XBox Live or PlayStation Network, The Facts

Recent reports are listing the Xbox Live Gold account currently priced at $50, will increase 100%. If speculation is correct and the price tag for an annual subscription will be $100, What extra benefits will be made available to Xbox Live Gold accounts? With the PlayStation Network offering a free service, why would anyone pay that amount? Let the debate begin…

[reintype]

The real and I state the only reason most XBOX users thinks that live is better, is just to make them feel good, about paying for it.

Believe me if Silver users can play online, no one would be dumb enough to pay for Gold.

[gaffyh]

bu bu bu...but paying for the service makes it better! Lol. You know that argument's coming.

[snaz27]

xbox360 only owners will have no other choice if they wanna play online! simple as that... but seriously i cant see MS doing that, if they do then well i think its the worst move possible! surely the price should be going the other way no? look at what sony offers for free!!! dedicated servers! massive online games with soon to ne up to 256 players, home (like it or hate it its there for you to choose), vidzone (awesome little app) web browser allowing you to download free music and free movies direct to the ps3!! (i do this often and love it! doghouse is the most recent, wicked film btw).. i mean really what can MS offer to counter these and justify the price? guess well see but i just wanna play online with friends mainly, the other things are added bonuses which i can take or leave.

[Syronicus]

In the end, it would be cheaper to simply buy a PS3 from SonyStyle for 199 and play online all you want for free. I have both systems and though I still have Live, it is on its way out. My credit card expired so they can no longer charge it and I do not plan to renew. I simply have too much fun playing online through the PSN for free to even begin to justify being ripped off by MS another year for Live.

[Darkeyes]

I mean seriously after the latest firmware update when PSN gets cross game chat (confirmed by ND devs), what really justifies the 50$ (or the going to be 100$) price tag? Stop the whole 'XLB is better than PSN' and just look at this from an impartial perspective... Nearly EVERYTHING XBL offers is offered by PSN and there are also a few good things like Dedicated servers for first party games. Seriously what will justify the price... Facebook? Twitter? 1080P streaming (that too obviously paid over 50$)? Do these things really justify a 50$ price tag? And that too M$ doesn't force devs to place dedicated servers which is 100 times more important than some Facebook or Twitter crap for gaming...

If the community reacts to this and something really happens, then XBL CAN be Free since it gets an @ss load of money from ads and stuff. Just look at this from a non fanboy perspective and really think that is paying 50$ for social networking elements really worth it? Just saying, so don't jump on me.. It's your money so do what you want, but seriously this is really bullying you around into paying 50$...

[snaz27]

yeah well thats what i would do to be honest mate, but i know alot of people still on the 360 cos all their friends are... then you have to look at the persons game library, what if they have like 15 game they bought new, imagine how much money you would lose trading those in, im not saying it cant be done... a guy down the road did it and is now loving uncharted 2 lol, but i would say its not quite as simple as just buy a ps3, but i wonder if MS doubling the live charge would push people over the edge? it will be interesting to find out.

[Montrealien]

The facts!

If cpt speculation is correct and the price tag for an annual subscription will be $100...wait, what?

@snaz27

Have you played uncharted 2 online? I may be wrong here but (The host has left the game) should not be hapening on dedicated servers.

[BadboyCivic360]

i love XBL but PSN is FREE!

[Lifendz]

Most of my friends own 360s but playing with them online is not that serious. I made new friends through N4G and other forums so it's not like I don't have some cool people on my friend's list.

It all comes down to price. And to me, the extra you get with Live, including NetFlix, is not worth the annual fee. I'd rather take that money and buy a game or maybe treat myself to something else. In fact, the mandatory fee for online play is the main thing keeping me from buying a 360.

[StanLee]

*Sigh* All this because of an uninformed comment Michael Pachter made?! How the hell did this guys opinion come to hold so much weight?! He's an imbecile with little knowledge of the actual gaming industry.

[snaz27]

check out this article too.. 90°Microsoft: 'Most People Think Xbox 360 Games Look Better' which states "I don't foresee a scenario where we're going to double the price of LIVE anytime in the NEXT COUPLE MONTHS," is this patcher? and are you trying to say the ps3 doesnt use dedicated servers? lol and yes i have played online not had that message yet sorry mate, i also read somewhere (in a review) about when a host leaves its passed on (seemlessly) sorry cant reamember which one... anyway come on you knopw the ps3 has more games using dedicated servers... its well known.

edit: after thinking about it, if uncharted 2 does use p to p it could be because its only 5 on 5 anyway so wouldnt really need dedicated servers, but whats the most players that can play on xbl, on any game? is there any game even beating resistance 2 62 players? do you think they will have a 256 player mag type game? my point is sony offers these services for free!! ms doesnt even offer them let alone for free.

[kaya]

I pay over $350 a year on high speed internet... and mostly use it for just a few games and wasting my time here... :\ It's hard for me to cry over a great service I use all the time and only pay $50 for. $100 will be harder to justify, but i'm sure I'll find a way lol.

