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[VisualFidelity]

Never has it been more affordable to purchase a next-gen system. No upfront fees, no interest charges and only $25/m for XSS and $35/m for XSX with live, gamepass, and ea access included. Its insane to think you can play over 150 games with your next gen system on day one with no cost upfront. This is a game changer for many who don't have hundreds in their budget to put towards a video game system. I wasn't planning to get a next gen system (no need for it) but the prices and finance option have swayed me to do so.

Are you planning to use Xbox all access financing to get your system and was it the main reason why you are getting an Xbox over a ps5?

www.inputmag.com/gaming/xboxs-financing-package-is-an-utterly-insane-deal

 

[VincentMatts]

I would have at Best buy. Its only EB in canada and they never have enough HW. So its a pass for me. Going to BB.

 

[RoboFu]

I think it will be a pretty big deal but thankfully .. I dont need.

 

[Sir Vilhelm]

How big of a deal is Microsofts All Access financing in the grand scheme of things?

It will be huge, how do you think most people purchase $1000+ cell phones. I personally won't use it but you know there is a huge population our there that will regardless of what a GAF poll shows.

 

[IntentionalPun]

Hasn't this existed for quite some time?

Didn't make a dent last gen.

 

[spons]

As far as I know you still have to pay for this for years to come every month. If you can't afford it then don't buy it, especially not with financing plans like these.

 

[Grinchy]

I assume it's limited to people who can qualify for it in the first place. I have to imagine that some of the people who need to finance a $300 console (for $600) the most may not even have the credit to do so.

 

[jshackles]

It's a big deal, but GAF isn't exactly their target audience.

Upfront affordability is nice, but picking up various Black Friday deals to stack up on Game Pass will save you more money in the end.

 

[-Arcadia-]

I mean, it's been around two generations. You could do this with a late 360.

Maybe higher prices will make people see it in a new light, but it hasn't been a game changer thus far.

 

[NickFire]

Come Xmas time when parents want to surprise their kids with a new console, I envision this will be extremely attractive, especially for those who are cash strapped.

 

[CatLady]

I already have over 2 years of GPU, I prefer to pay cash for things and with the Series X being much more affordable than I anticipated there is no reason for me not to pay cash.

I do think Xbox All-Access is a really great option for people that are having money difficulties and/or families that need to buy multiple Xboxes.

 

[Mister Wolf]

It will be successful with low income families come holiday. Especially if the stores like Target and Walmart advertise it within the store and Black Friday advertisements.

 

[jshackles]

As far as I know you still have to pay for this for years to come every month. If you can't afford it then don't buy it, especially not with financing plans like these.

You only pay the monthly fee for 24 months (2 years). So Xbox Series S + two years of Game Pass Ultimate = $600. Xbox Series X + two years of Game Pass Ultimate = $840.

After that, you keep the console.

 

[MatrixReloaded101]

Financing a $300-$500 product is foolish, If you don't have the funds to pay that upfront you probably shouldn't be buying this day one because that will just be another monthly bill.

 

[Chun Swae]

I'm not poor why would I need to finance a console.

 

[iJudged]

these poles, i always vote for the most unlikely ones just to see, and finally i am the only one woohooo, but on a serious note, i am not sure what the availability is going to look like, i would much rather prefer to trade in my XoX and pay the diff but seems like i might just have to buy it outright right away, even though, pretty cool they made the installments look a bit more affordable.

 

[TLZ]

Not for me, I'm buying it outright.

But I see how this helps getting it into other people's homes.

 

[MastaKiiLA]

Financing is a terrible idea in most respects. Buying a home is about the only time it makes sense. Don't do it for gambling, consoles, cars, or anything under the $100k limit, where saving becomes prohibitive. If you can't afford to buy it with cash up-front, then don't fucking buy it. If you need to finance a fucking console, you shouldn't be buying a console. It means you're too poor, and should be spending your money more wisely. I'm not being mean, that's just fucking realtalk. Consoles are a luxury. Pay your goddamn rent and utilities, you mope.

Let me amend this. You only finance when the thing you're purchasing has a strong chance of appreciating in value. Most things that aren't homes will lost value the moment you walk off the lot. That's just a terrible investment. Cars can be excused, in some cases, if you got a good deal on a low-priced vehicle, that allows you to get to a job that will help you increase your income over time. But anything less than that, or a house, is just fucking stupid. You're just a mark for banks in that case.

 

[DaGwaphics]

I mean, it's been around two generations. You could do this with a late 360.

