"Microsoft charging for XBL on the original Xbox came as a surprise when the system debuted in 2002, but the novelty of playing an online console game helped players overlook the fact that the PlayStation 2, Dreamcast, and GameCube offered the similar functionality (albeit with different games) with no subscription." --Not true. Also, Xbox Live offered downloadable content, even on the Xbox. Halo maps and even endings to Dead or Alive 3. I even downloaded characters to Outlaw Volleyball (Xbox 1 game) with my Xbox 360.
I remember Sega costing like $100 a year or something during the Dreamcast era. In fact, at one point, Sega was giving away really discounted Dreamcasts (possibly even free) as long as people signed up for SegaNet. Playstation's online didn't come until after Xbox Live. You had to buy a Network Adapter. Nintendo's online was virtually non-existent. The only game I can remember being available for it was Phantasy Star Online. I'm just an average gamer. If I know this, why doesn't a professional game journalist?