[Montrealien]

I dont care about that crap, its useless. However I am interested when I am told that PSN is free and has DEDICATED SERVERS OMGZ!!!! And yet their biggest game, Uncharted 2 is peer to peer. I got the message maybe it was just a bug and if its done seamless, then hurray, its still peer to peer, why not dedicated? Infact its much like gears of war 2 online if you ask me. Besides Warhawk, are there other PSN games that have dedicated servers.

btw, all this is because Cpt speculation thinks that live will go up to 100$ a year. We can deal with that when and if it comes true, and if it does I am pulling the plug on it myself. However with that said, I think that at its current price point it is still worth my money, even when compared to PSN, which I also enjoy and am happy that its free.

[snaz27]

sorry did you just totally ignore the part where an MS rep said he doesnt see it happening in the next few months? or did you just ignore it? lol why wouldnt they just say its never gonna happen? doesnt it sound like its gonna? just not yet... as i said further down the thread, my bet is after xmas, as doubling the price around xmas is a really bad move lol... and yes there are plenty of games using dedicated servers, killzone 2, resistance 1 and 2, mag soon to come, im guessing socom does too, if you want i can find out the full list? lmao

[N4G king]

its free
and i can play online

thats all what i need
PSN all the way

EDIT
one last thing to add
its funny that xbox fanboys use the term "you get what you pay for"
in defending the price tag of XBL

while they always b1tch about the PS3 being overpriced

[Montrealien]

Yep, I ignored it because its useless. Send me a tell when the price goes up, we can talk then. I think they are both great services and I do believe that live has some features that at this moment make it well worth my cash. But thats not saying that PSN is bad, I love PSN also, you do understand that don`t you?

And since you offered, go get me that list pls. chop chop!

[snaz27]

and i replied to you because you were making out this price hike rumour came from patcher, and i read it elsewhere please deny that an ms rep saying what he said doesnt sound very very much like they are going to raise the price? and im sorry but for cross game chat, cross game invites, i just dont see how its worth it... and heres a question would you still pay 100 if it happens? as for the list here goes (from what ive found) unreal tornament 3, warhawk (saw a pic of their server! wow wee! billions of ps3s) lol, resistance 1 and 2, socom, killzone 2, motorstorm 1 and 2..., oh and didnt i read an article stating calling all cars server getting shut down? anyway, i never said ALL games use dedicated servers, but most exclusives do, apparently the problem for 360 is ms charge too much for servers, oh this is a stretch but home uses servers too! and its free, but someone has to maintain the servers no? can you please list 360 games that do? (see how im not as rude as you? lol)

[N4G king]

@^

true gamers dont give it a f*ck about the other things XBL got
ture gamers are all about GAMING
they want to PLAY THE GAME

this is the thing that fanboys dont get

[snaz27]

doesnt burnout use them on ps3 too? oh and n4g king who was that aimed at exactly? its not that i care what xbl has, this is just a discussion mate.

edit supersonic roket powered battle cars does too... im still looking btw lol
edit lord of the rings conquest pc and ps3

[Montrealien]

simple answer, nope I will not renue if it is 100$ but I already said that, you could try reading what I write.

And I`do care about the little extras that Live has and that has nothing to do with being a tru gamer or not. What makes me a true gamer is that I don`t care about the little things PSN lacks and I and try, although always fail to remind people that it does not matter. What matters to me is people saying, OMGZ PSN is better the LIVE, Dedicated servers, free Free Freeee, glub glub pwit.

I think that its all subjective, and coming from a guy that love and appreciats both PSN and Live I like to remind people exactly that, you guys are clearly try to tell me one is better then the other and I just dissagree with you. And if you don`t agree with me, so be it.

[lowcarb]

You make it sound as if you have an xbox and live but then go on to say that's why you haven't purchased one. I'm lost life so please help me.

[edgeofblade]

The ONLY way I would plop down $100 in one swoop is to get lifetime membership. I'm fine with paying $50 a year. I feel like I'm getting my money's worth. But $100 is over the line.

[snaz27]

for someone that ignores peoples comments when they were proven wrong, your rather hypocriticle to say someone should read your comments lol... and im trying to juggle a million and one things at the mo, hense why i forgot what you had said... anyway you come across a little butt hurt why is that? is it because you dont like being wrong or what? where exactly have i said one service is better than another? sorry but you took that from what i had said... when my point is i dont beleive live is worth it for the price now considering what sony is offering for free!! let alone if they double the price. see the difference? anyway my last bubble so take care and calm down yeah? and dont jump to conclusions about what someone is saying ok? bye bye now.

[Montrealien]

Yeah, you`re right, I am butt hurt. I enjoy both the PSN and Live and I laugh at an article title Facts! but is based on speculation. And you think that I had a point in the first place...

I will be awaiting your response to my PM, we will see how long you last there.

gogo N4G randoms!

[Bot Smasha]

XBL is full of retarded kids , those are the facts

[darthv72]

I do think live could do away with requiring gold to use netflix. Then again, you are using their tunnel to deliver the content.

There are a few things each service could learn from the other. PSN needs more trialware for games. If not, at least offer previews in the game info itself. Screens, vids, whatever. They could also add in being able to go back to something in the XMB without having to exit the store.

