Is Bitcoin Coming to Xbox? Microsoft Surveys Gamers on Payment Options

What’s the Buzz About Bitcoin on Xbox?

Imagine curling up on your couch after a long day, ready to dive into the latest game, but instead of digging around for your credit card, you just whip out your digital wallet filled with Bitcoin. Sounds great, right? Microsoft seems to think so as they recently stirred the pot with a survey asking Xbox users about potential payment methods, including our beloved Bitcoin.

The Survey Saga

According to a Reddit post that went viral like the latest gaming meme, players on r/XboxSeriesX are reporting that Microsoft is curious about how they prefer to pay for games and goodies in the online store. The survey explicitly asks fans, “Which of these other payment methods would you like to use on Xbox?” and guess who made the cut? Yep, Bitcoin has officially entered the chat.

Getting in on the Action

But before you start dreaming of cryptocurrency-fueled gaming bliss, there’s a catch. This survey is exclusive to those enrolled in the Xbox Insider program. So, it’s like a VIP club for gamers who want to beta test the newest shinies, except instead of shiny game consoles, we’re talking about shiny digital currencies.

A Blast from the Past

Microsoft hasn’t been a stranger to Bitcoin. Believe it or not, way back in 2014, they first rode the Bitcoin wave when they allowed users to fund their Microsoft accounts with Bitcoin. After a brief hiccup where they hit pause on it, they brought it back to the MS Store in January. However, Xbox’s online store has remained more traditional with payment methods. So, could this survey mean they’re ready to dive back into the crypto realm?

Not Going Full Tesla

Before you get too excited, it’s worth noting that despite their consideration of Bitcoin, Microsoft isn’t planning to go all-in on cryptocurrency like Tesla did with its flashy $1.5 billion Bitcoin investment. President Brad Smith has made it clear that the tech giant doesn’t have plans to diversify into crypto leaving many to wonder just how serious this Bitcoin consideration truly is.

What Does This Mean for Gamers?

The potential for Bitcoin payments could be a game-changer for Xbox enthusiasts who also dabble in the crypto world. Just imagine: downloading your favorite indie game using Bitcoin while wearing your favorite gaming hoodie. However, until Microsoft makes any official announcements, it looks like we’ll need to keep that digital wallet of ours on hold while they figure things out.