Video-game console makers gear up for online battles

By Mike Snider
USA Today

Sony's PlayStation 2 scored first in the video-game race to cyberspace with last week's introduction of an online add-on to let players battle via the Net.

The Network Adaptor ($39.99) fits into the back of the game system and connects either to broadband connections or to phone lines to reach the Internet. There are currently no extra fees from Sony or game makers, though players need to have their own Internet service provider and a PS2 memory card.

Microsoft and Nintendo are right on Sony's heels:

• Over the next few weeks, Microsoft will let 10,000 beta testers onto its online network, Xbox Live, which launches Nov. 15. The Xbox has built-in Ethernet for broadband connections; subscribers will pay $49.95 for the first year, which includes a headset and two games.
• Nintendo plans to have online adapters for its GameCube available this fall (broadband or dialup, $34.95 each) but has not announced any games, though Sega plans to have "Phantasy Star Online I" and "II" available Oct. 29.

As Sony and competitors draw more non-PC video gamers online, within four years the audience worldwide could grow to 23 million players from fewer than 3 million today, said David Cole, an analyst with DFC Intelligence, a market research firm in San Diego.