Live could do with less fees or no fees at all. That is all I can think of.

[randomwiz]

Would you still pay if another isp provided free internet access?

[sikbeta]

I don't want to read the article, but tell me If is not a fanboy article stating that XGC custom soundtrack and live arcade is better and worth $50 to $100 and saying PSN has to be free because doesn't have XGC and bla bla bla bla bla bla I'm tired....ZZzzzZZzzz

[davekaos]

for all those people who own xbox's. If this whole £100 a year thing turns out to be true and u feel u have no other choice but pay it because you want to play the games online, hear is a solution.
Im assuming most of you guys have a pc so i would go out and buy one of the new 58xx graphics cards made by ati cheapest being £100(UK)
online play on pc is free, you will have better frames picture quality AA all that sort of stuff on pc AND most of xbox games end up on the pc anyway. so thats the solution if u don't want to be paying $100 a year to play online

[Prototype]

I tried Live twice (once when Xbox first came out and about a year ago to see what the hype was) and personally I could care less about it.

From this whole Live going up in price (if it does) only has one of 2 outcomes:

1. Either lowering the 360 price down below $99 to compensate for the loss of each console sold

2. They planning something to justify it, meaning myspace!

[Turn 10 Studios]

Real Gamers will Use XBL

Little kids that don't have money and don't buy games Use Cheap A$$ PSN

Modern Warfare 2 Sales Proves IT

[IRetrouk]

Look i know your like the biggest xbot out there right now, but honestly PSN and XBL are about even, if anything there is actually less lag on PSN, I use both daily, so stop wasting your only bubble on crap.

[TheTeam06]

PS3 owners don't have money, yet were able to buy $600 machines?

[STRAIGHTASL]

look at TheTeam06 comment? he is right! Use your common sense, turn stupid 10!

[madmonkey0]

good article full of valid points. though i expect alot of people will disagree.

[Turn 10 Studios]

It's all about Opinions

If you're a little kid that don't have a job and no money you can choose PSN

But Adults With Jobs like Using XBL coz they believe It's better

modern warfare 2 Sales Proves it

[ape007]

I hope you recover from that infinite loop

man,it's simple,I know you prefer the 360,I respect that but don't be like that man,I like both both systems,sometimes 360 more,sometimes ps3 more but I admit overall,I love the 360,Im more of a game fanboy than a console fanboy,Im a gta fanboy and I cannot wait to get my hands on tbogt,man Im excited,the thing I really cannot understand,is that if you are a forza fan(awesome game),then how the hell you bash gt5 all the time????it's unbelievable,if R* decided to make gta 5 a ps3 exclusive,I'll go maaad and perhaps will make the ps3 one of my favorite systems of all time,it's the GAME that make you a fanboy,forza 3 and gt5 both gonna be amazing,leave that crap and get forza 3 later this month,enjoy the hell out of it,play online,save replays,then get gt5 and live your dream,you are a racing fan,it's impossible for YOU to hate gt5,I think you got my idea

and btw uncharted 2 is amazing,really amazing,you have to get it and Im gonna buy mw2 on 360 of course for three reasons:the controller is perfect for fps,you can install games on 360 which reduces the load times and because of xbox live,live is awesome

and MS if you go ahead and make xbl 100$\year,this will be your biggest mistake,lot of people will convert to psn,especially since there r lot of rumors everywhere about X game chat for psn

[madmonkey0]

everytime i have been on XBL is awlays full of kids messing about with the mic, or is that just halo3 and gears specific, as they are the only games ive played online on the xbox 360.

[creeping judas]

This is not specific to XBL, this weekend I was playing Uncharted2 online, and remembered why I was glad that MS dropped the voice modulator when they announced the 360. There's nothing more annoying then being called offensive names, or hearing litte children with a robot voices telling you off.

[madmonkey0]

@ creeping, i know, i get it on PSN too, but the guy made out that only adults play on SBL and kids on PSN, which is not very accurate at all from my experiance, i tend to mute all the players now, only use my mic when im in with people i know, or when im with a good match were there are only one or 2 messing about so i just mute them instead.

[theDutchFella]

lol nice bubble there, just Turned 10. Not sure if you could ever end up with 0 bubbles, but I just tried :)

[IRetrouk]

As i said to you already they are about equal, well psn seems to have alot less lag though, otherthan that they are the same, i use both daily. i know you like to troll but its etting kinda sad now.

[creeping judas]

There will always be little kids, annoying teens, and immature adults online no matter what platform you play on. And muting is the best option. As for Turn10, he could be one of those??

[madmonkey0]

going by his post history, he quite probably is the worst of them all. that is, if he evers plays the games rather than trying to wind people up on here.

[Montrealien]

You know guys, the idea that he has one bubble is that we ignore him. Why even bother clicking (show).

