Free Trial Weekends

With a broadband connection and Xbox 360™, you're already squared away with an Xbox Live® Silver Membership. You'll have access to voice chat, your Friends List, trailers/demos for upcoming games, Xbox Live Marketplace, and a gamer profile complete with gamerscore and achievements that update as you play.

What's missing, of course, is the ever-active world of competition and cooperative play with your fellow gamers: the world of Xbox Live Gold. That's where the Xbox Live Gold free trial weekends come into play.

• The time you need: The free trial weekends give you a full 48 hours to sample the online multiplayer experience. Whether you're just curious, or you've wanted a little hands-on time with Xbox Live Gold before deciding to upgrade, you'll have plenty of time with the service to make an informed decision.
• Play on your time: Free trial weekends will, of course, take place on the weekends, giving you ample chance to check out the service during your natural time off.
• Every last game: These free trials aren't specific to a game, a genre, or a pre-selected sampling. Every online multiplayer Xbox Live game you own will work just as if you had the full Xbox Live Gold membership.

The Xbox Live Gold free trial weekends won't come often—that's what makes them special—but they will give you the taste you need of the best online multiplayer service available. Who knows—there may even be a sponsored event or contest to further whet your appetite. Keep your eyes peeled. If you can't wait until the first free weekend, well, you can always join the ultimate in multiplayer online. For more information see our fully detailed feature on Xbox Live Gold.

Article by Alex McLain

• Xbox Live Marketplace.
• Gamer profile.
• Achievements.