Maybe higher prices will make people see it in a new light, but it hasn't been a game changer thus far.

It'll be interesting to see what traction this gets. In the past, availability at brick-and-mortar has been very limited. This time they have Walmart, BB, and Target at launch. Though a lot probably depends on how knowledgeable store staff is regarding the program and how easy the application process is.

 

[Chromata]

I think it's a very big deal, but I won't be using it. It'll help sway people who are on the fence about getting into gaming or people who may not be able to comfortably afford the console outright.

 

[TLZ]

Financing is a terrible idea in most respects. Buying a home is about the only time it makes sense. Don't do it for gambling, consoles, cars, or anything under the $100k limit, where saving becomes prohibitive. If you can't afford to buy it with cash up-front, then don't fucking buy it. If you need to finance a fucking console, you shouldn't be buying a console. It means you're too poor, and should be spending your money more wisely. I'm not being mean, that's just fucking realtalk. Consoles are a luxury. Pay your goddamn rent and utilities, you mope.

What's the difference between this and people on phone plans? This is basically the same with a gamepass sub.

 

[Night.Ninja]

What's the difference between this and people on phone plans? This is basically the same with a gamepass sub.

You beat me to it

 

[ToxicPhantom]

All Access is not for me because fortunately, I can purchase it in full cash. However, I do see how this would be great for that family want that to pick up the Xbox but not have to fork over the full amount. It's no different than what people do with cell phones.

 

[Fbh]

No thx.
I like to pay for things upfront (unless it's something really expensive like a car or a house). If I don't have the money for a console at launch I'll just start saving until I have enough.

I'm also not sure how it's in the US but pretty much every credit card around here offers payments in 3 instances with no interest as a standard, and they frequently have promotions for 6 and 12 instances too. So it wouldn't make much of a difference to people anyway

 

[MastaKiiLA]

What's the difference between this and people on phone plans? This is basically the same with a gamepass sub.

A phone can help you to get a better job to make more money. Unless you're a professional gamer, financing a console is stupid. Gamepass is a subscription service like Netflix, HBO, etc... That's not purchasing a machine, it's purchasing content. Unless it's a 0% financing situation, where you can payoff the full amount before any interest kicks in, then it's a money loser, plain and simple. These systems are designed to steal money from poor people. Don't fall into these systemic traps.

My first 2 cars were financed. My first laptop was as well. I paid my laptop off before the 0% finance ended. That was a win. Plus, my laptop helped me to get multiple jobs. Extra bonus. My first 2 cars helped me to get jobs as well, but I swore to never finance another car again, and I never did. Bought a used car as my 3rd, and bought 3 motorcycles outright since then. Live within your means. That's the most important thing. Consoles are not that important. I agree with gamepass, but not financing a console. That's just stupid.

 

[danielJackson]

Never has it been more affordable to purchase a next-gen system. No upfront fees, no interest charges and only $25/m for XSS and $35/m for XSX with live, gamepass, and ea access included. Its insane to think you can play over 150 games with your next gen system on day one with no cost upfront. This is a game changer for many who don't have hundreds in their budget to put towards a video game system. I wasn't planning to get a next gen system (no need for it) but the prices and finance option have swayed me to do so.

Are you planning to use Xbox all access financing to get your system and was it the main reason why you are getting an Xbox over a ps5?

www.inputmag.com/gaming/xboxs-financing-package-is-an-utterly-insane-deal

More affordable?

More like a fucking rip off.

I'm not getting xbox but I would never take deal as bad as that, but I can see how short sighted / financially stupid people see it as a good deal. Just like having multiple video services or some stupid shit that wastes hundreds/year.

And anyway even if I could not buy it by one time payment, why wouldnt I take the normal 12/24/36 months deal from some retailer that adds zero to the sum? Like either pay 500€ or 500€/36 and sum is the same.

This xbox deal just sell useless expensive services on the side. For same money I could buy multiple games used/on sale that I really like.

Dude, just count the whole sum and think would you pay it on one go if you had the money in your hand?

What's the difference between this and people on phone plans? This is basically the same with a gamepass sub.

Phone plan is always the same end sum in all cases, full payment or 12/24/36 months deal, 599€ is 599€.

(At least here you can get phones without having to get any plan with it, just 0% monthly deal)

This deal is xbox price + then over priced subscriptions on the side that makes it bad deal

 

[Cert.in.Death]

For anybody under the age of 18, it's a pretty useful option (albeit MS is asking for trouble contracting with minors, who in most jurisdictions can void their contracts, which leaves a right mess for MS to clean up if it happens on a wide scale).