[N4G king]

If you're a little kid that don't have a job and no money you can choose xbox360 arcade ( the cheapest console in the market )

But Adults With Jobs like Using the PS3 coz they believe It's better

FIXED

[sikbeta]

turn 10 I thought kids like you can't work because is illegal, you have to go to school first and some day become a man, well at least try to become a man

[josh14399]

well the friend features are better on 360 which people cant deny (unless your a fanboys). one thing psn has over live is that psn has less lag due to it having dedicated servers. basically both services are good but i just prefer the psn because i dont have to waste money on it (even though i currently am subscribing to live)

[talltony]

So xbox live is worth paying for? for a few more friend features?. I dnt know if you played uncharted 2 but that seems to mimick xbox live exactly. If your in a party you are never not able to talk to them in that game. Xbox live is just part of the os but psn features have to be incorporated in each game and every update allows a new feature for online games.

[v1c1ous]

what other "reports" have been given to xbox live raising in price?

[snaz27]

which an ms rep states "I don't foresee a scenario where we're going to double the price of LIVE anytime in the NEXT COUPLE MONTHS," looks like it may be happening... my bet is after xmas, i mean they are not that stupid to do it before are they? lol

[tatotiburon]

lame article, the guy bashing xbox live and praise PSN...nice try fanboy

[borgome]

If they do increase the price of xbox live, I will sell all my games and my xbox and buy a PS3.

Not because I can't afford a measly 100 bucks a year, its the fact that microsoft already charges 50 bucks a year and PSN is free.

[Feral Gamer]

"Recent reports...." you mean Pachter? That hardly counts as a source. Has that windbag ever been correct?

[PLAYSTATIONGENRATION]

we have the choice as gamers to ban together band cancel our live accounts...no one ever does it we have the power

[bigrudowsky]

it all comes down to the games you want to play if you want to play games online that arent on ps3 then you have no choice but to pay ms..

I cant understand the people who only play multiplat games online i.e cod4 and stick with the xbox considering you dont have to pay on psn.

[kaya]

I still have a hard time playing on psn, it could just be my network, but i'm always getting booted and having to restart... About the only time i use it is for those few exclusive game I still love to play, but other than that I'm glad to pay the 3.50 ish for xbox live. It lags a bit here and there, but I can at least stay connected. I'll start crying once the price of xbox live really does go up to 100, but until I actually see that, I highly doubt it'll happen. And, even then it'll be a hard decision for me to make to start buying multi-platform games for my ps3 rather than the xbox, just for reliability of their service.

[Serial_EDX]

If they charged 100$ a year, I would quit console gaming all together, ps3 being free or not. because if MS could get away with it and people actually continue to use it, I don't see sony staying free forever.

@below

Read my next comment, since you didn't understand this one*

[divideby0]

silly logic...if one company raises their prices, I will quit the other company.....sorry, but a real gamer would never give up SOMETHING FOR NOTHING....LOL

[bunbun777]

Its not that I dont believe you but I dont want to believe you....

Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater--

oh and you are right-- nothing is free, not even PSN. The difference being we are not charged-- but the costs are incurred.

Has Any Xbox users actually ever thought MS really really needs that 50$$ to keep operating their non dedicated servers?> do they have to throw up all that advertising so that it isnt 100$$--

-how does Sony do it?

what happens when x-game chat comes to PSN-- what then?

[Serial_EDX]

You have me wrong, I'm not going to quit gaming, I'm going to stop using consoles, I'll just stick with my PC.

If you think for one second that if MS charges 100$ and gets away with it, That Sony won't put there foot in the door and start charging, your a very naive person.

[bunbun777]

to mom's homemade cheesybaconburgers.

Sure the Big Macs might make a lot more, but nothing beats the "free" taste of love in every bite.

[TheTeam06]

Here's a wake up call:

PlayStation Network upgraded significantly over three years. No one paid a cent for online play.

Until you show me how you track your money, I won't believe that all that money is going to making XBL better. If that were the case, it probably wouldn't be so laggy and cluttered with ads.

[divideby0]

I have been a charter Gold member since day one.
Live is NOT WORTH paying 50 bucks per year for and this is someone who has paid it since day one.
Twitter, facebook all lame crap that everyone wants a browser instead of these stupid apps.

I really hope they raise the price...than maybe some of those will realize what a rip off its is

BOTTOM line on Live....IF GAMEPLAY was FREE on LIVE...the number of subscribers would plummet..

[Mikelarry]

praying they actually raise the price (read on before you click the disagree button). while im all for features and improvements the gaming industry is begining to tick me off. i really want a major player in the gaming industry to make a foolish mistake like increasing the price of a service so that the backlash would teach all this other scheming daylight robbers a lesson or two.

Edit: it seems someone didnt read the full comment tut tut tut, so the person disagreeing you want the industry to keep overcharging us gamers i mean dont be a tool and click disagree for the fun of clicking it. if this tradition continues its us gamers that would lose in the end. LOL at at below day light robbery like that is what im talking about.

