PlayStation Plus vs. Xbox Live – Which will earn your money?

Who will earn your money? When it comes to online services, PlayStation Plus and Xbox Live Gold have set the standard. With the PS4 and Xbox One launching soon, which service are you going with and why? PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Gold?

What is PlayStation 4 breaks down the differences, positives, and negatives of PlayStation Plus verses Xbox Live Gold in the next generation.

[mewhy32]

Playstation Plus. without a second thought.

[xHeavYx]

I agree, it's not even a fair fight. The value you get with PS+ is unmatched

[PoSTedUP]

great free games each month for ps3, vita and PSP, plus free indies. really, what more can you ask for? ohyeah, free PlayStation 4 games! it's an attack of the free games!!!

[Army_of_Darkness]

I have 10 months left of ps+ which means that I will still have it when the PS4 comes out so I'm sure you know where I'm going with this ;-)

[Majin-vegeta]

@Postedup
ohyeah, free PlayStation 4 games! it's an attack of the free games!!!

I feel you man.ATTACK ATTACK

http://youtu.be/HDe5lsE9JhA

[darthv72]

Its really a one sided argument. having been a long time gold member, it wasnt until this past feb that I signed up for +. since then i have gotten many great games with the service.

My renewal isnt until may of next year and I will still get a plethora of great games for ps3, vita and soon ps4.

I am still a gold member and, surprisingly, will continue to be a gold member because the thought of gaming without gold is pretty hard to imagine. just like it would be hard to imagine gaming without +.

what can i say, im hooked on both services.

[kickerz]

Value vs quality.... I take quality

[PoSTedUP]

@kickers

i know, me too, PS+ is just unmatched in terms of quality. and look, we're also getting the best value too! see you on psn, add me, psnid: StreetVeteran

@majin- ROFL!! ...literally! lol.

[kickerz]

"Unmatched" lol, sure u choose the right word there champ?

[redwin]

Lol, it's funny that Sony said you don't need online gaming much less a paid service, and now they have both. But, if ps+ is soo good! why do they have to bring you in with free stuff. I think that if you have a good product you don't have to give stuff away to bring people in. Lol, you don't see BMW, MERCEDES, APPLE, LEXUS, giving stuff away like Mazda, Mitsubishi, blackberry. I think that what ever you pick it will be good FOR YOU!

[xHeavYx]

@kikcerz
You forgot to add reasons why PS+ is not unmatched, you know... facts? But you are forgiven, most Xbox fans have a hard time coming up with facts
@Redwin
Still better than having to pay for Gold to use Skype, which is free, or Netflix, which you already pay a subscription for

[BoriboyShoGUN]

People like you @Redwin is why Xbox feels entitled to screw their fan base. The consumer drives the market thats why XBOX is flip flopping on everything!!!!!! Even with PS giving away free games they still make plenty of money thats the way it should be.

[AgentSmithPS4]

@Majin-vegeta

Funny vid but the hulu ads made me feel like peter getting his clothes torn off, but instead of puppies hulu was trying to rape me :(.

[hiredhelp]

@redwin
Playstation was free to play online now that has changed because cost of keeping a Free service COSTS.

However sony maybe chooseing to charge for the service but that money gets used for US the gamers such as upkeep development ect.
Not to mention free games.

Now i cant speak for car companys as they dont do games but as a apple ipad owner yeh apple gives free stuff just like andriod FREE games.

Get your head out your butt buy ps4 maybe you see for yourself. Foolish comment

[kickerz]

Mate ur the one who said ps+ value is unmatched. Umm so steam dosnt match this? They have awesome deals every day. Xbox live I'm getting 2 free games every month (maybe not the best games but still) and now with 300 000 dedicated servers I'm gonna say Xbox live will be where the quality online gaming will be at.
Honestly u guys can disagree as much as u want. TRUTH HURTS

[xHeavYx]

@kickerz
You are so desperate that you talk about steam, how sad.
Then you talk about free games from 2003 and the cloud...
But you are right, the truth hurts,I hope you recover soon

[redwin]

@ hiredhelp, I can make more than an informed decision, I've had every system since 1982 and I can tell you this, the only thing that Xbox is guilty of is being too ahead of its time and I can prove it. Did you read the what the PS executive said? That the next PS is gonna be a paid service? That's : Xbox Live, DRM, no cd's, cloud. That sounds like the original One, oh, no kinect but they'll have it in their TV, samsung already does and direct tv. I have Sony for their exclusives, I have Xbox for their exclusives and to play online, lots of people do the same. ask people that gave both systems. I'll have them both this Xmas .

