Netflix on the Xbox 360 video-game and entertainment system will still be more expensive than the free PS3 one

Oct 28, 2009 16:01 GMT  ·  By

Now with Netflix coming to the PlayStation 3, it seems like Microsoft is about to lose yet another exclusivity. So, the normal course of action would be to think of a way to sweeten the deal for the Xbox Live Gold membership that offers the service on its console. And maybe it is, who's to tell no. Well, Microsoft representatives, who say that they have no intention of doing that, are the ones that say no. Well, yes, that settles the matter and it's not really that big of a surprise. Microsoft isn't known for its flexibility or for lending an ear to the voice of the people.

Unlike the Xbox 360, the PS3, as a platform, offers Netflix for free, the fee itself asked by Netflix itself is, of course, present. Still, Microsoft doesn't see the difference in the two offers, and things actually seem like its garden is rosier to the company. “The Netflix experience on Xbox Live is unique and reflects our commitment for social entertainment. We believe we offer an experience today that is a generation ahead of what others are offering,” a Microsoft spokesperson said.

He further added that, “For a little over $4 a month Xbox LIVE Gold membership is hands-down the best value in home entertainment, and gives you exclusive access multi-player gaming and early demos as well as Facebook, Twitter, Netflix, Last.fm, 1 vs 100 and more.” Which is completely true. But the problem is that the competition offers the same service as Microsoft does, but it doesn't charge for it. It seems that it is trying to change the subject and divert our attention, but years of experience in dealing with Microsoft's statements have given us sharp senses to detect its foul play.

The fact that the Xbox 360 has a better implemented and more versatile Netflix available isn't the problem here. It does. Netflix is implemented as a dedicated application and doesn't require the additional disc and the XBL does offer a lot of extra features that are worth their price. It's just that they don't really seem to be part of the discussion of Netflix coming to the PlayStation 3.