[Serial_EDX]

New Madden DLC, pay 1$ to air up the football pre-game, Or play with a flat ball. XD

[THC CELL]

this one for turn 10 how come its rated psn has a % over adults then kids on psn ?

i love psn for many reasons

people knock home,home is great
i get games on psn with upt 256 players no lag, as on any game on psn

people will regret cross game chat spec on cod when u get grassed on
u will understand what i mean when someone is giving locations out trust me.

xbox has usless features like face book and twitter and sky
please tell me who is going to ditch there sky (stable hd box) for a xbox 360, on a trusted network. noo chance..

u see people psn is free and we get a much better service and yes from day one i can view my emails you tube and face book twitter and the rest and still only have to pay my broadband bill

[JeffGUNZ]

is down playing the good features of live and down playing the bad features. Mainly, the importance of cross chat/game invites for 360 and twitter and lastfm. When he talks about Home not being what it was suppose to be "but the developers are working hard!". He is making excuses. Home turned out nothing like they projected. PSN is fine and Live is fine. Both networks are much more deserving than one little paragraph each.

[H34RT 4TT4CK]

Whether you like either system or not, you have to realize when an Editorial is baiting for a flame war. Now, I am a 360 owner and I agree, I think 50 bucks is a bit much, if anything for all the money that MS makes off of XBL is enough to lower the cost and still make a considerable profit. What I don't understand is how a guy like Pachter can come on the scene, propose a 50 dollar Price Hike for XBL, and the Anti-MS Regime comes up in droves languishing the business decisions of MS and the 360 consumer's intelligence.

Yet this article, mentioning a price drop for the PS3 slim, would mention immediate upswing in sales yet omitting a fairly important detail; the Sales of the PS3 blew up for the first week, and then slowed down by the next week. If anyone has any NDP sales results to prove me wrong, I would like to see them.

http://www.examiner.com/exa...

The PS3 slim beat the 360 by a SLIM margin for the first time this year. I can expect that the fanboi's will come up in droves berating me for this, regardless of a SLIM margin, the PS3 technically still beat the 360.

I can tell you, as a 360 owner, a lot of the things I'd like MS to change about the way they conduct business. But then I can honestly say that MS has never released a firmware update that froze up consoles, handled me like an egg when it came to repair 360s (to make up for the 1-2 week wait, they give a free 3 month subscription), and is constantly innovating on updates and handling thier business accordingly.

I can't say the same for the PS3, when yes, they do freeze up (believe it or not, there is a failure rate for the PS3's too), they don't have an extensive warranty, and when they are about to ass-rape you for repair fees, they don't even offer a lubricant.

Now, for the PS3 side, I do look forward to playing some of the games that are coming out (I'd like to get my hands on UC2) and at the same time I look forward to the 360 games coming out. Want to know why? Because regardless of the consoles and their exclusives, I am a GAMER first, as you all are, and for some reason unbeknownst to me, some of you have taken up brand loyalty when time and again, both Sony and MS have had times when they weren't (aren't) consumer loyal. Some of you, for either side, have personal reasons for sticking with the console of choice, that's fine, but don't think I regret my 360 over your PS3, it's my choice and in time I will get a PS3 as well.

Now, unlike the Article, I know my little tirade here seems slanted, but I tried to be as reasonable as possible. I think the 360 has many pros and many cons, and I can say just the same for the PS3, but ultimately, I don't care about the BR, or HD streaming, I don't care about exclusives, or web-browsings, or facebook (last.fm I do look forward to), I care about the games first.

[THC CELL]

all the xbox players are biting there nails saying dont raise xbox live price please god booo hooo

i hope they do really lol see
psn will always win cause its freeeeeeeeeee

[kewlkat007]

"If speculation is correct and the price tag for an annual subscription will be $100"

HA!

[Halo_Reach]

PSN = Garbish
Live = Cool Service.

PSN = Few Players
Live = Milions

PSN = Little kids without mics and 28 years depress guys
Live = 18+ Great People

[Gabe EatsWell]

PSN = mature players
Live = the opposite of PSN.

[TheBand1t]

www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVw36q 6ad8g

www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkC-i tKZtjI

www.youtube.com/watch?v=oG2Gy p7gmH8

lol

[kaz-hirai]

oh i love articles like this the chatboxes buyers envoy kicks in ;-D!!!!

Making up silly excuses to keep paying monthly for a poor service !!!!

[IRetrouk]

actually mate there are way more kiddies on xbl than psn, i have heard kids as young as 7 on gears of war, my nephews are on xbl and the oldest is 15, youngest is 5, they all play on xbl not psn.

[N4G king]

"PSN = Garbish
Live = Cool Service."

the FACTS
PSN = up to 256 players with no lag
Live = laggy 5 on 5

"Live = Milions "

All play HALO

[TheTeam06]

What race or nationality is "Great People"?

[KillerPwned]

He said xbox 360 is $249. I would like to correct that it WAS! $249 but only if you mailed in the rebate. Naturaly its $300 same as ps3 and that rebate isent lasting forever its a promo from netflix i belive to only last around this month.

I personaly like PSN more the LIVE its free i feel like i get excatly everything i need for a good online media experenice. Also i rarely ever meet rude ppl the on the PSN.

All this talk about price hike is just speculation anyway. Either way i could care less personally

[NEWSWATCHERS]

Need a headset to hear the "rude people"? One of thoes things PS3 DONT ship with, 360 does.

