While gaming consoles are reliant on an internet connection for much of their functionality, having a stable connection isn't entirely essential. However, not connecting your console will severely hamper its features and your overall enjoyment. Besides not being able to play with your friends online, you won't be able to get updates for your console or games, purchase or download games digitally, or have access to the multitudes of free games that typically become available over the course of a console's lifetime.