Microsoft is offering all Xbox 360 gamers free Xbox Live Gold status, but for this weekend only. The Xbox Live Gold service, will be open to all Xbox owners in the US, Canada, Latin America and Japan, regardless of their current Xbox Live subscription status. Normally, it requires a $60-a-year subscription.

Free access began at 7:00 am Pacific Time on April 19 and runs to 10:00 am Pacific Time on April 22, giving players more than 48 hours to sample online multiplayer gaming and Video Kinect and gain full access to apps.

Here are few of Major Nelson's recommendations to check out:

- "Hemlock Grove" - the new Netflix original series premieres on Friday, with the full run of episodes. It's the perfect weekend for a marathon viewing.

- Xbox Tournaments with Virgin Gaming - try out a free-to-enter tournament with "EA SPORTS FIFA 13," "NBA 2K13," "EA SPORTS Madden NFL 13" and "EA SPORTS NHL 13."

- "Call of Duty Black Ops II" - with weapons double XP for a limited time.

- "Borderlands 2" - Try out this special Golden Key Code: KTW3T-ZXXS5-JBSJF-5FJT3-6TB9X To redeem, at the Borderlands 2 Main Menu, select Extras, then SHiFT Code. Hurry though, this will only be available throughout the Xbox Live Gold Unlock weekend.

- "Assassin's Creed 3" and "Far Cry 3" - with double XP for a limited time