XBL vs. PSN

[scottykick]

While X-Box Live is for the most part considered the best online gaming service of the three consoles, is the PSN's online gaming that far behind Live?

Also who do you think gets the edge in exclusive games, PSN or XB Arcade? They have both been coming out with some highley rated games as of late.

As someone who has neither, I'm intrested to see the opinions of those who do.

[Cronson]

Is Sony's online that far behind? I think my simple short answer would be yes (but thats not a "absolutely" yes). I own both (and download and game a lot on both) but feel like Sony falls behind pretty far from Microsoft. Here's a few issues I've noticed.
1. My friends list is easier and more seemlessly integrated into XBL. I know who's on quickly, what they're playing, can link up to chat with them with a few button presses and am told "friends playing..." when I start up a game.
2. XBLA has a lot more games. And its got Braid. And Castle Crashers. And Galaga Legions. And Pac Man C.E. Sorry Sony.
3. Movies, TV shows, netflix. These features aren't perfect. But they're really good. I download way too much tv and don't go to Blockbuster anymore.
4. Downloading is faster on 360. People will argue this but I don't care. I have both on the same wired connection and 360 is faster. If you want to debate it thats fine, but Sony adds in that "Installing..." step after its downloaded and that just sucks.
5. Having a headset connected on 360 is much easier than PS3. As cool as bluetooth is, its annoying to link up. With my wired 360 headset I just plug it in.

I know people will HATE some of the things I'm posting here but again, I own both and I really do love my PS3 as well. I think another really good topic would be "what are they both doing wrong?". There's somethings that I feel like they've both dropped the ball on.

[noiseredux]

If we're strictly talking games (not movies, etc) then I'd actually say this:

1. VC
2. XBL
3. PSN

[Cronson]

Hmm.. good point. Although I think Virtual Console's layout is lacking, it is the one reason I want a Wii.

[noiseredux]

Exactly! It's funny, but to me the VC is the main reason I want a Wii. There's only a small handful of actual Wii games I want. Haha. But the VC is amazing, and seems to be constantly updated with QUALITY games!

Someone needs to get the GameCube GB Player working on a Wii, too. Because then the console would be pretty unstoppable with the VC + GameCube BC as well.

[IcKy99]

i dont even own or like xbox 360 and i know that xbox live is FARRRRRRR better than PSN.

PSN doesnt have the nice streamlined presentation that xbox has, its a bitch to connect to your friends in game, Resident Evil 5 is a good example, it takes about 3 steps to connect in game, it should take ONE invite and be over with.

i think, PSN and XBL have a good amount of movies and tv shows on their stores, but im sure xbox might have more

PSN exclusive games arnt as cool as XBL arcade games imo (remember i dont even have a xbox) we dont get virtual on, TMNT, or any cool shit like that
all we get is Noby Noby Boy and Flower thats about as cool as it gets SO FAR

PSN has HOME thats kinda cool, i just use it to chat with random people and find peeps to play games with.

as for the speed of both networks, dont know, but being that XBL is microsoft, its probably faster

so untill sony steps up their game, XBL is better

and this is all coming from a PS3 fanboy

[Cassidy]

Have to pretty much echo the sentiment here...

I owned 4 Xbox 360's which all died before I got the PS3.

I also own a Wii.

I loathe and despise Microsoft with unmitigated hatred.

But their online pwns.

Footnote - PS1 games playable on PS3 and PSP as well as Wipeout HD is full of win.

[scottykick]

Yeah, I own a Wii and while there are still plenty of retail games I want to get, I still enjoy the VC a ton. The online system is horrible for game playing though, I hate the code system.

That said I think the Wii has a lot of potential to come though in 2009 for "real gamer" type games, although they will still be buried under a pile of casual gamer games and shovelware.

[Cronson]

A couple more thoughts:

1. Everyday Shooter on PS3 is amazing. That game (and a handfull of others) has really entertained me. Also, PS3 has Pixel Junk, and if you're a retro gamer, their art style and game design is rad.

2. Yeah, microsoft knows how computers work. I think thats why their online is just faster. When you accept an invite to an online game, its so smart. Your screen goes to "loading" and then you're in the lobby with everyone else. I can't say the same for PSN.

[Cassidy]

Interestingly, I was just reading an old 1998 EGM interview with Kaz. He was asked if online was going to be a major component of the next PlayStation console.

He said that the PlayStation was going to first and foremost gaming platform and that, while he didn't rule out internet connectivity, he didn't see gamers embracing surfing the internet from a console.

So in other words, he had no idea of the potential for online gaming at the time and missed the boat. MechAssault proved on the Xbox that online gaming was the way of the future and iTunes proved that digital media distribution was here to stay - it was only a matter of time before a marriage of the two and Microsoft certainly cornered that market.

Having said all of this, something else needs to be brought up - PSN and Wii Connect 24 are free. XBL is not.

The revenue generated by XBL is huge and allows Microsoft to invest in the infrastructure and forces them to constantly innovate - so much so that it is an attractive platform for developers and publishers.

Sony and Nintendo really missed the boat, but they'll get there someday...