@Nathan: All PS3s didn't break at once.
First off, it was the original models that have the date bug.
Secondly, the problem fixed itself after a day.
Unfortunately the Xbox 360 can't fix itself once it gets the red ring. :)
Nathan - 16 years ago
Xbox live is better because it is easier to navigate it looks better and people keep saying but Playstation network is free but theres a saying you get what you pay for so we pay £40 they pay nothing and our Xboxes dont brake all at once:)
Robert Barton - 16 years ago
PSN. It's free. Let me repeat myself. It's FREE. It's not like you're going to play PS3 online and say, "Wow, this sucks because X-BOX live is a bit faster and more convenient.", and then put the PS3 controller down. The actual difference in the online play experieinces are very vague except for one thing. With X-box, you have to actually pay real money that could be going to something much more meaningful like your mortgage or college tuition.
JustJohn - 16 years ago
Pretty interesting poll here - all the comments are fairly balanced but everyone is right in saying that XBL will always win because there are more people on it. Not a fanboi in sight!
@theddrman - fair enough, my XBL inexperience shining through there. It is indeed what you are used to, but I think I would stand by my opinion that XBL is less intuitive than PSN.
Oh and yes - MS Points???? Couldn't find an explanation on the Xbox anywhere - had to go online to see what they actually equate to in real terms. Rubbish.
Ashton - 16 years ago
well to the high school student above me...get a job
I have both systems and play them equally, but for online multiplayer I do like Xbox better not only is the Chat quality the people that play games on there are better too...I play MW2 I wreck everytime I get on PSN it is pretty sad, but when I play on Xbox I do from pretty good to mediocre so that sways me for that...but as far as the game base goes PS3 has better RPG's and Sports games well there easier to play at least and Xbox is more geared and designed towards FPS and Action games...you can also watch trailers when you are downloading them from Xbox live just like PSN, but I honestly dont understand why you have to download and then install it on PSN makes really no since what so ever...free is nice, but you get what you pay for and that is overall quality with Xbox Live
Andrew - 16 years ago
This poll is going to go XBL undoubtedly just because it has more people using it. Did I read double above? What strikes me as interesting as that even though XBL has twice as many people it does not have twice the percentage of PSN. For me as a high school student it is simple, I don't have the money to pay a fee for online play. Paying for online is ridiculous and unacceptable.
rob - 16 years ago
one word free
iamtheddrman - 16 years ago
@JustJohn: You bring up some valid points about each system, but many of your cons against the Xbox are flat out wrong. First, you don't have to explicitly install demos like you do on PS3. They're executables so they're ready to play immediately. Secondly, you can send a download to the top if you want to download that video before the demo. Lastly, under active downloads, you can clearly see the filesize. I don't understand why that's a big deal either since you can see the filesize before you click "Download Now".
The part about organization is a matter of preference too. I use my xbox way more and cantons anything I want pretty quickly. On the PSN, I can't find ANYTHING because the layout isn't logical to me. I guess it's jus why you're used to though.
Other than that, I agree with most of your argument.
Nathan - 16 years ago
a few tidbits i left out i should address:
Xbox live has one major feature that i forgot to address... the matchmaking system, its logical and spans the entire network of games (not just a single one) making each account have a living rating system attached to it. meaning if you give somone negative feedback, its likely that you will not be matched with that person in any game on XBL.
PSN i've also had problems getting to use my full bandwidth, while it is not possible to measure download speeds on XBL (you can guess.. but its not accurate in the slightest) PSN DOES let you measure your connection speeds. and it generally only utlizes 10mbit of my 24mbit connection. this is over an Ethernet cable (dont get me started on the wireless adapter in the PS3, its garbage for gaming, ethernet or NOTHING) this doesnt seem to change latency in games, but rather makes downloading patches and games take longer.
Nathan - 16 years ago
I own both systems and use both of them actively.
but i would say that Xbox Live is hands down a much more enjoyable experience.
with that in mind i will start with the merits of PSN:
being free is handy, it means i can always play a game without worrying about if i have cash, it also means that if i have friends on PSN that i can always play with them even if they are strappe for cash as well. PSN has a marketplace that allows for the download of games not just for the PS3, but also for the PSP with demo's and full games available. the currecy it uses is actual cash so there never has to be some penny's wasted when i buy things from the store. the PS3 supports blue-tooth so any blue-tooth device is supported and thus most can find a headset to use in games.