[kickerz]

What's sad is u claim ps+ is unmatched yet there are other networks which are just as good if not better (including ..steam.. I said it again)
I also like how u downplay the cloud, yet there having been many developers claiming how good it will be for gaming.

[Sono421]

N4G should almost make it an option to remove bubbles for being an xbox fanboy because honestly it's really not a positive thing.

Just look at redwin and kickerz... they're so delusional it's actually kinda scary.. it's like there's a Microsoft cult following.

Id say they're on some serious koolaid but this seems more like they're getting straight from the tits Microsoft breast milk.

OT: This seriously isn't even a question.. stop with the flamebait articles. It only brings out the most pathetic and desperate fanboys out of hiding... you know who i'm talking about.. btw wheres jokes? ;)

[malokevi]

Seems to me like shoveling free games at its users is the only thing ps+ has going for it. Personally, I buy games when I want them, so as far as functionality and value, I'll take Xbox Live. I have had a front row seat to the turmoil that has been PSN this generation.

I'll subscribe to PSN as soon as it becomes necessary, but I want to hold off as long as I can. Luckily I can play f2p games on psn without a subscription, which is all I need out of it for the time being.

Xbox Live has always been 1 step ahead in terms of functionality, and it doesn't look like that's about to change.

[Sono421]

What did I just say? It attracts the most pathetic fanboys..

Now malokevi is here spitting nonsense.. smh

Atleast give me the option to bubble down for being ignorant or just flat out spewing bs.. people like malokevi could then finally be silenced.

The reasons we get for being able to bubble down are stupid.. shouldn't they be the opposite of the bubble ups? If we can bubble up people for being "intelligent" can't we bubble down people for being ignorant/stupid? It doesn't make sense.

I have no problem people stating their own opinions but if it's simply being ignorant and trying to pass of lies/opinion as fact... that's where I draw the line, it also gets me when their "opinion" contradicts facts. Malokevi i'm looking at you.

[johndoe11211]

@redwin

If xbox live is soooo good why are they giving away free games with gold? If the xbox one is sooooo good why are they giving away fifa and forza for free?

[The_Con-Sept]

@ Redwin: The point of PS Plus is MORE GAMES. Huge discounts, special offers, timed trials of games.

XBL is only used to play your games online...... Sure PS4 now requires it but seriously.... Just to play games online....

Meanwhile I'm playing Shadow of the collosus.

[kickerz]

@Sono and heavy - so ur pretty much calling me a delusional pathetic fanboy for saying Xbox live is better. GEZZZ man calm down. I didn't run over a kitten or anything. Either way I guess we will have to agree to disagree. No hard feelings. I respect ur opinion. All in all u will be enjoying ps+ on ur ps4 and I will be enjoying Xbox live on my xb1. Why are we arguing about this. Peace out
Kicks

[strifeblade]

Hey guys im a cheap poor son of a gun. Can you guys reccommend me which system is cheaper and gives me free games so i can leech off the industry? Im really stupid and dont know nothing about anything.

[Kryptix]

@strife

Well, the Xbox 360 is currently cheaper and also gives you 2 free games from 2006 for $60. There you go, since it looks you like it when the industry makes you pay for services that don't give you value. Good luck paying for $70 a year when the Kinect spying/data collection program fails.

[malokevi]

@Sono

you may be looking at me, but you just said a whole lot of nothin. Could have trimmed that whole thing down to 0 sentences and still conveyed the same though.

Take a pill, dude. Life isn't so bad.

[dmeador]

PS+ is easily better in terms of free stuff. Some amazing games, and good discounts. Xbox live only has free games till the holidays, but still has some good discounts. I also find It much easier to navigate and use apps on Live, PS+ still needs to revamp the UI.

The biggest thing that I haven't heard anyone talk about, but is the biggest factor (I would think for anyone) is the quality of the actual service. Can I get online, will I get kicked, how stable is the connection. This is the biggest factor (UI being second) and the reason I have always preferred Live. Very rarely have I not been able to connect, and when I have it has been very easy to diagnose the problem. With + I have randomly dropped many more times, and just more problems in general. Not to mention that month were I couldn't play at all.

If Sony works on the user experience/keeps good games coming, it will be the king next gen in that department . The problem I see is that they cant release older games for the PS4 for a while for pretty obvious reasons, so I'm not sure how that model will work for them.

[mistertwoturbo]

Which will earn your money? Whichever the console that is bought. It's not like I'm going to buy a PS4 and think, "Gee should I get PS+ or Xbox Live?"