[i3eyond the Circle]

I have the next gen systems.

I pick XBL because I find it more engaging and nowhere near as dull as the PsN.

I rather pay $50 than play on the PsN any day.

If people have mics some of them suck but most of the time that isn't even the problem because they don't have them.

XBL is easier to work with and gives more connectivity between friends.

[hankmoody]

All idiots who actually believe Microsoft will actually DOUBLE the cost of their online service while their main competitor remains free of charge, please raise your hands. This includes PS3 owners who believe every negative or negative sounding tidbit of news or rumor that's made readily available on N4G, the biggest flamebait/ fanboy/ console war site ever.

If it actually does happen, I'll be the first one to eat crow.

[cheapndirty]

Durrrrr, I tink dat MS will waise duh pwice.

So now fanboys are offering some credibility to Pachter? Weird. all of the Sony articles that mention him forecasting something negative about the ps3 he is lampooned as a moron.

He is right about half of the time? Maybe?

[ForROME]

Ironic, I assumed MS would lower the live price to around 24.99 or 19.99 to start getting the every day consumer, what a suprise it must be for these new people to take it home thier 360 and then hear

Kid: Mom, Dad, I need 50 dollars to get online

Parents: we already have internet

Kid: oh this requires me to pay to play

Parents: but we did when we bought the system

Kid: 510 mom, 510

Let me say this, I'm an IT Director at my company, I see first hand daily all the stuff I pay MS for in my budgest, its ridiculous their pricing styles, cant wait for the day Google kicks MS out and Moves in

PS: I still love my halo though =)

[ForROME]

I will say this

at this current time, Live is more fluid and easy going and easier to deal with and more standardized, however with SONY taking note, it cant last forever; so dont be fooled into sticking with it

[Knightofelemia]

Honestly who in their right mind would pay 100 bucks to listen to a bunch of idiotic kids screaming yelling and ruining a great online experience. You do run into them on the PSN aswell but not as much as XBL and what will XBl have to offer thans even worth the 100 bucks Facebook and Twitter I can do that on my computer at half the price. If Microsoft does raise the price my I will sell my Xbox and stick with my Ps3

[Boink]

but if they upped the price to 100$/yr, I think that would be it for me, they'd have to REALLY show a lot more value for me to think it was worth that.

[NEWSWATCHERS]

If PSN is SOOOOOOOOOOOO GOOD why is there less content then there is on the 360? Demos-360 has more, DLC-360 has more, etc, admit it everyone will go to Xbox live. PSN sucks, my friends hate it, so do I, Non USA companies cant make a good online systems (Sony and Nintendo)

[FACTUAL evidence]

Ummm, please don't go there sir...we all know M$ pays out the A$$ hole for DLC....looking at you GTA4 lost in damed/Ballad....how much did they pay for that again? 50m? yeah no wonder they get "all" the content. PSN still has exclusive PSN titles to make up for that sooo.....while they try to milk franchises for content, I'll be playing newly released games from Sony 1st party devs, so have fun with your over priced dlc, ciao!

[LONEWOLF231]

Awhile back i used to always choose Live over PSN............i game on both platforms equally online for the most part at least. But now im kinda starting to prefer PSN mainly cause i can get a better stable connection on the PSN network. And unlike in LIVE i rarely lag, the only laggy game for me on the PS3 is Killzone 2.

[AliTheBrit19]

If you have just PS3, then PSN will do you fine, your not going to be sat there complaining about it, it will get you by ok..

But if you also have access to Xbox Live Gold (like me) you suddenly realize how basic PSN really is, and how much more XBL offers and how it does everything it does RIGHT

COD4 on PS3 = Nightmare, after every single match, it disconnected and I had to search for a new game *sigh*

[N4G king]

i play COD all the time on PSN and that never happened to me
maybe you should stop using dial-up
and get some real internet connection

[AliTheBrit19]

^^ I do Fine

Insane download speed, super fast connection, wireless router.

I have an unlimited package, a 20MB Connection, Netgear router, its a super fast connection and has served me well in every over aspect, but PS3.. But hey, its MY problem right? couldn't possibly be the free PSN LOL

My 360 has never had a problem and its only ever been connected via wireless.

I tried the PS3 with both Ethernet and Wireless, the result was the same, it wasn't my connection - it was PSN.

[divideby0]

I dont care if it costs another 200 bucks per month.
I have been a Gold Charter member and its not worth 50 bucks now.
I have yet to read anything from a gameplay standpoint, which justifies me to continue to pay for Gold.
Most around here are just full of BS when defending Gold prices, since they dont own both systems and dont use both services. So they are jaded...

[shikwan]

I don't see anything but speculation so let me state some of my "facts";

1. PS3 online maybe free but you are limited to playing with/against people on a regional basis. It's servers is also subject to being shutdown by the devs-anytime they see fit to do so. And just like the PC online, the devs will never put out a tool or program that'll allow gamers to communicate from one game to the next (x-chat). Though Sony should at least make the 1st party devs do this. IMO I fail to see why people support this consoles online service (stating that it's strength is because it's free) yet ignore the PC online services that are free & easier to communicate with friends.

