With this week’s announcement that the PS3 will be getting Netflix streaming in November I thought it might be time to take a look at whether the PS3 has surpassed the 360 in overall value.
It has been a long and hard battle for the PS3. With its launch as the most expensive systems this generation and its struggle with the perception that it has no games the PS3 may finally be turning the corner in value. The price drop and the introduction of the Slim PS3, Sony has finally seen a month where its console sold more units then the competition. This was a major victory for Sony. In conjunction with the release of Uncharted 2, Demon’s Souls, and the soon to be released Ratchet and Clank Sony is poised to bring the joy of entertainment to many house hold this Xmas.
Sony has shown their commitment to keeping the PSN at no additional cost and now that Netflix can be accessed where does this leave the PS3 compared to the 360? Microsoft has stated that Netflix streaming will still be only for Gold members. This means that you will need to purchase a Gold Subscriptions. While the 360 has a smooth interface to manage your Netflix, it does seem that Microsoft may need to change their ways soon and offer this type of service to Silver member to keep up with Sony. Sony should not be covered in roses though. They are releasing Netflix via a disc that will allow you to stream. This may be a turn off to many since the 360 has a dedicated application that make using Netflix much easier, but it has been stated that an application to use Netflix on the XMB is in the works.
The games are what most people want out of their consoles though, and games are what the PS3 has. No longer are we in the days in which PS3 owners are famished of quality games. Those days are long gone. And with the PSN bringing in new quality downloadable titles the variety of games has never been better. And because the PSN has no subscription fees all third party games can be played online instantly.
Blu-Ray may be the deciding factor for some. It is currently the only console that has it built in, and Microsoft may be considering adding Blu-Ray to the 360 via an add-on. If you want an all-in-one device the PS3 is a no brainer, right?
There are still a few things that the PS3 needs. Cross-game chat is on everyone’s mind, and although this has been rumored, rumors are fools gold and Sony needs to get this confirmed. Also the 360 has a nice universal party system and game-invite system that allows its community to connect and play without much thought. The PS3 has games that do this well, but as an overall system is lacking to say the least. Also the inclusion of a standard head-set with every 360 allows communication to be standardized. This is very inconsistent on the PS3 since anyone is allowed to use a myriad of USB or Bluetooth headsets.
When you look at the facts it’s obvious the choice that anyone should make. If you’re looking for value and you haven’t jumped into this generation of consoles the PS3 is the way to go. If you still only have a 360 then there is no better time to buy a PS3. The choice is yours.
very good article. for me was the blu ray driver that hooked me up. PSN free an not so good? well it is getting better. No xchat still? don't ditch this yet as SONY surely is working it way around. Games, right now SONY has the best games ever for PS3. so Kuddos to SONY
PS3 all the way!
PS3 iz the Sh**.
xbox!, oh wait i have a ps3
I live in South Africa and I wish they could just make the Play TV unit compatible with our satellite tv. Not sure why it wont work or if they just dont import them but that device looks like a must have for the system. Other than that I am 100% stoked on my console of choice.
Awsome! Your right. I think that the ps3 is a good choice. Back when i was going to buy my first next gen consol (when i only had my ps2) I didint have that much money well engough to get eather consol. But i knew the ps3 would be the better choice i wasint going to invest back when i bought it $399 into something that i think would fail. And i was right it just gets better each day
The Play TV is a really interesting idea. I would love to have that functionality for my PS3 here in the states. That would be just another cap in the feather of the PS3 for value added accessories.
I think that there were a lot of people like you that wanted to make sure that got the best value. It does seem that those choices are starting to pay off!