These days, the typical gaming encounter is being pulled deeper and deeper into the world of online play, and the console industry must continue to evolve to keep up. Gone are the days when a console could compete in the market without offering a satisfying online experience. And of course, this experience is no longer limited to just multiplayer gaming. Players are actually purchasing games over the internet, as well as downloading applications and even browsing the internet via their gaming machines.

The big dogs in the world of console gaming are each offering their own online service: Microsoft with Xbox LIVE and Sony with the PlayStation Network. Both services are constantly improving, bringing more and more to the table almost weekly. So, which of these currently provides the better experience?

Basic Features:

Xbox LIVE has always had a large assortment of great features designed to enhance the online experience. Currently, these include things like voice chat, avatars, a friends list capable of storing 100 IDs, an in-depth achievement system, Netflix, and Facebook and Twitter access.

PlayStation Network hasn't had all of these features on the menu quite as long, but it eventually caught up. In fact, PSN now has every feature listed above (although XBL's achievement system is replaced by the trophy system on PSN, and Facebook and Twitter can be accessed via PSN's internet browser instead of directly).

Downloadable Content (DLC)

Before I start talking about this category, I realize that downloadable games technically count as DLC. But since DLC covers such a broad range of content, I've placed downloadable games into their own category. The things I've kept in the DLC category include additional content for established games as well as extra fluff like avatars and skins.

I also realize the debate about DLC continues to remain fairly heated. Is DLC an excuse for game designers to milk more money out of consumers, holding back features that would otherwise be freely available? Or is this a way to extend the life of games by keeping developers invested in a project long after it ships? Sure, it's fun to add new characters and game modes to your favorite games, but how much of these sorts of things should cost additional dollars, and how much should be freely available to players who already spent $50-60 on a game?

So for the sake of comparison, I will keep a neutral viewpoint on the DLC debate, and focus only on what each gaming network offers.

XBL and PSN both have long lists of DLC available. Xbox typically gets cross-platform DLC before PS3 does, but usually that content makes its way to PlayStation eventually. However, both tend to get exclusive content, even for cross-platform titles. Recent examples include the Dead Money expansion for Fallout: New Vegas (XBL) and free bonus content for Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood (PS3).

In fact, the battle for the best DLC is a constant one, and the winner varies from week to week. At this point, it's difficult to come down on either side here, but I personally think that XBL has a slight advantage with its earlier content releases and recent addition of Dead Money.

Downloadable Games

Both Xbox Live and the PlayStation Network allow players to purchase cost-efficient download-exclusive titles. While established game companies take advantage of this to release games they know can't stand up to the quality of games available on disc, the indie gaming scene is able to bring out phenomenal yet risky titles that wouldn't have ever seen the light of day without this sort of network. Super Meat Boy (which is unavailable for PS3) is a great example of a fantastic downloadable title.

While it may be a matter of opinion whether it's XBL or PSN with the better lineup of downloadable games, PSN includes a back catalog of downloadable PSOne Classics. The original PlayStation blasted its way into the gaming scene with a load of games that are considered classics today, and all of this happened a whole generation before the Xbox was released. PSN allows players to download some of the best games of all-time, including the original Metal Gear Solid, Resident Evil 2, and Final Fantasy VII. The PSOne Classics download service elevates PSN over XBL in the downloadable games category.