from http://www.xbox.com/en-US/live/memberships/?WT.svl=nav and links on that page.
Silver package: (free)
- Create your gamer profile
- Create and maintain a friends list
- Access Xbox Live Marketplace including Xbox Live Arcade, demos, and trailers
- Send and receive text and voice messages
- Join in special Xbox Live Gold trial opportunities
- Access massively multiplayer games
Note: Silver level requires Xbox 360 storage device and broadband connection. Xbox Live Marketplace downloads and MMO games may require an additional fee.
Gold package: ($50/year, I could have sworn I paid $35 for my bros on marketplace. Maybe it was a special for a new customer.)
Wii's system is yet to be fully disclosed. Basically I see better in Opera, but worse in Wii numbers exchange. It should have many of the same additional features due to Wii's use of gamespy's systems.
PS3's system, as advertised, will seem to have everything that Gold offers and more. More interesting Home layout and ability to surf internet.
@omgwtfbbq - sony and nintendo are now also providing the infrastructure. They did not last gen and that is why they both failed at online capability. Nintendo has the system continuously expanding since the launch of the DS's wifi service and sony is now doing the same in prep for Home.
