Xbox Live pricing and features confirmed for the 360

The info confirmed by Microsoft today was mostly revealed in a translated French article at the end of August, but we always appreciate hearing the official word when it comes to forking over any of our hard-earned money. Prices remain steady on 3 and 12-month subscription packages at $39.99 and $69.99, respectively, but 1, 3, and 12-month subscription cards (without any of the package extras) will also be made available for a lesser value at
$7.99, $19.99, and $49.99 each. The free Xbox Live silver memberships (for all 360 owners with broadband and a hard drive or memory unit) will offer free Gamertags and Gamer Profiles, voice and text messaging, and access to Marketplace downloads and Xbox Live Arcade games as well (though premium content will still require payment to be downloaded). Gold memberships not only provide you with all that, but they also deliver the real goods on Live with online multiplayer gaming, enhanced matchmaking and feedback tools, along with "exclusive privileges and rewards on Xbox Live Marketplace."

The Xbox Live Premium Gold Packs unquestionably provide the greater value over the bare subscription cards—what with the 360 headsets, free Live Arcade games, mail-in rebate coupons, and bonus "Microsoft Points" for use on the Xbox Live Marketplace thrown in. But what Console/Premium/HD-loving 360 owner is going to need an extra headset to go along with the one that comes included with the system? Bringing a guest into Live games would be nice if those sessions weren't relegated to unranked matches, but I guess you could always lend an extra set to a Core-purchasin' buddy who wants to give Live a college try. I'm actually still holding onto a old Live 12-month card until I get my mitts on a 360. What are you planning to get (if you're going Live with a 360 at all)?