Because social networking is what gets the kids hot under the collar nowadays, Microsoft revealed months ago that it would make Facebook and Twitter accessible on Xbox Live.

Which is great ‘n all, but would it be accessible to all Xbox Live users? Microsoft didn’t explain this during its original announcement in June. Today, however, it clarified things further to Joystiq, and – SURPRISE! – you’ll need to be a Gold member to use the new stuff. If you’re a lowly Silver peasant, you get a free trial of the new additions.

I’m a Gold member on Xbox Live myself, and I do like the service. With that said, my mind is boggled as to why Microsoft is making this a Gold subscriber exclusive – especially when the 360′s main competitor, the PS3, offers a totally free browser on which you can access Facebook, Twitter, and about a hojillion other sites. Brain … does not … compute.

Playing a Xbox 360 game over Xbox Live is a Gold subscriber privilege because that can be done nowhere else. Being able to surf and update Facebook and Twitter … that’s pretty much free everywhere.

[Via Joystiq]