Analyst and Tech website The Verge is reporting that with the release of the Next XBOX, Microsoft have decided to scrap the Microsoft Point system. The rumor stems from an older rumor that surfaced last year that Microsoft were going to slowly phase out the point system in favor for proper currency. Currently as it stands, $1USD converts to 80 Microsoft Points.

Now whether or not Microsoft will start converting their MS Point Cards to currency cards are unknown and whether they will update the firmware on the XBOX360, is known as well. But as stated this is all rumor, but would be the smarter way to go. Nintendo got rid of the Wii Point system with it’s release of the Nintendo3DS and used proper currency as it’s format along with it’s release of the Wii U. PlayStation has been using this format with the PS3 from the get go.

Yay or Nay?

Microsoft formerly used the format on it’s Windows based Smartphones, but scrapped that as a compulsory option early last year, due to no one using the feature. The option is still there for those who do decide to use it, but instead allowed users to make purchases direct with a credit card. Much like the XBLA Cards. the rumored new gift cards will be offered in a similar way. These vouchers, will allow Xbox owners to purchase true currency to be used exclusively to download content. The normal transactions, using credit and debit cards, will also be supported. Microsoft Points gift cards are available in all EB Games stores, but are rumored to be replaced with these new gift cards, that will also be available at all PC Stores, at it can be used with Windows store as well. The new system will work across Microsoft’s various marketplaces, much like Apple’s iTunes cards. This includes the Windows Store, Windows Phone Store, and Xbox.

Is this the next big step for Microsoft to streamline it’s customer service? Is this the right way to go about this? What are your thoughts? Do you think it’s time to rid of the point system and go straight currency? Let us know below! Be sure to stick around on Dashhacks this week for the big Next Generation XBOX reveal live this coming Tuesday. All the big news will be right here.

Tags: Microsoft, microsoft points, next gen, XBLA, Xbox Live

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