Olympic athletes won’t be the only ones clamoring for gold this spring. Xbox 360 owners will get a shot at gold of their own – a free Xbox Live Gold membership, that is.

Microsoft’s latest promotional blitz for the next-generation console involves granting all Xbox 360 owners with 72 hours (3 full days) of free online gaming through an Xbox Live Gold membership. The free online weekend is scheduled to begin on April 1, 2006. At that time, all Xbox Live Silver members will be upgraded and gain the ability to play online as much as they desire until the 72 hour window has elapsed. Xbox 360 owners without a current Xbox Live membership will be left in the dust. After all, an Xbox Live Silver membership is already free – what other form of enticement do these gamers need?

This is great news for gamers who are considering joining the Xbox Live community, but as unsure if a Gold membership is worth the money. Currently, all gamers can sign up for a free Silver membership subscription that gives players access to some online features. Xbox Live Silver members can the option to download games, trailers, and demos through the Xbox Live Marketplace. The next step up in membership, the Gold membership, offers the same features but also permits players to play Xbox 360 games online n a live format. A Gold membership runs $7.99 per month or $49.99 for a year for unlimited online access.

Microsoft hopes that the push to introduce online gaming to Xbox 360 owners will entice many of them to take the plunge and sign up as well. If the promotion goes well, the result could be a large influx of Xbox Live players and money for the company.

Gamers have mixed emotions about the announcement, though these emotions very closing follow along with gamers’ current presence, or absence, on Xbox Live. Gamers who do not currently play online are typically thrilled to hear about this opportunity to test out the Xbox 360’s online capabilities. Current Xbox Live Gold members, by contrast, are frustrated over the prospect of a bunch of “noobs� infiltrating online games. An influx of new players will mean that a large of mistakes will be made, groups will be greener, and a lot of patience will be required by more experienced gamers. However the free weekend promises to bring new talent, and new challenges, to the Xbox Live online gaming community. The new blood will do current online gamers well.

It’s only for 72 hours. Besides, look on the bright side: when else will experienced gamers get such a ripe opportunity to improve their rankings in a variety of Xbox 360 games?

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