The obsession over Microsoft Points
There have always been complaints about Microsoft Points and how Microsoft refuses to do anything in actual dollars. Part of the problem is the wonky conversion. In the United States, 400 MS Points is equal to $5 but the smallest unit you can buy is 500, which comes out to $6.25. This causes no end of complaints, especially when Wii Points are essentially 100 per $1. However, I find Microsoft Points to be entirely consistent with how Microsoft does business and especially how it treats its customers.
So how do you win this “game”?
There really are only two options.
1. Refuse to play
2. Don’t worry about it.
Any other solution causes heartache and grief over a business practice that is unlikely to change this hardware generation. The simple fact is that the way MS points work the most you’re likely to be out is a couple of cents, maybe a buck at the most. In the meantime, all the ranting, raving, and obsessing doesn’t do anything but create unnecessary stress.
I don’t worry about it because points don’t expire. If I don’t have enough I don’t worry about the fact that I will have to purchase more than I need. The unused points will just go to a future purchase. I’ve carried a balance as low as 30 points, which is essentially worthless. Those 30 points are worth less than half a dollar, though I can still use them in conjunction with a future points purchase.
At best, Microsoft may end up profitting a few cents that I’ll never spend. I’m able to afford a 360, a subscription to X-Box Live, and have enough disposable income to actually buy things off the service. I think I can afford to lose a few random cents over the next few years.
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April 6th, 2009 at 11:12 pm
You will get to a moment when you’re going to expend those 30 points. Just continue doing what your are doing an the points will be stack in front of the other until it reach the price of something you want.
April 7th, 2009 at 8:30 am
I think it’s one of those small annoyances people run across that reminds you in the middle of your hobby that the people you are buying said product from feel the irresistable urge to create scenarios to get that extra bit of cash out of you. I suspect most people wouldn’t complain if it didn’t come across as really cheesy, it’s like something you would expect from a carnival or an elementary school fundraiser.
I think the entire concept is just dorky. Nintendo does the same thing but they are wise enough to stagger their pricing where the buyer doesn’t notice. The same scenario is taking place but they alternate purchases so you make the decision to give yourself an odd number of points. They also offer some options for removing them. Nintendo seems to have the confidence that their consumers will continue to return to buy and download more and more product.
I think most businesses need to step back and reassess that the small things speak loudly, like charging customers for a pillow on an airline, a bag of cheap peanuts or not doing quality control on game buy backs. This is a multi-billion dollar corporation with the world’s primary operating software, I think they can do better than to worry if they have an extra 25 cents from a gamer.
April 10th, 2009 at 8:08 pm
This topic seems particularly relevant with the recent addition of being able to purchase assorted XBLA titles on Amazon. How do you feel about that particular program being implemented? Is it something you will utilize? I’m not sure I’ll use it a lot but I am excited about the prospect of being able to gift individual titles now. That is something Microsoft should have started long ago.
April 12th, 2009 at 2:27 pm
I think anything a company can do to encourage people to buy their products is a good thing. In some ways they are behind the curve as I thought you could gift Wii titles on the Virtual Console all along.
I’m sure some people will protest because anything Microsoft does is evil, but sometimes you have to give them credit for giving people what they want.
April 20th, 2009 at 6:18 pm
You are correct here! I totally agree with you.Check out mine,http://microsoftpointsjust4free.blogspot.com
April 27th, 2009 at 9:04 am
Is there any place where a relatively large group of organized people could “share their feelings” on the ludicrous point system with Microsoft? I think most people are sophisticated enough to do the points to $ conversion and realize they’re getting hosed. I try to avoid “points” purchases as much as possible…