There is a big reason why casual gamers, those of us who play once a week or so, would prefer to play the Xbox rather than the PS3, and that’s PS3 firmwares and updates.
There are a couple compounding issues here, but they can all be lumped into the update/download scheme that Sony’s set up for the PS3.
First, you’ve got regular system updates that add minor features every few weeks, instead of the major system updates (at most) twice a year that Microsoft does. Even with the major updates, Microsoft manages to push them out so both the download and the update process is fast. Not so with the PS3, which leads to the second point Kuchera makes.
The other problem is the download speed. By Kuchera’s tests, you’re only getting 2.5Mbps, which is on the low-end of DSL speeds. These slow downloads, combined with the constant updates on the system level as well as the individual game level (which are fast on the Xbox 360), treat you to a 30 to 60 minute download-and-install wait every time you want to play a game.
But, ho! Sony has found a solution: PlayStation Plus. For $50 a year, you get these firmware updates and game patches pushed to you, instead of you having to sit through the wait every time you want to play a game.
A real fix would have to come in two parts: less frequent mandatory system updates that don’t add significantly new features, and much, much faster pipes to deliver updates through.
Source: Gizmodo.
There always seems to be a tinge of negativity when referring to the PS3 on this site as opposed to the Xbox.
I frequently use my PS3 as a media hub, DVD player and Blu-Ray player. I would say my “gaming” time is limited to several hours (3-5) a week, and I have never once had a complaint about the PS3 firmware updates.
They are usually quick to download (on my connection at least) and I am using the built-in wireless card. And quick to install, plus they usually add features, the last update added 3D support for TVs that are compatible.
What I hate is when my console, that I paid good money for fries and I have to send it back to the company and wait 3 weeks to get it back, when I asked Microsoft about the the time I would be without my console, they told me to buy a second one and cycle them out, Seriously? Are you for real? That is unacceptable.
There always seems to be a tinge of negativity when referring to the PS3 on this site as opposed to the Xbox.
I frequently use my PS3 as a media hub, DVD player and Blu-Ray player. I would say my “gaming” time is limited to several hours (3-5) a week, and I have never once had a complaint about the PS3 firmware updates.
They are usually quick to download (on my connection at least) and I am using the built-in wireless card. And quick to install, plus they usually add features, the last update added 3D support for TVs that are compatible.
What I hate is when my console, that I paid good money for fries and I have to send it back to the company and wait 3 weeks to get it back, when I asked Microsoft about the the time I would be without my console, they told me to buy a second one and cycle them out, Seriously? Are you for real? That is unacceptable.
I’m the most causal gamer. I go to a friend’s house every week to play Halo on Xbox. Even I know Xbox is easier to deal with on every level than Playstation 3.