Want to Game Online? - Microsoft's Xbox 360
(Page 2 of 4 )
The Xbox 360, made by Microsoft, boasts a multitude of features and extras for the discerning video gamer, and the online options certainly don't fall short. Using a membership program called Xbox Live, you too can take advantage and take your game console (figuratively) into any locale on the globe. Xbox Live, like other game-supported online programs, works only through a high-speed Internet connection.
Enjoying Xbox Live for online play, however, isn't as easy as simply making the decision. For one thing, gamers have to sign up for membership with the Xbox Live community. There are two different membership options you can choose with Xbox: silver and gold. With silver membership, which is free of charge, gamers have access to game demos, friends lists and other online extras. What gamers will not have with silver membership is the capability for online multiplayer gaming. For that, you're going to have to upgrade to gold.
Gold membership gives players all the added bells and whistles -- namely, online multiplayer gaming. With this, you can connect to the Internet and play any multiplayer game with other Xbox Live members no matter where they are. The gold membership plan may be purchased in 12- or 3-month increments through prepaid cards. The 12-month service costs approximately $50 USD, while 3 months can be purchased for around $20 USD.
When you're using the Xbox to game online, you may only enjoy this online game experience through a hardwire Internet connection - unless you purchase the special Xbox attachment which allows the console to receive a wireless signal. The implement is small and very easy to use, but somewhat costly. This device costs approximately $100 USD.
One added feature of the Xbox 360 is the headset, which can be purchased separately or as part of a 12-month Xbox Live membership package. With the headset, you can speak in real-time to those you're gaming with online even when your hands are busy at the gaming controls. The official Xbox headset costs around $20 USD. Headsets are not at all required for you to enjoy an online multiplayer experience, however, so you can choose not to make this purchase.
To play online with the Xbox 360, you have to sign up for membership, pay money and sometimes make special purchases to enjoy the sort of Internet connection you'd like to have. That's an awful lot of hoop-jumping just to enjoy online gaming...isn't there an easier option?
Next: Sony's PlayStation 3 >>
More Opinions Articles
More By KC Morgan