[showtimefolks]

i think i will go with plus but competition will heat up between the 2 console makers so both services will receive great content

end of the day whichever one you choose its good

[osprey19]

Are u serious? Ps plus was hacked multiple times, its lost alot of credibility, especially when it came out that it lost a load of players personal data. Have xbox live ever done this?

[adventureghost124]

Yes, except the entire world didn't blame them for it because xbox was popular at the time

[Sono421]

Except it was hacked once and the only info stolen was nothing you couldn't get off of facebook.. while on xbox it is INCREDIBLY easy to hack.. all you need is a sata cable.. try to educate yourself next time please? thanks ;)

[johndoe11211]

I posted this already but the genius that you are, you probably missed it.

http://www.kotaku.com.au/20...

[wiz7191]

@johndoe1121 xbox live wasn't hacked , what messed people up was falling for those fake websites claiming to give you free gold subscription and or free Xbox live points if you entered your account information ..

[osprey19]

Really? How many times has xbox live been that badly compromised that it had to shut down temporarily? Don't focus on what could happen but what has happened. Ps plus has been compromised, xbl hasn't.

[osprey19]

And if that wasn't enough, as many others on here have already stated, xbl is by far the better service, ps pluses plan is to just throw a few free games at customers and nothing else. Xbl has free games and excellent multiplayer.

[adventureghost124]

@osprey19
do you seriously not remember when they completely shut down this spring and tried to cover it up? It was literally all over N4G

[jamsam360]

That's all I am hearing about is the free games, never anything about the service it self! Xbox live definitely is the better service. But for free shit you do not keep is PS+.

[otherZinc]

Lol!

This guy wrote an entire biased article about PSN & LIVE, insinuating M$ doesn't care about gaming online, when SONY does. Claiming M$ only cares about TV........

WHEN........

M$ HAS 300,000 SERVERS FOR ONLINE!

Why did he not mention this^^^!

[otherZinc]

Also, if you don't want to experiment with the many features of the XBOX ONE, don't. Play games over 300,000 servers!

[Majin-vegeta]

But how many if are those a real servers and not virtual servers??Think before you speak kiddo.

[jamsam360]

Because you took offense to the truth you must be a PS Fanboy! Bet if sony said they had 400,000 servers you would not say what you did. It would sound like PS4 Is superior best online service by far! Shut up and play with you r PS4 and leave your comments to your self!

[Kryptix]

You're paying for a service with servers that haven't been online yet since 2005? Damn, now I know why Microsoft feels like they can do whatever they want because their fanboys eat anything up.

[BallsEye]

LOl a sony fan site comparing psn+ to XBL...even the headers are biased. What a stupid comparison.

[TheKayle1]

if u r a single player lover...ps+ if u love multiplayer u cant go wihtout xbl...and ps+ have nothing to show

this is the truth

[WeaseL]

"With the PS4 and Xbox One launching soon, which service are you going with and why?"

I'm getting XBLG to go with my PS4

/s

[yellowgerbil]

PS+ is giving me 2 free ps4 games at launch. that right there earns my money.
PS+ has given me a library of about 10 vita games for the day I eventually buy a vita.
games for gold is a joke, Rainbow 6 vegas lol I'll enjoy my Kingdom of Amalar any day over that relic.

[Pogmathoin]

PS+ for the freebies..... Gold for MP...... Simple, both worth it....

[black0o]

in term of MP they are the same

[Pogmathoin]

Its decent, but I feel gold is more polished.... Personal preference.

[n4rc]

Kind of a dumb comparison... Which to get? How bout which ever works with the console you buy? Lol

PS+ is a different animal now... There isn't a huge catalog of games to give away..

As it stands, xbl offers a better online experience imo.. Ive used both.. But we'll have to see what improvements sony rolls out and take another look at it..

[Karpetburnz]

Xbox fanboys always said XBL was better because of Cross game chat, now PSN has that so IMO PSN has caught up.

XBL does have 300,000 servers, but that basically only allows developers to have dedicated servers for their games if they choose to pay Microsoft from what ive heard, i could be wrong.

and it was confirmed that CoD Ghosts will have dedicated servers for both consoles, so PSN will most likely have dedicated servers for plenty of games.

overall the online play will be indenticle.

[johndoe11211]

what multiplayer experience does live have that psn does or will not have when the ps4 comes out?

[Majin-vegeta]

IMO should have done a list of stuff locked behind PS+ and xbox live and then stuff not locked behind PS+ and xbox live.

OT:PS+ without a doubt.

[IraqCombatVet]

Great idea! I'm going to look into that because I think the results might be interesting.

[Parapraxis]

Not really "interesting"
MP is behind a paywall on PS4...that is all.
On the Xbox One, pretty much every service/app, is behind Gold.

