| Both the Microsoft Xbox and Sony's PS2 have online gaming capabilities. The difference between the two systems is that Microsoft integrated a modem into all of its consoles from day one. Many PS2 owners, on the other hand, must purchase the Sony Network Adapter separately. However, the newest system revisions of the PS2 console do feature integrated Network Adapters, so look closely at your console before you purchase the adapter. Another difference between online gaming on the Xbox and the PlayStation 2 is how gamers can play one another. Microsoft requires all gamers to register for its Xbox Live online gaming service before they can begin playing their games online. This registration is not free, and everyone that wishes to use Xbox Live must pay a monthly subscription fee. But on the PS2, online gaming is free. This is because there is no single online network for players to connect to. Sony left the network details up to the individual game developers. Anyone who owns a PS2 and has an internet connection is capable of gaming online. After all, online gaming can increase the longevity of a title that would otherwise become boring quickly. A large number of PS2 titles have online capabilities. Some of the more popular games include Burnout 3: Takedown, Battlefield 2, and many of EA Sports' football, hockey, baseball, basketball, golf, and boxing titles. Gamers new to the online gaming world will be pleased to know that most newer PS2 online games are protected by the DNAS (dynamic network authentication system). This eliminates any cheating and piracy that plagued many older titles and keeps online gaming fair and fun for all. |