Good news, haters of arbitrary online currencies! The end for Microsoft's confusing "Points" system may be near, if a report on Inside Mobile Apps is to be believed.


The mobile site claims that Microsoft's Points will be "phased out" by the end of 2012, with transactions to be listed in a user's local currency instead.

The move wouldn't just impact Xbox Live, it would affect the Zune Marketplace and Windows Phone users as well.


One has to wonder, given the timing of the (potential and unconfirmed) move, whether the spate of Xbox Live account break-ins is behind the change.

We've contacted Microsoft for comment, and will update if we hear back.

Exclusive: Microsoft to discontinue its virtual currency system Microsoft Points [Inside Mobile Apps]