Microsoft Launches Online Store, Kind Of Misses Point Options

[Xbox-Scene]

Microsoft Launches Online Store, Kind Of Misses Point Posted by XanTium | November 17 18:57 EST | News Category: Xbox360

From kotaku.com: [QUOTE] Microsoft have quietly launched their own online store. Aside from the obvious stuff like Windows and Office, the store is also selling quite a number of games. Both PC and 360 titles are on offer (ie most of the company's first-party lineup) though you have to wonder why they're bothering, since the games end up costing more than they do in a store, with Microsoft charging rrp plus $7 shipping. [/QUOTE] Full Story: kotaku.com

[jdsony]

ahahahahaahaaha cost more? ahahahaahah. This is obviously the way of the future!

[metalcoat]

I am sure some idiot will buy it there.

[proger]

I'm getting a runtime error. Lawlz. Nice one, M$.

[dokworm]

I guess the point is that MS can't really compete with the other stores without copping flack for it.
However, if you live out in the boonies like I do, then I guess some people would be happy to pay to have it shipped. They will probably do alright with it, just like all the people that buy speaker cable for $8 per metre from Dick Smith/Radio Shack when the exact same cable is available at the cable wholesaler around the corner for $1 per metre. And this way MS gets the whole chunk of the pie.

Sadly, they will probably make good money from this.

[trey85stang]

uhh... they have had an online store for years. This is not new.

[g8crapachino]

It's really easy for people to be cynical about what Microsoft does (When are they not?). I'm sure MS expected it. But look at the facts, ALOT of places and business have online stores and online shopping is not always the cheapest. What it does offer is convenience and availability to anyone and there are always people who do buy. So what if they charge shipping, alot of online stores do. For many people that $7 is probable cheaper/easier/more convenient then driving to a Mall and dealing with crowds. The online store is not Microsoft's primary source of revenue so it's hardly a big deal. It's not like adding an online store actually cost Microsoft alot since they didn't have to do anything more then provide a webpage off of their existing domain. In my opinion kotaku.com simply doesn't get it and the author of that story was more concerned with finding a way to blast Microsoft then think it thru.

[Fantmx]

The only people laughing are the ones that think it is cool to bash Microsoft and not read the article. You pay shipping from every online store Microsoft is no different.

[jdsony]

ahhh. Sorry for some reason I was thinking 'Online Store' = ' Downloaded Titles'. It does make sense that there are shipping costs.

[hamwbone]

people pay shipping all the time. what a stupid article....... if the reviewer/writer is under the assumption that they chargins s/h for digital downloads they should be fired and sent home with a dunce cap.