**********************
"A PLAYSTATION 3 from one region will be able to access the PlayStation Store for another region, however, the PlayStation Network account must have a valid mailing address within that foreign region. Additionally, if you wish to purchase content* from a specific region's PlayStation Store, you must have a credit card or debit card (with a VISA or MasterCard logo) with a billing address from the same region. Not all PlayStation Network and PlayStation Store content may operate as intended on a console that is from another region, (i.e., different language displayed, software titles may not be compatible, etc.). We do not have any information that will override these territorial restrictions and we apologize for any inconvenience"

http://playstation.custhelp...
**************************

2. XBL is my choice because it's unified, I can communicate from any internet-accessible PC/cell phone to my friends via xbox.com or IM, I can play users all over the world-as opposed to a certain region, just like the PC as well. So if I'm up late at nite-I can still find full games going on based on users in different time zones. There are some games in which the dev provides server hosting (EA titles, etc). But again look at Chromehounds by Sega. They're shutting down (or have done so already) they're servers, making this game no longer playable. But because it's P2P-based, I can still play games online from back in 2002, when the service was 1st released. And when you guys say it has ads...yes, almost unoticeable ads that are NOT about cleansers, cars or fast food but about games. And please don't complain on this issue until you complain about paying for cable tv-which you still view ads on. And bottom line about the price; I don't notice $50 per year for a service but I do notice if/when the service is down! In other words; $50 p/yr is too cheap to gripe about when you spend $60-$70 on games that you only play 3-4 months tops!

3. And "PSN has dedicated servers"; So does XBL!!! (EA games, some Sega games, etc.) The online system is up to devs. Not all PSN games have dedicated servers-as not all XBL games are P2P. The bad thing about Dedicated servers-Sega recently shutdown it's dedicated servers for Chromehounds. W/P2P, I can still go back & play games online that came out in 2002 for XBL.

3-a. Dedicated servers will allow for more players, yes. And yes, XBL does have games w/more than 16 players; Black Hawk Down-54, CoD3-24, SW:Battlefront-32 to name some. Point is; it's possible-BUT STILL-up to the devs! And we all know that not much strategy can be had from a game where either; most ppl play w/no mics, you have 20+kids yelling & screaming or there's just too many ppl talking at once to convey any strategy in the game.

4. LAG; Even if you play on a LAN-anybody knows that any connection-based game will have an inherent amt of lag in it. DUH! "PSN has no lag.." Gimmie a break!

[FCOLitsjustagame]

How can this article be about facts when it starts off with:

"Recent reports are listing the Xbox Live Gold account currently priced at $50, will increase 100%".

I didn't realize one guy (who everyone from both PS3 and 360 sides seems to hate) speculating actually constituted "recent reports". So what, does other people speculating on his speculation constitute it?

Hey some people here in cinci (not me) were speculating on the Bengals going to the super bowl. So I guess "Recent reports are listing that the Bengals will go to the super bowl". Cool!

[taylork37]

Who Dey!

[FACTUAL evidence]

Do you know what dedicated servers are? Dedicated always searches for a new game host, it never boots you out a game completely, unlike p2p; if the host leaves the game is done for good.

[Dzpool]

That is Host Migration not Dedicated servers.

[cheapndirty]

Ummm, sorry to say but that is not 'factual eviddence'. Host migration has to be coded in as part of the game.. It has nothing to do with dedicated or p2p. Dont take my word for for it. Google it.

In fact Age of Booty dev talked about wanting to add host migration to their game if they had more time and money. And that game is on PSN.

[skatezero246]

psn plz i can use that extra money that people spend on live for more AAA games

[CryWolf]

Xbox Live have nothing to do for Free, PSN is Free and their is always something to do like PS Home/Playstation store or browse's the web with PS3 web browser/Folding@Home to help fight cancer, so whats the point paying $50 bucks a year for xbox live.

[corneliuscrust]

Like Pachter? Who is notorious for being 100% correct?

Let me get this straight, MS SLASHES prices TWICE to compete with Ps3 and the release of the Slim, and then they're going to increase the price of their main draw?

This has obviously been well thought out.

[keysy420]

recently i bought a psp go 250 batman 60 demonsouls 60 uncharted 60 borderlands 60 thats 490 bucks i guess if i owned a 360 i could afford to pay 100 dollars a year for my system. i would have spent 60 on halo 60 on borderland and batman thats 180 with 100 for live 280.damn id rather spend 500 and get a system and 4 games than get a 360 live and 3 games for almost 300

[ZBlacktt]

Plus, at the rate the Xbox fails. You be left with nothing to do until the refurbed console comes back from service.

now with your PSP GO, you can link up with your PS3 and play GT5 with all the cars.

