If you were sitting there staring at your Xbox 360 thinking, “Ya know, I really wish there were a way I could start getting you to take money directly out of my checking account,” your dreams are realized. Microsoft is now taking PayPal deposits to buy downloadable content.

Sticking true to its corporate strategy, Microsoft makes the should-be convenient process more difficult than it needs to be. For starters, you can only deposit funds online, rather than from the console itself. Secondly, the system only lets you buy Microsoft points, the funny-money system that echoes Chuck E. Cheese’s tickets-for-prizes setup.

Microsoft’s Larry Hryb spells out the process on his Major Nelson Blog:

It’s pretty easy and just like adding a credit card to your account. Sign in to Xbox.com and head to the account summary page. From there choose “Manage Payment Options” (from the left navigation menu) then click “Add a new PayPal Account.” Follow the instructions and you’ll be set up in no time.

There is good reason for Microsoft to allow more ways for gamers to empty their bank accounts into their 360s. Starting Aug. 11, several retail 360 games will be available for download for the first time in a Games on Demand service, ranging between 1,600 and 2,400 Microsoft points ($20-$30).

PayPal now available for US Xbox LIVE Accounts [Major Nelson]
(Photo: Travelin’ Librarian)

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