[n4rc]

So what?

People make way too big a deal out of this... If you can't be bothered to buy PS+, then chances are all those free features are useless to you..

You arent buying a ps4 to watch netflix.. If you have the internet access, then odds are you want to play online too..

Same with sharing... Share what with who?

It may not be physically required to usr these features, but they are nonetheless pretty useless without it

[Sono421]

@n4rc

It's a big deal because my 360 just recently for some idiotic reason decided to delete my profile data (Seriously just randomly deleted it all) and I couldn't remember my information to save my life (Which doesn't effect me so much now because I gave my 360 to my brother which is part of the reason I don't remember it) but the main reason he used the xbox was to watch netflix because we cut our cable and he doesn't have a computer of his own.. and now since I can't recover my account (Tried many times) he can't even watch netflix.. the 360 is basically useless to him.

So what do you suggest? I create a new account and pay another $60 for live when it was just renewed about a month ago? I don't think so. Microsoft is not screwing me out of anymore money. Stop being a fanboy.. people are upset because there is NO REASON for them to be behind the pay wall and it is an inconvenience.. let's say you DO want the Xbox One for an entertainment device and not for gaming online... guess what your going to have to get gold just to be able to use a service you already pay for. now stfu and gtfo with that fanboy bullish. Everybody defending microsoft and their greedy decisions/policys is an ignorant fuck. Go ahead and bubble down for bad language because I hurt your feelings. The truth hurts.

Brand loyalty for the loose.

[gameonbro]

you mean the stuff that's been done before?

[Majin-vegeta]

Really link??

[BoriboyShoGUN]

PS4 multiplayer you do need a plus membership. But if the game is free you can access multiplayer and all the features without plus. Games like DC Universe, Warframe, Blacklight, Warthunder etc. XBOX ONE everything including the DVR feature is behind the Live paywall!

[n4rc]

And since everyone even remotely interested in any of those features will get gold to play online anyways.. So will ps4 owners..

So what exactly is your point?

The only people that won't get gold or PS+ are the people not online... So game DVR, sharing and Netflix are all out of the question anyways

[NoLongerHereCBA]

I'm getting (just like I have now) XBLG, since I am going for an xbox one (and have an xbox 360). The only reason is so that I can play online and that it is a good service overall. With the Xbox One being able to skype with my GF while playing a game is also a plus.

For the free games PS+ is the best thing. Another plus of Playstation itself is that you don't have to pay for apps that are normally also free. It is totally insane that Skype and IE will be behind the XBLG paywall. It's a shame that I have to give props to playstation for something like this which shouldn't be necessary.

[IraqCombatVet]

I'm in the same boat. XBLG for more social and entertainment (all my family is on Live) and PS Plus for free games and well...gaming!

Both are great services. I've had Xbox Live since the original Xbox but PlayStation Plus is beyond worth it. Not just the free games but cloud storage, and the ability to download updates while my PS3 is shut down (which is priceless). I smile every time I turn on my PS3 and it lists all my updates and I just go straight to doing what I want to do.

[Tooly]

lol i like how yall keep saying social when the new ps4/psn is build in social.its like the facebook of gaming the wole damn ui is realtime.
OT:ps+ for me

[black0o]

u cant even share stuff on twitter nor FB and u call that social .. lol

PSN since 2011 has become more reliable connected and does a lot of cross-plat unlike XL

[RyanShutup]

You can talk to your girlfriend and play games at the same time!? HOW!? Also, she's going to be watching your face flickering and staring all dead eyed and creepy... dunno bro... proceed with caution.

[NoLongerHereCBA]

Haha a little bit of luck I guess :P

[mattdillahunty]

"It is totally insane that Skype and IE will be behind the XBLG paywall. It's a shame that I have to give props to playstation for something like this which shouldn't be necessary."

as far as stuff that shouldn't be necessary, you can add paying to play online. and that goes for both systems. screw paying to play online, i'll be buying neither subscription if/when i get a next gen console.

[NoLongerHereCBA]

I understand what you mean. Paying to play sucks, but it is what it is for consoles, nothing to do about it I'm afraid.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

this is also known as "which system are you buying" as owners of either next gen system would be silly not to buy their online services.

[gameonbro]

^this. i'm laughing at the previous comments as if they had a choice.

[IraqCombatVet]

True but someone may buy both systems and get Xbox Live Gold so they aren't so restricted and have the Free PSN service because they do all their online gaming with Xbox One and a gaming PC. Just one example. I had free PSN for the longest and only kept Xbox Live Gold. Didn't want two subscription services at the time and was skeptical about PS Plus.

