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08 Sep 2005 12:41 | Dusty | Xbox 360 Xbox360News.com | Link to this article 
As our readers have commented this is kind of old news. However Microsoft did send out a press release today, just to make it official I guess. You can read the press release in full below.Microsoft today announced that the next generation of online multiplayer gaming service Xbox Live will be available in North America on the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system starting this holiday. In addition to the free Xbox Live Silver membership available to every Xbox 360 owner, for only $49.99 (U.S.) or $79.99 (CDN) gamers can amplify their gaming experience with a 12-month Xbox Live Gold membership. Gamers looking for a truly engaging and immersive online multiplayer experience can pick up one of the Xbox Live Premium Gold Packs, which include the new Xbox 360 Headset, Xbox Live Arcade games, Microsoft Points for use in Xbox Live Marketplace, and mail-in rebates for up to $20 (U.S.) off any Xbox 360 game. Microsoft also today announced that credit cards will no longer be required to create an account on Xbox Live for Xbox 360, removing one of the biggest barriers to entry. Gamers can purchase 12-month Xbox Live subscription cards via cash or other payment methods at any participating retail store. Subscriptions will also be available for purchase by credit card in one-month, three-month and 12-month increments through the Xbox Live Dashboard. The next generation of Xbox Live will be offered to gamers through two levels of service. Xbox Live Silver is a free level of the service offered to all who own an Xbox 360 system, a high-speed Internet connection, and a memory unit or a hard drive. The Xbox Live Gold membership delivers the full Xbox Live premium online experience annually for $49.99 (U.S.)/$79.99 (CDN), which averages to a little more than $4 a month (U.S.). The Xbox Live offers include the following: Xbox Live Silver membership: This allows members to connect to the online community and create their own digital identity with an Xbox Live gamertag and personalized Gamer Profile. Xbox Live Silver members will be able to send and receive text and voice messages and join their friends on Xbox Live. Xbox Live Marketplace is the one-stop download center for additional game-related content like free trailers and demos as well as content that adds more to games, such as new levels, characters and weapons. Gamers can also purchase and download fun, casual and highly addictive Xbox Live Arcade games directly to their Xbox 360 system (additional fees may apply; hard drive or memory unit required for downloads). Price: free Xbox Live Gold membership: This includes all Xbox Live Silver-level features and access to premium multiplayer experiences exclusive to Xbox Live Gold members. This includes online multiplayer gaming, enhanced matchmaking and feedback tools, along with exclusive privileges and rewards on Xbox Live Marketplace. Xbox Live Premium Gold Pack (available at retail locations): One Month: N/A (Subscription Cards for $7.99 U.S., $8.99 CDN) Three Months: All Gold-level features,“Joust” (Xbox Live Arcade game),Xbox 360 Headset,$10 (U.S.) mail-in game rebate coupon good for any Xbox 360 game title,100 Microsoft Points for use on Xbox Live Marketplace Price: $39.99 (U.S.) (Subscription Cards for $19.99 U.S., $24.99 CDN) 12 Months: All Gold-level features,“Bankshot Billiards” (Xbox Live Arcade game), Xbox 360 Headset, $20 (U.S.) mail-in game rebate coupon good for any Xbox 360 game title, 200 Microsoft Points for use on Xbox Live Marketplace Price: $69.99 (U.S.) (Subscription Cards for $49.99 U.S., $59.99 CDN) -Subscription cards at retail, available through Xbox Live Dashboard (via credit card) “Xbox Live on Xbox 360 gives each and every player the opportunity to become a member of the world’s largest online gaming community,” said Peter Moore, corporate vice president of Worldwide Marketing and Publishing for the Home Entertainment Division at Microsoft. “With a choice of service level and multiple offerings, gamers everywhere will get the most out of their games by experiencing breakthrough features on the most innovative video-game and entertainment system to date. We’re excited to offer our existing 2 million members this supercharged online experience at the same retail price, as well as introduce new users to the next generation in online gaming and entertainment.” Add Comment  1 -
sparco220 09.08.2005 18:02 We know about this already dont we? I thought this was all released at Leipzig.... =S 2 -
Old newsUnregistered - WildAttorney 09.08.2005 18:15 It is indeed old news, but Dusty is right that Microsoft did issue a press release on this today. Go figure. See: http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2005/sep05/09-08XBLPricingPR.mspx 3 -
