ruibing on 30 August 2009
It's a forced purchase. More and more, MS makes gold mandatory. Unless you get it, you won't have multiplayer, demos on time, ability to use Netfix, and the new facebook/twitter features.
Besides, if you think its worth it, meaning the 360 will have better online than the PS3, then you should add the cost of the membership to the base price of the 360. After just 2-3 years, a 360 Arcade will cost more than a PS3 slim.