Demerits: It IS free, but i've encountered too many connection problems that make me wish they would charge something to afford fixing their network.Blue-tooth devices are supported, and most probably have a blue-tooth headset lying around, but noone bothers to synch it up to the PS3 when a game actually supports voice communication. the messaging system is slow and annoying it doesnt let me reply from a small window while i play, i need to go through menu's to read, and respond to a simple message.
Xbox Live:
Merits: all of my friends are on Xbox live, so when i have to choose between platforms and the game supports multi-player, the choice has been made for me. games i play rarely have connection problems, the ones that do don't have them for long. voice-chat and in-game communication is handled extremely well with well over half of gamers using microphones online. combined with friend features like voice chatting in a group with your friends while you are all playing separate games. the marketplace is vast and has many titles to choose from, many of which are around $5.
Demerits:
Cost obviously, prices per month can range from $7, to $2.65 (if your crafty like me) but most importantly this can mean that your friends with no money might not be able to play online with you. the marketplace feels more disorganized than PSN. XBL uses Microsoft points for purchasing items, meaning that you will be wasting $1-$0.10 with it just lying around in your account.
i did choose XBL, but PSN is getting better, the connection problems are not nearly as bad as they used to be, the incremental patches seem to be adjusting the layout and bugs that have annoyed me for months, the free nature of PSN makes games like Demons Souls perfect (a Massively single player game!!!)
if microphone usage goes up, as well as making the friends list and communication more logical and quick to preform, i might think PSN can take the crown as a better network.
jjscotman - 16 years ago
I have both Xbox and PS3 Slim and use both regularly. Xbox better for games - bigger selection and, as it has bigger market share, buying used Xbox games is easier and cheaperthan used PS3 games. But PS3 is better for watching movies and as a media center. I think PS3 will be become even more useful when future games start using full capacity of blu ray disc If you can afford both then buy both as you get best of 2 worlds !!
Kevin - 16 years ago
Got to go with the LIVE over PSN. To me it just feels more slick and reliable. To those that say paying is an issue, don't hold your breath on the PSN being free for too much longer.
Fester - 16 years ago
I have both, both seem to work the same. I do have to admit that the chat quality on XBL is MUCH better than PSN. I seem to be able to get into games faster on the PS3 most times. But to me, it's a draw.
Well, the question is which would win in a fight, and seeing as how currently the XBOX Live network has a bigger userbase, I'm going to have to say that one. However, seeing as how you get pretty much the same with both systems but one is free, I'm going to have to say I personally support the PSN more.
JustJohn - 16 years ago
Always been a PS3 player myself, but recently bought a 360 as well - an avid gamer would do very well to have both (if they are fortunate enough to have the option).
I find the interface on the PSN to be far clearer and easier to use. Xbox Live looks nice but I find that it's not always easy to locate what you want. On PSN it's obvious where all the options are, whereas there is some crossover between menu titles on Xbox Live. There's also an additional Dashboard menu on Xbox Live (press the main controller button) which adds confusion.
Not noticed any difference between download speeds. Game updates are pretty quick on Xbox but there's no indication of how big the download is either. The one annoying thing on Xbox (correct me if I'm wrong) is that if I want to download a 1GB demo and 100MB trailer, I have to wait for the demo to install first... whereas I wouldn't have to on PSN.
Not noticed any considerable difference with game connections, but haven't played substantially on Xbox Live. By all accounts the Gold Subscription is worth the money (which influenced me to buy an Xbox) but haven't encountered anything yet which really justifies it.
PS3 v Xbox is definitely a subjective argument - often depends on what your mates have got, whether you want Blu-Ray player etc... the only thing that still niggles me with the Xbox is that if you want HDMI connection, wi-fi connectivity, rechargeable battery for the controller and online gaming - you basically have to add £100 to the price of an Xbox 360 Elite to get those things.
Andrew - 16 years ago
I think the XBL is better than PSN simply because it has more people on it. Yeah it's a paid-for service but you get what you pay for. COD MW2 sold twice as much on the Xbox than it did on PS3 so you're gonna need a better service.
Jimmy - 16 years ago
I agree with Mike, we have both where I live, and i definitely see PSN download updates faster. Signing in is much easier, and a much cleaner setup. And again it is Free! We play COD MW2 on both, and they both work equally, meaning that yes they might have faults like disconnecting, but they both do equally. So why pay to have the same problems, and or same greatness? I don't think I'll ever understand why people pick the PS3 over Xbox, with the exception maybe of people who solely play Halo, or people that just hate having that extra money sitting around.
Mike - 16 years ago
Rubbish. Above comment that is, the playstation network is quick and simple to join online co-op games, and best bit is.. It's free! No charge to play online.
