieved on 2007-11-20. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 284 - Diocletian was chosen as Roman Emperor. 762 - Bögü Khan of the Uyghurs,
- ^ Thurrott, Paul (2007-07-04). Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 836 - Pactum Sicardi, peace between the Principality of Benevento and the Duchy of Naples Microsoft Zune Review. Paul Thurrott's SuperSite for Windows.
- ^ Mossberg, Walt (2006-11-09). Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Events 694 - Egica, a king of the Visigoths of Hispania, accuses Jews of aiding Muslims sentencing all Microsoft's Zune Challenges iPod. All Things Digital.
External links
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