If you're over 18 and can qualify for a credit card, you're better off paying the full balance and qualifying for the rewards/incentives from the card provider rather than financing.
There are no shortage of more cost-effective ways of saving money if you have the cash to own outright at the point of sale.

 

[MatrixReloaded101]

What's the difference between this and people on phone plans? This is basically the same with a gamepass sub.

I started buying my iPhones outright after iPhone X because I realized I didn't need a new phone every year and I didn't need the extra monthly cost. Plus contracts with phone companies are stupid.

Why would you voluntarily agree to locking yourself into paying MS $25-$35 a month for 2 years for a console that isn't proven in terms of the games ... did you see Halo infinite?

 

[mikefrails]

I started buying my iPhones outright after iPhone X because I realized I didn't need a new phone every year and I didn't need the extra monthly cost.

Why would you voluntarily agree to locking yourself into paying MS $25-$35 for a console that isn't proven in terms of the games ... did you see Halo infinite?

You're absolutely right about phones. But here I think it's a way to ease extreme naysayers into at least trying the console.

 

[jshackles]

No thx.
I like to pay for things upfront (unless it's something really expensive like a car or a house). If I don't have the money for a console at launch I'll just start saving until I have enough.

I'm also not sure how it's in the US but pretty much every credit card around here offers payments in 3 instances with no interest as a standard, and they frequently have promotions for 6 and 12 instances too. So it wouldn't make much of a difference to people anyway

It really just depends on your credit as to what kind of deals are available to you. I've got an Amazon credit card that gives me either 5% cash back on any purchase, or 12 months of 0% interest. I've got another credit card that gives me 5% off almost everywhere and I use that to buy pretty much everything. Obviously, the idea is they'll hope you carry a balance on it and are able to charge you interest, but I pay mine off in full every month.

A phone can help you to get a better job to make more money. Unless you're a professional gamer, financing a console is stupid. Gamepass is a subscription service like Netflix, HBO, etc... That's not purchasing a machine, it's purchasing content. Unless it's a 0% financing situation, where you can payoff the full amount before any interest kicks in, then it's a money loser, plain and simple. These systems are designed to steal money from poor people. Don't fall into these systemic traps.

This offer comes with no application fee, no service fees, no annual fees, no late fees, no early payoff fees, and no interest.

 

[baphomet]

I mean it's not new, but it's also not a bad option for some people I guess.

I couldn't imagine not buying something as cheap as a console outright though.

 

[Iced Arcade]

Lol don't even have to look at the results to know what all the Chad's voted.

I personally think it's a great option especially the financial state most places are in.

 

[Andodalf]

For anybody under the age of 18, it's a pretty useful option (albeit MS is asking for trouble contracting with minors, who in most jurisdictions can void their contracts, which leaves a right mess for MS to clean up if it happens on a wide scale).

If you're over 18 and can qualify for a credit card, you're better off paying the full balance and qualifying for the rewards/incentives from the card provider rather than financing.
There are no shortage of more cost-effective ways of saving money if you have the cash to own outright at the point of sale.

Pretty sure you'd need to be of the age of majority to sign up for this, it is technically a line of credit I guess

 

[Nikana]

I dont need it but I think its a good idea. I know a few people who would use it.

 

[MastaKiiLA]

This offer comes with no application fee, no service fees, no annual fees, no late fees, no early payoff fees, and no interest.

My understanding is these finance deals tie you into additional services, which is the catch. There's no free lunch. You're being saddled with additional costs somehow. That's how the system works. If that's not the case, I take back my objection, but I would be super-surprised at the existence of an actual altruistic system.

 

[Stuart360]

Unfortunately the world isnt all sunshine and rainbows for a lot of people, and thats why you can finance an incredible amount of things now.
I like the idea that low income people, or single moms with kids, etc, can buy a console for their kids, or themselves. Its alright people saying 'if you cant afford outright, you shouldnt buy one', well the world doesnt work like that, and poor people should have a way of getting to play this stuff too, and not just sat in their room staring at a wall.

 

[CAB_Life]

I think the differentiators are a.) global pandemic b.) broader range of countries than the last iteration c.) comes at the start of a generation, instead of as a late-game sales push. I have no idea how big of an impact each of those will make, though it could be the perfect storm.

Personally, I’m buying whatever next gen system I decide upon, same as I have with my phones and tablets for the last decade. You always lose more in the end with financing. But I realize a vast majority of the population doesn’t have that luxury and this is great for them.

 

[Chromata]

More affordable?

More like a fucking rip off.

