Quote Originally Posted by +Daemon+
not sure about the ps2 but I know xbox you can will setup a pc (server) and have it as a gateway for your xbox, and get free xbox live, not really xbox live but its a alt solution, I forgot were I saw that
true. There are two piece of software that do this : xbconnect and xlink kai (look 'em up). Both work very well althought they don't have the ease of use of xbox live. THe ps2 does have voice chat capability but sony's online effort is pale in comparison to the xbox (that's not to say it doesn't work, it's just clumsy). Xbox live is something that MS got done right and is the reason why the xbox is now getting so popular. If you think down ms's line of thought , the current version of live is just a very successful test, they will use it (using XNA) to allow the pc and xbox console (maybe not this generation :-) ) to connect to each other in ways sony will never be able to. Think Media center extender, video conferencing, VOIP, Game console, pvr all rolled into 1. Plus XNA will also allow game developpers to create games for both the pc and the xbox that will interact with each other on live. Xbox live as well allows for online standings, buddy lists, partner finding and so much more.
Sony's is pretty much call you buddy up and make sure he's got the same game and is on at the same time.

Just so you know, I'm not biased towards the xbox, I play games man PC, xbox, PS2, Dreamcast, GB all types, I just think that XBOX live is the way consoles should be online and MS got lucky by accidently creating it.