[TechMech2]

I'm getting Xbox live, just cause it has been more reliable to me in the past

[lfPetrini]

I don't know why all those disagrees, XBL has almost never gone off for maintenance and have never had any big issue with personal data leaks. We can't say the same for PS3.

[TechMech2]

Well said

[mushroomwig]

At this point I'm invested in PlayStation Plus so I may as well stay with it.

[drsfinest72]

Xbox live

[hankmoody]

Been with XBL for ten years and I'll be sticking with it, especially with the news that the size of their server farm has increased exponentially.

As for signing up for PS+, that will depend on when I decide to get a PS4, which will be further down the road.

[cyberninja]

+ 4 me

[nosferatuzodd]

Me too

[ziggurcat]

both will, actually.

[vega275]

Xbox one first then I will pick up the ps4 next year.

[TechMech2]

I like how people diasgree with your opinion on this site. Oh the fanboys

[vega275]

Frankly I don't care about this console wars. I'm getting both systems. Should it really matter to them which one I get first. I like the Xbox one launch line up better but I'm still getting a ps4 when they have more then just one game I'm interested in. Which is deep down

[redwin]

It happens, do you know what will happen to you if you say that the xbone started the achievements and it's the best. It's the console that started the online multiplayer and started it all. I remember when everyone was demonizing the box for the broadband requirement, hard drive, paid subscription. In about 5 years I can see the Xbox One.5, no discs. I will love it.

[TechMech2]

@redwin
I can see a all digital Xbox one in the future, and it may come soon. If games become cloud powered, and online only, the online only digital future will happen. I don't think its a bad thing, but just a change in the convention system of gaming that most consumers may not be ready for. I would have bought an Xbox one without the one eighties.

[Nilbog_Juney3]

@redwin Microsoft didn't start console online gaming. Although not as big, the Sega Dreamcast and also PlayStation 2 had online gaming.

[redwin]

@techmech I couldn't agree with u more. I love the original Xbox One, my only problem was the 24 hrs check, i think Xbox is way ahead in the future .@ nilbog, you are correct about the dream cast but that modem was slow. People might think that PS was the first with the DVD too. It was turboFx16 remember that? It had street fighter you were able to play with Ryu. My favorite game was Y's books 1&2, ha! Good old days.

[colonel179]

The moment Xbox Live has FREE apps such as Netflix, Skype, etc and FREE to play games behind a Paywall, for me, it loses all its value whatsoever. Why would anyone pay to access an app (such as Netflix) and then pay for a subscription of that app?.. I don't care if you are a millionaire, but paying for free services or twice (in case of Netflix, and F2P) just because Microsoft say so? That's really messed up.

[wiz7191]

For both consoles your gonna pay regardless to play online so certain apps being behind a paywall doesn't even matter.

[GryestOfBluSkies]

ps+ already has my money. and its worth every cent

[pete007]

im continuing with Xboxlive, as a natural evolution, i´ve been there since original one, when sony still dreamed of a network infrastructure, then we saw natural quality jump last gen to live version 2 against psn1 and later psn1.5,
now really cant wait to live version 3 and see what effectivelly does better against psn. after trying both xboxlive and psn theres absolutelly no way back to sonys network. just my 2 cents

[BlackTar187]

live and PSN are not that different. Both provide me with online MP that works equally on both.

On topic i will have both because i play online MP. So i chose both. The question is which one provides betrer value is open for debate but imo you shouldn't make a claim that live is so much better then psn+ and not have a valid reason. As a multi console owner i get on and play MP just fine with both systems.

Cross chat is obviously the big one here for this gen

[TheRealHeisenberg]

I've played on both and felt Live had a smoother service but ultimately went solely with PSN because it was free. I subscribed to PS+ and could not be happier with the "free" content I have access to. I will most likely stick with Ps+ only next gen.

Xbox Live = better service
PS+ = better value.

[DigitalRaptor]

So pete, basically what you're saying is, you're bedazzled by Xbox Live on the 360 right and you can't go back to PSN on PS3 (even though the games speak for themselves)?

So now that PS4's network is a large milestone ahead of what the PS3 and 360 offer in terms of online functionality, suddenly that will be: "no going back to that", even though it's miles better than the current PSN and XBL in terms of feature set alone?

This is exactly the kind of loyalist logic you Xbox folk hold. Comparing a last gen network in PS3, and believing it will translate to PSN being sub-par when Sony have shown their feature set and it blows any current gen network out of the water. Ridiculous. What is there "going back to" about PS4's newer and vastly, vastly more advanced online network infrastructure?

[pete007]

Sorry, didnt mention ps+ next gen. WheN i try i can have à better idea.

