Update: Looks like you can get the code/card online and use it instantly.  Booya!

Tightening the good old purse strings on the things you don’t need is a must.  That said, everyone who owns an Xbox 360 needs an Xbox Live membership.  Without it, you’re missing out on a good chunk of the console’s value, especially when it comes to the games, which can provide a much richer experience through multiplayer frag sessions and what not.  And lets not forget about Netflix and the other streaming services that are available, provided you subscribe to them.

Right now, until God knows when, Amazon has a 12-month Gold subscription to Xbox Live for $35.99. That’s $24 off the normal retail price.  This happens every once in a blue moon and while you don’t instantly get service – you’ll have to wait for the card to arrive in the mail – you can buy it now and save it for later.    Alternatively, the 3-month membership is available for $18.99, but we hardly see the point in that when you can get 4 times the service for twice as much.

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