Shopping Guide to Next Generation Consoles by Online Service - Individual Consoles
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Xbox 360
As you may remember from our earlier discussion of these systems, the Xbox Live system is the only one that charges you for the privilege of having access to the online system. That fee is $50 for all practical intents and purposes. The system's fee gives you access to online play of your games, which not only means you can play online with your friends while chatting, but that you can get access to extra levels or missions for your games. There is also a limited "arcade" style games area where you can play online.
The PlayStation Network
This little minx is kind of a middle ground. It costs nothing for you to use and does offer you the option for voice chatting and instant messaging while still allowing you to make purchases either with cards or with your credit card directly. In addition, some games come with a trophy section which allows others online to see your gaming achievements. Finally the last trick this system's basics offers is "life with PlayStation," which is a 3D image of the earth that you can check to get weather and new information for your desired location.
Wii Online
The Wii's online system most likely does not have a formal name of its own because it is expected to be part of the system's day to day use. All of the content utilizes the online capacity, with the exception of the downloadable classic games and items clearly marked as in the shop section.
You buy things not with your credit card but with Wii points, which you can purchase at most electronic and gaming stores (or just at a Wal-Mart). You upload the card to your system and then buy away. This system is good if you want to buy a system for your kids or if you just know that you have a shopping impulse control problem when you are online.
The freebies are called channels, and they have quite a few. There is an email system, an Opera-based web browser, a news channel, a weather channel, a place to show off your virtual people (called Miis) and a variety of other custom-tailored channels available for you to download free of charge.
The classic game library is quite extensive; you will find enough games to keep the nostalgia rush going for months on end.
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