Mowgli

[quote]The only reason for 'points' is for branding and to distance you from the fact that you're spending real monies.[/quote]

Actually, that's a side effect. The fact that MS are happy about it, doesn't make it a reason. The *actual* reason is that Microsoft see the games market as a global business, not just the US (which they easily could have done).

As an Aussie, I thank Microsoft for taking that approach every time I buy something from the marketplace. As you can imagine, USD means nothing to me since we trade in Kangaroo skins in this country.

...Does it really need to ship with plastic that weighs many times more than the product (3.5 grams)?...

Absolutely, completely, totally yes - it needs to. Those card-board boxes (GBA for example) are a nightmare to maintain and keep "nice". Nintendo gamers absolutely deserve a game case that a. protects the cart and b. is stackable and / or can be lined up on a shelf.

Please, oh *PLEASE*, do a "then and now" for PLAYSTATION 3.

If you want to see a string of obsolete press releases, cut features and outrageous Sony hyperbole, that will be the article to read.