Quote Originally Posted by audio_dude
finally, why don't we discuss the online capabilities of these consoles, for starters, the Wii has a FREE online game connection service, lets see microsoft of sony do that!
OK, I'll bite. What are you contending? That Free is better? Better than what? Here are the 3 services as they stand now.

1. MS XBOX/XBOX 360 LIVE 2 levels of service "Silver" and "Gold"

Silver has all connections to "Marketplace" where game updates/patches, free demos, free video, and the XBOX LIVE arcade is located. You cannont play multiplayer enabled games with a silver account online except for special dates set up by MS.

Gold costs approx $49.99 for 1 year and that works out to about $4.07/ month. This has all the benefits of silver plus unlimited playablilty of multiplayer enabled games.

Keep in mind that MS has set up a set of standards that programmers must work within to make their games work on the MS network. This prohibits several standards and conflicts. The service only works with DSL or Cable connections. XBOX / XBOX 360 doens't come with wireless connections enabled. However, you can connect directly to your LAN with wire or purchase wireless connections.

I have used both and wired is better. Suffered some signal conflicts in my house that made wireless not satisfactory.

2. Sony

Sony is p issing an opportuinity away here. They are opting for a non-unified service and programming structure for its developers. This leaves gamers in the lurch without assurance that they will not have to have several accounts to play games online. This also makes development difficult for programmers who need to make their own standards for each game.

Currently there is no pricing guidence for Sony online play as it will be up to the indiviual game developers to determine if players will need to "pay to play"

Wireless connection is "in" the box. However, it will be to the /g/ standard. This standard is being moved away from for /N/ and MIMO. Both offer better speeds and signal quality. There may be compatibility issues with routers as well, but that is speculation.

3. Nintendo

Currently appears to be "Free" Again, no word on standards and who develops them. Unsure if individual companies can charge gamers to "play".

Wireless is "in" the box. /g/ standard.

I am biased for MS, and don't mind paying for the service. It is rock solid and has never gone down. Your milage may vary.