[djplonker]

after 5 years of gold this gen and one year of ps plus its a simple choice!

ps plus free games (that are not 6+ years old)

no adverts

and far less hooting dickholes on ps than on xbox!

[redwin]

It's interesting that you are the only one here that used profanity. Which one you are using again?

[djplonker]

I am scottish so I get a free pass to swear :3

[lfPetrini]

For me it has to be security over free games. XBL is the obvious choice.

[BlackTar187]

XBL isn't secure dude.

[lfPetrini]

It might not be secure but history proves it is way less vulnerable than competition.

[DigitalRaptor]

Expand upon why you think Xbox security is significantly better?

At this moment in time, if Xbox Live was hacked, it would be level pegging with PSN in regards to security. If a hacker wants in, they will get in, which is why the US government has been hacked.

And no... history is circumstantial. It proves nothing, as you're ignoring all the variables that you would have to take into account to determine absolute proof. and you provide none, which doesn't help.

[xboned_you]

Lol PlayStation plus was intended to provide free content so duh it would offer more free stuff but as far as multiplayer their is no competitor "doesn't even need the Xbox title and you know what it is when they say LIVE!! You can't even be in a party on PlayStation lol

[BlackTar187]

other then party system on live nothing is better on live.

[xboned_you]

Do a checklist of multiplayer features and see who has to play catch up.. LIVE is the clear multiplayer winner! But if you want free games then PSN is the way to go I guess. All about what you value more... Better online experience or more bang for you buck! Guess PlayStation is about the gamers and Xbox is about the Online Gamers! Lol so funny how you LIVE is in a class of its own when it comes to multiplayer so ppl compare the free games lol!!!

[BlackTar187]

Do a checklist for me please. better online experience outside of cross game chat is equal. Both my systems play MP the same way outside of party chat.

I mean what can you find that says otherwise?

[DigitalRaptor]

Man, here we go again with the Xbox folk comparing current gen networks and expecting that PS4's network doesn't have most of the things that XBL has, since PS Vita has a lot of it already, and for free.

And the funny thing is, not only are you naively underestimating Sony's online presence with PS4, but Sony has built their next gen console around online connectivity, so... bang, there goes any point you had.

So PS4's online network being KEY to console features and game functionality, as well as unprecedented value. Yeah PS+ wins hands down on value alone. No free features behind a paywall and all MAJOR xbox live features outside of the paywall too. Your attempts are cute, but naive and ultimately futile.

Facepalm doesn't cut it. I'm thinking face-shoe.

[BallsEye]

@DigitalRaptor

Could say same about you. You keep on forgetting you will not be getting any free games on ps4 for a loooooooong time for your psn+ subscription. Another thing is you forget how much more advanced XO live is compared to Xbox360. While PSN+ in ps4 catched up on xbox360 live and expanded in few areas, XO xbox live just went another generation of online gaming ahead of psn+

[DigitalRaptor]

@ BallsEye

What can you say the same about me? Me not believing in the smoke and mirrors PR bus of "the cloud" that is Microsoft? Fine, I'm glad I'm not one of the credulous ones.

Your entire comment here is an unsubstantiated heap of hot garbage.

1) Free games on PS+ are as follows:
- RESOGUN (Housemarque)
- Elder Scrolls Online Beta (Bethesda)
- DriveClub: PS+ Edition (SCE)
- Don't Starve (Klei Entertainment)
- Outlast (Red Barrels)
- Secret Ponchos (Switchblade Monkeys)

Then there's this trailer http://www.youtube.com/watc... that pretty much confirms Watch_Dogs and Destiny as games that will feature in the Instant Game Collection at some point in the first year.

Then you have the fact that Sony has confirmed a "featured game" each month to download, with DriveClub as the launch month's feature.

And you're COMPLETELY overlooking the fact that your PS+ membership provides value across 3 platforms. If you already have PS+ for PS3 or Vita you're getting exceptional value already.

So yeah... 5 or so games near enough to the launch window. And what makes up for a new console with minimal content to give away? Loads and loads of great free-to-play games that don't even require PS+ to play them:

- DC Universe Online available to download and play at launch
- Blacklight: Retribution available to download and play at launch
- Planetside 2 available to download and play in the launch window
- Warframe available to download and play at launch
- Warthunder available to download and play at launch

That content may not be for you, but don't say that there are no games coming to Plus on PS4, because the facts STRONGLY disagree.

A brief lesson for you: http://www.youtube.com/watc...

2) Tell me how much more advanced XO online is to 360. Go on. Meanwhile you completely ignore the huge list of advancements Sony has made to bring an amazing online network to PS4, and have it tie into their console and other devices and consoles in amazing ways. Unsurprised.

