The info confirmed by Microsoft today was
mostly revealed in a translated French article at the end of
August, but we always appreciate hearing the official word when it comes to forking over any of our hard-earned
money. Prices remain steady on 3 and 12-month subscription packages at $39.99 and $69.99, respectively, but 1, 3, and
12-month subscription cards (without any of the package extras) will also be made available for a lesser value at
$7.99, $19.99, and $49.99 each. The free Xbox Live silver memberships (for all 360 owners with broadband and a hard
drive or memory unit) will offer free Gamertags and Gamer Profiles, voice and text messaging, and access to Marketplace
downloads and Xbox Live Arcade games as well (though premium content will still require payment to be downloaded). Gold
memberships not only provide you with all that, but they also deliver the real goods on Live with online multiplayer
gaming, enhanced matchmaking and feedback tools, along with "exclusive privileges [video chat?] and rewards on Xbox
Live Marketplace."
The Xbox Live Premium Gold Packs unquestionably provide the greater value over the bare subscription cards—what with
the 360 headsets, free Live Arcade games, mail-in rebate coupons, and bonus "Microsoft Points" for use on the Xbox Live
Marketplace thrown in. But what Console/Premium/HD-loving 360 owner is going to need an extra headset to go along with
the one that comes included with the system? Bringing a guest into Live games would be nice if those sessions weren't
relegated to unranked matches, but I guess you could always lend an extra set to a Core-purchasin' buddy who wants to
give Live a college try. I'm actually still holding onto a old Live 12-month card until I get my mitts on a 360. What
are you planning to get (if you're going Live with a 360 at all)?
Engadget
TUAW