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No more points for Xbox players, report says

Microsoft may do away with point system, favoring gift cards for Xbox purchases, according to a report.

Lance Whitney Contributing Writer
Lance Whitney is a freelance technology writer and trainer and a former IT professional. He's written for Time, CNET, PCMag, and several other publications. He's the author of two tech books--one on Windows and another on LinkedIn.
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Xbox users may be able to use gift cards and credit cards, instead of points, to purchase games and other content.

"Sources familiar with Microsoft's Xbox plans" told tech news site The Verge that Microsoft will replace its Xbox Points system with gift cards. The gift cards will let Xbox owners buy currency to purchase games and other content. Users also will be able to use credit and debit cards to buy Xbox items online.

The gift cards would work in the Windows Store and the Windows Phone Store, The Verge added. Microsoft may announce the new system during the E3 event, starting June 11, and launch it later this year when the next Xbox debuts, The Verge reported.

Last year, Microsoft switched from points to credit cards and debit cards for purchasing music and videos in Windows 8.

Asked for a response on the potential new system, a Microsoft representative told CNET that "we don't comment on rumors or speculation."

Update, 8:55 a.m. PT: Added response from Microsoft.