3) Again. How did Xbone's online go "a generation ahead" of PSN for PS4?

You folks are outrageously devoted to delusion. See what I mean about you Xbox fanboys clinging on whilst grasping at straws, throwing misinformation around like it's going out of style. Try harder and research into things, and you'd be surprised about how far off you are.

[4logpc]

Kinda a dumb question.

if you get ps4 your getting plus....if you get Xbox one you get XBL....pretty simple.

[BobBelcher]

XBL
I can buy games digitally, and they're actually my games.
Plus, both consoles do juuust about the same things, XBL does it better though.

[BlackTar187]

Bob what does this mean? Wen i buy games on PS4 they arn't my games?

[BobBelcher]

sure, just don't buy it digitally.

[BoriboyShoGUN]

Okay but how useful is your Xbox without live???
If you maintain your plus membership it will never be an issue. And games that are given for free will always be playable and accessible, as well as the rest of the features of the system!

[mhunterjr]

The same can be said about live... If you plan on using your subscription to play online, you'll never care that other services are behind a pay wall.

[DigitalRaptor]

What is your Xbone with XBL? An offline console, with no additional media functionality due to it ALL being hidden behind a paywall.

What is your PS4 without PS+? A PS4 that can do EVERYTHING it's designed to, except playing games online.

If you can't see the difference, then you're a little bit slow.

[mhunterjr]

As true as your statement is, that fact doesn't matter to folks who intend to play online. This is a discussion about what people can do when they have a subscription, not what they can do without one.

[PFFT]

XBL and PS+. Planing on getting both systems.

[buynit]

I will have both as well but still not sure if i will have both online services, i guess i can wait and see how the online plays out but i am leaning towards ps plus just cause of all the free Game!

[LEOPARD1030]

Plus is amazing, the best product in videogames ever made, I downloaded more of 40 games including AAA games like: Uncharted 3, Deus Ex, Hitman, Sleeping Dogs, Xcom, Infamous 2, Gravity Rush, Wipeout, Ratchet and Clank, Just Cause 2, Virtua Fighter, Borderlands, Street Fighter, Bioshock 2,etc

[TheRealHeisenberg]

I have to agree. I never played ICO or SoC before and now I have access to what are considered some of the all time great games.

[buynit]

This is going to def. Be a hard choice for me but if i had to choose right now, it would be ps plus.. You just get so many damn free Games and Discounts! It has also kept my vita Alive...

[ezop]

stupid article .. it should be "Are you Playstation users ready to pay up!!", XBL users have been paying for years, what now PSN has decided to charge every PS user to play online (except F2P) ..

bottom line is you pay to play online .. Yea!!!! we get FREE games (THERE IS NO FREE!! YOU HAVE TO PAY TO PLAY)

[buynit]

The amount of games and discounts you get by the end of the year far out weighs what we pay to play, hence the free games..

[ZeV]

Playstation Plus wins by far...MS is totally out of competition in this point...

Sony wins everything on nextgen...

[gamer2013]

XBL is a great reliable service full of quality MS doesn't need to bribe it's customers with free stuff. After all the free PSN+ games that are of interest have been played what's left? Just an inferior service.

[mhunterjr]

There's no argument that Sony has surpassed MS in terms of value with PSN. Hopefully now that a subscription is required, Sony will improve the reliability of the network.

Since I'm probably going to get a xb1 before a ps4, I'm hoping the added pressure from Sony will force Microsoft to improve the value of Xbox live. If that doesnt happen by the time I pick up a PS4, i'd switch subscriptions. Gotta love competition.

[starscream420]

Xbox live period.....those who think psn can compete is dilusnal

[reko]

@starscream

calling people delusional when you cant even spell it
right...

[jamsam360]

That makes you an grammar Dick! I hate you kind of people, People that think i am better than you, you inadequate Speller!

PISS OFF!

[reko]

inadequate? when i spelled it right? xbox fanboy getting mad.

[mochachino]

I threw away my money on live for 5 years and only got access to services I had already paid for or that were offered free everywhere, no free games, no discounts, nothing.

So I decided in December 2012 not to renew my Live Gold and resolved never to pay for Live again. Needless to say, PSN and PS4 will get my money.

Xbox left a really bad taste in my mouth this gen. I felt exploited and unappreciated. I literally look at my 360 now and feel bad. Only been using PS3 since, although that PS3 OS is terrible in comparison but everything else earns my financial support.

[jamsam360]

Well you will feel the same when Sony bends you over! They are both very large capitalist Entities and they both want is your fuckin money!!!!!!!