I'm not getting xbox but I would never take deal as bad as that, but I can see how short sighted / financially stupid people see it as a good deal. Just like having multiple video services or some stupid shit that wastes hundreds/year.

And anyway even if I could not buy it by one time payment, why wouldnt I take the normal 12/24/36 months deal from some retailer that adds zero to the sum? Like either pay 500€ or 500€/36 and sum is the same.

This xbox deal just sell useless expensive services on the side. For same money I could buy multiple games used/on sale that I really like.

Dude, just count the whole sum and think would you pay it on one go if you had the money in your hand?



Phone plan is always the same end sum in all cases, full payment or 12/24/36 months deal, 599€ is 599€.

(At least here you can get phones without having to get any plan with it, just 0% monthly deal)

This deal is xbox price + then over priced subscriptions on the side that makes it bad deal

This is the first time I've heard anyone call Game Pass overpriced lol.

 

[Potato Chip PRO]

Nah, paying with 6 Benjamin Franklins plus TAX and along with a copy of Yakuza Like a Dragon for my SX.

 

[Dnice1]

I think it depends on how big they market it. If you walk into Walmart or Target and see large displays with Xbox Series X/S starting at just $24.99/month including over 100 games with Gamepass Ultimate. That's going to sway a lot of people who may even came in to buy the console outright.

 

[Maxwell Jacob Friedman]

If your a grown ass man and need to finance a gaming console, I think you have other things that need looking after/at in your life

 

[t_wilson01]

I'm certainly not part of the target audience because I would never go for this. I don't like being in debt, much less paying 200% MSRP (gamepass doesn't justify the extra cost for me).

Besides, since all Microsoft games will be cross gen, it would be better to get a cheap Xbox one s instead. If it's gamepass that you like, it works on it too.

 

[jshackles]

My understanding is these finance deals tie you into additional services, which is the catch. There's no free lunch. You're being saddled with additional costs somehow. That's how the system works. If that's not the case, I take back my objection, but I would be super-surprised at the existence of an actual altruistic system.

Oh make no mistake, this is absolutely set up in such a way that Microsoft is scooping in new Game Pass subscribers. But from the consumer side of things, it just means you're paying $10 / $20 a month for your console - on top of the $15 monthly Game Pass Ultimate subscription fee. It's a lower total cost of ownership if you planned on paying full retail price for your Game Pass Ultimate subscription anyway - but you're right that it's just bundling a piece of hardware with a mandatory subscription service similar to cell phone contracts.

 

[LordOfChaos]

It's a great idea. The popularity of 1K+ smartphones by people who really shouldn't be spending that much is proof positive that a monthly subscription works. Ultimately it's still about the games I can play, and Sony's first parties are still too OP, but I guess I would consider it if there was a must play on the other side.

 

[Danny Dudekisser]

Financing a $300-$500 product is foolish, If you don't have the funds to pay that upfront you probably shouldn't be buying this day one because that will just be another monthly bill.

Pretty much.

 

[LordOfChaos]

Financing a $300-$500 product is foolish, If you don't have the funds to pay that upfront you probably shouldn't be buying this day one because that will just be another monthly bill.

Counterpoint, if the financing term is 0% interest, you can do better than 0% with your thumbs up your ass and should always take that.

 

[Iced Arcade]

This is the first time I've heard anyone call Game Pass overpriced lol.

Has to be danieljr

 

[NullZ3r0]

I'm already paying $14.99/month for GPU. Over the course of 24 months, that alone is around $360. Add $500 to that and it's $860.

24 months of GPU at $34.99 is around $840. It's only $20 but a deal is a deal.

 

[Vawn]

These rent-to-own things are a scheme to get poor people to pay more for products.

I'm already paying $14.99/month for GPU. Over the course of 24 months, that alone is around $360. Add $500 to that and it's $860.

24 months of GPU at $34.99 is around $840. It's only $20 but a deal is a deal.

Why are you paying $15 a month? I'm paying $1 a month.

Also, read the fine print for when you are late on a payment and the credit rating you need for no interest payments. It sounds like the only people with that good of credit would never finance a $300 or $500 item.

 

[Cert.in.Death]

Pretty sure you'd need to be of the age of majority to sign up for this, it is technically a line of credit I guess

Appears to be the case because it depends on qualifying after a credit check, so naturally minors will get filtered out at that stage.

Also noteworthy, the credit line is provided by Citizens One Bank who is largely an East Coast bank based out of Rhode Island. Kinda curious to know how or why they wanted to partner up for this program.