Since Microsoft popularized the business model of microtransactions, many people have criticized downloadable content as being overpriced, and an incentive for developers to leave items out of the initial release. Some criticism stems from the fact that many of the items sold on sites like Xbox Live Marketplace are not downloadable content at all, but are instead content keys used to unlock content already on the game disk, people feel as if they are paying to unlock content they already purchased when they bought the game itself. For instance, criticism arose over the downloadable "Versus Mode" for Resident Evil 5 : on Xbox Live the total file size of the pack was 2 Megabytes, leading people to believe that the Mode was already on the game disc but Capcom chose to offer it as an added extra and request a fee in order for it to be unlocked.

Microsoft and Nintendo have been criticized for selling only specific amounts of their currency. For example, if someone wants to purchase a $15 item, they are forced to spend $20 just to buy enough currency to buy the $15 item. 80 Xbox Live Marketplace Points are equivalent to one dollar, and one Wii point is equal to one penny. Both companies have been criticized for taking advantage of currency parity, and keeping consumers from realizing the actual cost of items. Like Disney Dollars, the idea is that gamers will be more ready to spend a certain amount of "points" than a specific dollar amount.

(Boo!)