[mochachino]

I already have PSN Plus, bought it 2 months ago in anticipation of PS4. I don't feel exploited at all. I feel like I get my money's worth. Haven't felt that way about Live since game demos could only be obtained from $12 magazines back in 2006.

I know their all corps out to make the biggest profit possible, but MS places short terms gains over long term consequences. Kinect and constant nickle and diming including requirement payment to access netflix and youtube! literally makes me very disinclined to support MS.

Besides Windows, they're so off in pricing in almost evert market which is why MS may be a shadow of its former self in the next 10-20 years.

Anyways, with respect to games Sony's been gave better value all last gen and now for the next gen too it seems. Certainly in terms of hardware power/price.

Of course their gaming division profits are lower from this last gen but in the long run, if Playstation maintains this popularity advantage they will eclipse Xbox in overall profits for the last gen and the next.

Doesn't take long to go from top to bottom in the console industry. The more people buying PS4 at launch means that more people buying PS4 console years later to play with their friends online.

can't really compare PS2 because that was just domination on sony's part.

360 was the greatest console ever for about 18 months, they've gone down hill since and xbox is increasingly seen as the poor choice....unless you love Halo, which is an awesome but not worth playing the abundance of amazing 3rd party games with friends, with better graphics and cheaper console cost, and no MS cheap service restrictions.

[SoulSercher620]

PS+ all the way. It has more value and quality. Xbox Live is anti-consumer.

[Codey47]

Like others have said

Playstation Plus...purely because the value is unrivaled.

[KontryBoy706]

PS+

[KingDadXVI]

Give me a break. This is shown as an article. This is an opinion. Christ the website is called "What is Play Station 4". Does anyone expect this guy to say that Xbox Live is better? He's got his head crammed up Sony's rear end that Mark Cerny is going to the hospital to get an enima.

If you want tons of free games that you can't keep unless you keep your subscription then PS+ is great. If you want the best online gameplay then Xbox Live gold is the best choice. If you like to play a game online against someone else and they happen to be hosting the game on their machine giving them the latency advantage then PS+ is for you. If you like dedicated servers making a level playing field for all then Xbox Live Gold is what you want.

Dedicated servers trump P2P hosting.

Which service you prefer is up to you but those are the facts and not an opinion which is what that article was.

[CaulkSlap]

PS+ earns it. XBL extorts it.

[KingDadXVI]

So inventing online gaming for consoles is extortion and copying that service is earning it? What have you been smoking tonight? You would not have PS+ if Xbox Live hadn't come out first.

That seems to be the trend. Let's see what MS does and copy it. That sure is earning it.

If you like PS+ that is great but don't justify it by saying that it earned it and Xbox Live didn't.

[ninjahunter]

Hard to decide, I will probably not buy a next gen console due to the mandatory PS+/Gold however I havent been very pleased with either consoles Digital services, I recently got a PS3 and every single game i wanted to buy was not available digitally. They can cram value down my throat all day, but PS+ has offered me maybe dollar for dollar value at best, of content i actually want.

[GoodnessGreatness]

Playstation Plus. Selected games don't require subscription, you can still go online without a subscription and use other online apps. Not to mention, free games and loads of discount.

[awesomeisjayell]

XBOX LIVE of course. Plus is not worth it.

[urwifeminder]

Xbox live hands down for me don't really know anything about sony or plus would like to keep it that way.

[xkevmandc]

XBL will always be better...

[Max-Zorin]

PSN: Good service
Xbox Live: Good service
Their fans: .............................. ............................... ............................... ............................... ............................... ............................... ............................

[sovkhan]

Psn has far more value than Xbl, even with games for gold attempt...
Once the ps4 is here it will have even more value, just imagine more then 72 great games a year, for all three platforms.For 50 bucks!!! You can call it a deal :)

[Father Murder X]

you idiots fall for the same crap every single day.

[Mr_Luke]

PS+, no doubt. Even if i bought an XboxOne i wouldn't activate Xbox Live, so... PS+ is the best option for me.

[Trago1337]

While PS plus is an overall better value, it's complete bullshit that we're gonna have to pay for online multiplayer for the PS4. Sony and Microsoft are basically holding half of our games ransom if we don't pay.

[mohuzas]

i'm not a fan of either. no way am i paying for online. and these so-called "free" games are inaccessable unless you continue your PAID subsbcribiton.

[XXIIIceOlator23]

Don t give a sh...tttt about free games, Xblive should be the best place to play online but who knows, sony psplus could be good enough....

[Flames76]

Xbox live gold no doubt.PSN was horrible free would never pay money to be on such a horrible service