Current Subscribers?ZydecoStorm 09.08.2005 18:27 While I personally haven't heard it addressed, I was wondering how existing Live customers are going to be handled. A magazine suggested you might get your subsription transferred over for full Gold status until it expires, at which time you would renew under the new structure. What I really would like to know is can my Live account be shared on both my original Xbox and my 360? I want to continue playing games on both consoles under a single account. Anyone here know the answer? 4 -
sparco220 09.08.2005 18:43 I believe you can do account recovery, like on the xbox1, from the 360's dashboard =) 5 -
it should be free?Unregistered - Anonymous Coward 09.08.2005 19:22 bill just wants more money the asswipe! buying the xbox 360 is plenty already,not to mention it comes in two diffrent packages the cheaper one missing its hard drive and a few other importen things(online card) its just a big marketing ploy to make more money because you going to end up buying those later on.it really does make you think that all they want is our money it should really just come in one package and online should be free. 6 -
US bargain price.Unregistered - Thryon 09.08.2005 20:48 At those prices, I will get my subcription card in the US as after I count exchange, it will only cost me $63 Canadian for the one year, compared to the $80 + tax ($91 and change) that the same card will cost me in Canada. Not sure how MS does price conversions 7 -
assjacket 09.08.2005 21:33 well i used my credit card to sign up almost two years ago. it just appears on my bill once a year and its just $100 CDN. I can't even tell if the price is different or not but with tax it seems to work out to about the same. For me the price is fine...i'd pay more just for the chance to kick some of your asses on 360Live...see you chumps in the Marketplace. 8 -
I hate XslutsUnregistered - I hate Xsluts 09.08.2005 22:02 Microsoft sure knows how to milk you, then rape you guys silly, huh? but then again I guess they don't call you XSLUTS for nothing,eh? 9 -
Unregistered - Jonathan Fernando 09.08.2005 23:18 Wait a second, this is kind of confusing, how much will the 12 month package with the game, headset, 20 dollar rebate, and marketplace points cost me canadian? 10 -
Jason Lee 09.09.2005 01:48 oh haha haha lol @ xsluts... oh thats as funny as your mom being a slut period oh thats great .. this from a guy whos mom's so fat she fell in love and broke oh thats the funny thing i've ever heard... see i can be childish and inmature too.. flamer. 11 -
Jason Lee 09.09.2005 03:08 btw read microsoft posted a correction about pricing, candian is 59.99 not 79.99 12 -
All about money???Unregistered - WildAttorney 09.09.2005 11:27 Hello?!?! To the people who say all Microsoft cares about is money, what the heck should Microsoft care about? Microsoft is a business and its primary purpose is to maximize profits for shareholders. Microsoft will price the console, the live service, the accessories, the games, etc. at the highest price the market will sustain, given the present demand and the competition. So will Sony. So would any other company. Microsoft didn't create the Xbox 360 to be charitable to the gaming world. They build it to eventually make a profit (the original Xbox has thus far not been profitable). If you think Microsoft is making a killing off of you, my best advice is to buy Microsoft shares and get in on some of the action. 13 -
totally agreeUnregistered - exactly 09.09.2005 13:17 to post 12 i agree totally let's not forget though most of the posters are probably 13-17 and do not realize the concept of what a business is. To better put it lets say to all those who think microsoft is all about money. Say you are the CEO of microsoft would you just give your products away or try to make money? I know i would be trying to make money the bottom line goal of every single business in the world. If businesses did not make profits they can no longer stay in business is simple logic really it costs a lot of money to start a business so how do you make that money back duh you charge for your goods and services. Secondly, if you run a business most business people want to continue the business and make money why do people work? Again to make money is microsoft gave away everything for free or under market value they could not sustain their employee pay, insurance pay for those employees, etc. 14 -
Not all bout moneyUnregistered - BulletTheory 09.09.2005 16:21 Bill Gates has also given alot of money to charity 15 -
Unregistered - Anonymous Coward 09.09.2005 16:26 that true he has given billions to charity which i would to if i had his money even a fraction of it but that wasnt what one fanboy troll was refering to he or she was refering to the 360, live, and games that bill gates should give it away for nothing or close to nothing thats what those last to post were referring to before you did Add Comment |
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