[twintipskis34]

6 -
"all the xbox players are biting there nails saying dont raise xbox live price please god booo hooo

i hope they do really lol see
psn will always win cause its freeeeeeeeeee"

hahahahhaha, you are hilarious! "psn will always win cause its freeee??" hahahaha hell no, it was always SUCK because its free. PSN doesn't even compare to xbox live and what it offers. Netflix to the ps3?? hahaha not yet.... boo hoo :(

[ZBlacktt]

Sony offers a free service for all it's console owners. Meanwhile MS sticks you to pay to play and then puts out a piss poor quality console. Then to top it off, they say you want Wi-Fi? Pay and extra $100. Dear lord, what fool would put up with this service? DVD lost the format war as well. Where is this console going?

[miggza]

of this PSN vs XBL?
If you have a 360, you're gonna love and use XBL cuz that's what you have.
If you have a ps3, you're gonna love and use the PSN cuz that's what you have.

you can't use XBL on a ps3 and you can't use the PSN on the 360.
the only time we could have these arguments if the PSN and XBL is available to both consoles and its users will have to pick on which one they would go for.

there's pretty much no point in having these arguments of which is the better service.

that's my opinion on this matter.

please don't go and type a stupid reply. there are no wrong or right opinions.

[taylork37]

I think people who own both consoles can have this argument. In my case..I do own both.

With that said, the only reason I still play my 360 is the few exclusives and XBL. After having both PSN and XBL for plenty of time now, I can easily say I am not upset that I pay $4.17 a month for a far superior service in XBL.

Today, games like Halo 3, COD4 & 5 have really taken advantage of what XBL live has to offer. Especially Halo 3, with the ability to share replays, maps, and gametypes through the console, which can also be managed over the computer.

You guys are going to hate me for appreciating these points, but you can't do this with the current PSN.

You can also tell this author is just dying to rip on the 360 whether he is right or wrong, just like the rest of you.

[spinbot_lv1]

XBL because you need to pay to play.

[W-k]

blah blah blah Psn or live blah blah blah blah..seriously aren't we done with these articles ? who really cares anymore just use what you have and be happy. if you want to pay for your internet twice use live ,if you want to play video games online for free use psn. *why do they want to up the price on live?do they need to start charging people for face book?. for all the money you give them you could of had a game or 3 by now but i guess if mommy's paying your membership fee its kinda free anyway.

[EVILDEAD360]

I recently bought a Slim and I couldnt wait to see if PSN made the XBOX live price tag obsolete.

The results? Coming to PSN after years of Xbox Live is like going back to the online console version of gthe Stone ages. It's not even close. When they say you get what you pay for, they really meant it when talking about PSN.

If you've only been using PSN and have never used Xbox Live, please just sit down and join another discussion. My time with PSN has provided even more incentive for me to pay the $50 dollars until they never offer the service again.

The fact is frim the time you log on till the time you turn your system off, you are so completely connected with your friends at all times. The presentation is light years ahead of PSN. The Netflix straming is f-ing pricelessalone. But Live arcade, achievements, etc, just build upon whar even the worst critic of the system knows..Live is numero uno.

Microsoft generates upward of a BILLION doolars a year with Live. Even with all the haters complaing about the price, people are not just going to give up one of the best reasons to own the box.

Besides we all know Mr. Pacht was on crack if he believes the service will go up to $100 dollars.

Evil

[artsaber]

So many people are missing the point that XBL COULD be free due to ad sells, etc. Since the 360 camp is content with paying, and begging for an increase in the service fee.... hell charge them $150, but if they act now and buy at least two years in advance, offer them a DISCOUNT for only $100 for those 2 years. Xboxers will pay for anything. Let me break into your house and sell you your own sofa to sit own.

I think most of these people are still on mom's tit, if your parents are paying for Live, OF COURSE you don't care if it is $50 or $100... most of you guys don't know the value behind $50 since you never buy anything from under your parents.

Get a job.

[EVILDEAD360]

LMAO @ pretending Xbox owners live with their mom because they pay $50 dollars for Xbox Live. Pure silliness. Internet F-boys say the darndest things. You guys are so desperate to smear the 360 that you'll say just about anything.

Too bad these guys are spitting into the wind. The install base and live membership keeps growing as well as the recurring customers. Microsoft isnt dumb. As much as the F-boys are wetting themselves in belief that Pachter is telling the truth, it simply won't happen.

There would be a mass exodus of subscriber and Microsoft would not risk harming what is truly one of it's biggest strengths and cash cow. The only people truly stompimg up and down about the price, don't even own the system.

How much sense does that make?

[taylork37]

So one very inaccurate author says that an increase might happen in the future and you, being the ps3 droid, assume that it is not just a rumor, and that "the 360 camp is begging for it".

How does this make sense to you? You are an idiot. Its that simple.

You also look like and idiot when you stereotype every 360 owner as "still on the tit," and "not knowing the value of $50." If you really knew the value of $50 dollars, you wouldn't even own a video game or any console at all, because you certainly don't get the most out of money by buying $300+ consoles and multiple video games per year. So assuming that you do own a $300+ console, and that you do own multiple $60 video games... who are you to tell us what is worth 5/6th of the cost of one video game PER YEAR.

There is a reason I pay for gas and insurance for my car every month instead of riding a bike for free.

XBL > PSN. Get over it.