Definitely Xbox LIVE. Playstation updates take very long to download and install. Also, from what I've experienced, the Xbox LIVE network is faster and it's easier to host or join a game in progress. Especially co-op games.
@Nathan: All PS3s didn't break at once.
First off, it was the original models that have the date bug.
Secondly, the problem fixed itself after a day.
Unfortunately the Xbox 360 can't fix itself once it gets the red ring. :)
Xbox live is better because it is easier to navigate it looks better and people keep saying but Playstation network is free but theres a saying you get what you pay for so we pay £40 they pay nothing and our Xboxes dont brake all at once:)
PSN. It's free. Let me repeat myself. It's FREE. It's not like you're going to play PS3 online and say, "Wow, this sucks because X-BOX live is a bit faster and more convenient.", and then put the PS3 controller down. The actual difference in the online play experieinces are very vague except for one thing. With X-box, you have to actually pay real money that could be going to something much more meaningful like your mortgage or college tuition.
Pretty interesting poll here - all the comments are fairly balanced but everyone is right in saying that XBL will always win because there are more people on it. Not a fanboi in sight!
@theddrman - fair enough, my XBL inexperience shining through there. It is indeed what you are used to, but I think I would stand by my opinion that XBL is less intuitive than PSN.
Oh and yes - MS Points???? Couldn't find an explanation on the Xbox anywhere - had to go online to see what they actually equate to in real terms. Rubbish.
well to the high school student above me...get a job
I have both systems and play them equally, but for online multiplayer I do like Xbox better not only is the Chat quality the people that play games on there are better too...I play MW2 I wreck everytime I get on PSN it is pretty sad, but when I play on Xbox I do from pretty good to mediocre so that sways me for that...but as far as the game base goes PS3 has better RPG's and Sports games well there easier to play at least and Xbox is more geared and designed towards FPS and Action games...you can also watch trailers when you are downloading them from Xbox live just like PSN, but I honestly dont understand why you have to download and then install it on PSN makes really no since what so ever...free is nice, but you get what you pay for and that is overall quality with Xbox Live
This poll is going to go XBL undoubtedly just because it has more people using it. Did I read double above? What strikes me as interesting as that even though XBL has twice as many people it does not have twice the percentage of PSN. For me as a high school student it is simple, I don't have the money to pay a fee for online play. Paying for online is ridiculous and unacceptable.
one word free
@JustJohn: You bring up some valid points about each system, but many of your cons against the Xbox are flat out wrong. First, you don't have to explicitly install demos like you do on PS3. They're executables so they're ready to play immediately. Secondly, you can send a download to the top if you want to download that video before the demo. Lastly, under active downloads, you can clearly see the filesize. I don't understand why that's a big deal either since you can see the filesize before you click "Download Now".
The part about organization is a matter of preference too. I use my xbox way more and cantons anything I want pretty quickly. On the PSN, I can't find ANYTHING because the layout isn't logical to me. I guess it's jus why you're used to though.
Other than that, I agree with most of your argument.
a few tidbits i left out i should address:
Xbox live has one major feature that i forgot to address... the matchmaking system, its logical and spans the entire network of games (not just a single one) making each account have a living rating system attached to it. meaning if you give somone negative feedback, its likely that you will not be matched with that person in any game on XBL.
PSN i've also had problems getting to use my full bandwidth, while it is not possible to measure download speeds on XBL (you can guess.. but its not accurate in the slightest) PSN DOES let you measure your connection speeds. and it generally only utlizes 10mbit of my 24mbit connection. this is over an Ethernet cable (dont get me started on the wireless adapter in the PS3, its garbage for gaming, ethernet or NOTHING) this doesnt seem to change latency in games, but rather makes downloading patches and games take longer.
I own both systems and use both of them actively.
but i would say that Xbox Live is hands down a much more enjoyable experience.
with that in mind i will start with the merits of PSN:
being free is handy, it means i can always play a game without worrying about if i have cash, it also means that if i have friends on PSN that i can always play with them even if they are strappe for cash as well. PSN has a marketplace that allows for the download of games not just for the PS3, but also for the PSP with demo's and full games available. the currecy it uses is actual cash so there never has to be some penny's wasted when i buy things from the store. the PS3 supports blue-tooth so any blue-tooth device is supported and thus most can find a headset to use in games.
