Internet and Social Networking

All three seventh generation of consoles offer some kind of Internet games distribution service, allowing users to download games for a fee onto some form of storage, typically a hard disk or flash memory. Recently the console manufacturers have been taking full advantage of internet distribution with arcade games, television shows and film trailers being available.

• Sony's online game distribution is known as the PlayStation Network (PSN). It offers free online gaming, downloadable content such as classic PlayStation games. A networking service, dubbed PlayStation Home, is due for release in Spring 2008. They have also announced a video/movie service and music service for some time in 2008.
• Microsoft's Xbox Live service includes the Xbox Live Arcade & Xbox Live Marketplace, featuring digital distribution of classic and original titles. These include arcade classics, original titles, and games originally released on other consoles. The membership cost around £30 annually.
• Games are currently being emulated on the Nintendo Wii console through Nintendo's Virtual Console service. Nintendo also plans to have original content available for download in the future through their WiiWare service.