Demerits: It IS free, but i've encountered too many connection problems that make me wish they would charge something to afford fixing their network.Blue-tooth devices are supported, and most probably have a blue-tooth headset lying around, but noone bothers to synch it up to the PS3 when a game actually supports voice communication. the messaging system is slow and annoying it doesnt let me reply from a small window while i play, i need to go through menu's to read, and respond to a simple message.
Xbox Live:
Merits: all of my friends are on Xbox live, so when i have to choose between platforms and the game supports multi-player, the choice has been made for me. games i play rarely have connection problems, the ones that do don't have them for long. voice-chat and in-game communication is handled extremely well with well over half of gamers using microphones online. combined with friend features like voice chatting in a group with your friends while you are all playing separate games. the marketplace is vast and has many titles to choose from, many of which are around $5.
Demerits:
Cost obviously, prices per month can range from $7, to $2.65 (if your crafty like me) but most importantly this can mean that your friends with no money might not be able to play online with you. the marketplace feels more disorganized than PSN. XBL uses Microsoft points for purchasing items, meaning that you will be wasting $1-$0.10 with it just lying around in your account.
i did choose XBL, but PSN is getting better, the connection problems are not nearly as bad as they used to be, the incremental patches seem to be adjusting the layout and bugs that have annoyed me for months, the free nature of PSN makes games like Demons Souls perfect (a Massively single player game!!!)
if microphone usage goes up, as well as making the friends list and communication more logical and quick to preform, i might think PSN can take the crown as a better network.
I have both Xbox and PS3 Slim and use both regularly. Xbox better for games - bigger selection and, as it has bigger market share, buying used Xbox games is easier and cheaperthan used PS3 games. But PS3 is better for watching movies and as a media center. I think PS3 will be become even more useful when future games start using full capacity of blu ray disc If you can afford both then buy both as you get best of 2 worlds !!
Got to go with the LIVE over PSN. To me it just feels more slick and reliable. To those that say paying is an issue, don't hold your breath on the PSN being free for too much longer.
I have both, both seem to work the same. I do have to admit that the chat quality on XBL is MUCH better than PSN. I seem to be able to get into games faster on the PS3 most times. But to me, it's a draw.
Well, the question is which would win in a fight, and seeing as how currently the XBOX Live network has a bigger userbase, I'm going to have to say that one. However, seeing as how you get pretty much the same with both systems but one is free, I'm going to have to say I personally support the PSN more.
Always been a PS3 player myself, but recently bought a 360 as well - an avid gamer would do very well to have both (if they are fortunate enough to have the option).
I find the interface on the PSN to be far clearer and easier to use. Xbox Live looks nice but I find that it's not always easy to locate what you want. On PSN it's obvious where all the options are, whereas there is some crossover between menu titles on Xbox Live. There's also an additional Dashboard menu on Xbox Live (press the main controller button) which adds confusion.
Not noticed any difference between download speeds. Game updates are pretty quick on Xbox but there's no indication of how big the download is either. The one annoying thing on Xbox (correct me if I'm wrong) is that if I want to download a 1GB demo and 100MB trailer, I have to wait for the demo to install first... whereas I wouldn't have to on PSN.
Not noticed any considerable difference with game connections, but haven't played substantially on Xbox Live. By all accounts the Gold Subscription is worth the money (which influenced me to buy an Xbox) but haven't encountered anything yet which really justifies it.
PS3 v Xbox is definitely a subjective argument - often depends on what your mates have got, whether you want Blu-Ray player etc... the only thing that still niggles me with the Xbox is that if you want HDMI connection, wi-fi connectivity, rechargeable battery for the controller and online gaming - you basically have to add £100 to the price of an Xbox 360 Elite to get those things.
I think the XBL is better than PSN simply because it has more people on it. Yeah it's a paid-for service but you get what you pay for. COD MW2 sold twice as much on the Xbox than it did on PS3 so you're gonna need a better service.
I agree with Mike, we have both where I live, and i definitely see PSN download updates faster. Signing in is much easier, and a much cleaner setup. And again it is Free! We play COD MW2 on both, and they both work equally, meaning that yes they might have faults like disconnecting, but they both do equally. So why pay to have the same problems, and or same greatness? I don't think I'll ever understand why people pick the PS3 over Xbox, with the exception maybe of people who solely play Halo, or people that just hate having that extra money sitting around.
Rubbish. Above comment that is, the playstation network is quick and simple to join online co-op games, and best bit is.. It's free! No charge to play online.
Definitely Xbox LIVE. Playstation updates take very long to download and install. Also, from what I've experienced, the Xbox LIVE network is faster and it's easier to host or join a game in progress. Especially co-op games.