On November 19th, Xbox 360 gamers logged into Xbox Live to update the dashboard of that had worked so well for years to the “New Xbox Experience.” With the promise of additions that many had clamored for, as well as a fresh coat of paint, the update brought many smiles to faces, as well as frowns. While some welcomed the change and embraced it, others looked upon it with much disdain. Meanwhile, PlayStation 3 fans turned up their noses at the thought of the Xbox 360 “going the way of the Wii.” However, the rivalry between users of both consoles’ networks has heated up considerably. It’s been an ongoing battle ever since the inception of both systems. With the new look and feel of Xbox Live, how does it compare to the PlayStation Network? Has the price tag been justified, once and for all?
Let’s look at what’s changed. The NXE brought many improvements to the table. Doing away with the traditional blade system in favor of a more streamlined, rounded, and warmer menu, it introduced different aspects that gamers were surprised to find. Gamers are now offered Netflix streaming service straight to their console. Of course, films belonging to Sony are not viewable on the console (gee, I wonder why). Netflix is possibly one of the biggest draws for new Xbox Live users, as the new party system allows up to 8 players to join up and watch a movie together at the same time. In the same fashion, those same 8 gamers can party chat together, join games at the same time, or even watch picture slideshows. PSN does not currently support Netflix or chat groups where video can be streamed simultaneously. It should be of note, however, that you are not receiving Netflix movies for free. You are paying twice, for your Live account and for Netflix, but if you’re a Netflix customer already, this is a logical extension of your service. PSN owners are not paying for their online services, but videos do cost money, of course.
The Netflix queue as seen on the new Xbox Live dashboard.
The PlayStation Network does offer video purchases and voice chat, but neither up to the caliber that Xbox Live has introduced. So while it’s true that you can chat and watch videos via PSN, you cannot do exactly what Microsoft is offering now. For more casual gamers who want to socialize, watch movies, share pictures, and meet new people, this is an enormous draw. If they’ll buy horrible Wii shovelware because they believe it looks “fun”, you’d better believe putting down $50 on Xbox Live for a year is something they wouldn’t even think twice about. Aside from the party feature, Xbox Live is introducing Primetime in the near future. This will allow gamers to compete on live games such as 1 vs 100 with a live host who will assign prizes as the game progresses. As of right now, PSN does not have any similar features, though it would be a logical move to follow in Microsoft’s footsteps.
Quite possibly the most notable addition is the introduction of avatars, much like the Miis Nintendo implemented with the Wii. However, rather than being mere cartoony personalities, they have been launched with a multitude of options. You can customize their clothing, hairstyle, facial features, skin tone, height, weight, and accessories. Rather than stubby-armed, diminutive likenesses, the avatars look considerably more human. With the promise of more clothing packages to come, the chances of looking exactly like friends’ avatars will go down considerably.
Many gamers saw this as a cheap ripoff of Miis and a nod to PSN’s upcoming Home. However, the avatars are not actually used for anything other than giving your gamertag more personality. The avatars can be used as gamerpics, or you can continue to use those that you have purchased. They will be featured in Xbox Live Arcade titles (such as A Kingdom for Keflings) and upcoming titles that encourage multiplayer games. Other than that, if you don’t feel the need to create an avatar to your liking, then you can get away with choosing a premade option or tossing one together and forgetting it. Now, in many ways, a simple avatar cannot compare to what Home will offer.
Since Home will incorporate a user space for which players can decorate with different items as well as create avatars, Home definitely has Xbox Live’s avatar system beaten. It will really come down to personal preference in that respect, seeing as some gamers do not find avatars appealing and will not use the features on either console. It does beg the question, though, why Microsoft did not have the foresight to include an apartment-based system in which to house achievements or items like Home will allow users to decorate. PSN is free and is able to offer such, yet Microsoft has chosen not to. However, as Home is still in beta, it remains to be seen how well it actually works.
A view of the new dashboard along with some avatars.
With the NXE, Xbox Live has evolved more and more into a gaming community. It’s no longer just about popping a disc in the tray and getting your game on. Gamers are encouraged to network, hang out with friends, and enjoy things together. The PlayStation Network, in all honesty, has always been more about the game. Though it is free and it does offer a fantastic gaming experience, if you’re online at all to spend time with friends, Xbox Live is well worth its price tag. When you consider you’re plunking down $50-$60 for new game releases, a year of its service is really a drop in the bucket.
It really all does come down to personal preference. If you’re into online for socializing, sharing, meeting new people, as well as gaming, then Xbox Live is currently the premiere hangout. If you want to game online without all the frills or the price tag, PSN has got you covered. Either service works well at what they set out to do, but it all ends up being about what you, the consumer, are looking for. In that you can never truly come out and proclaim that one network is “better” than the other. However, it can be said that Xbox Live has justified its price point considerably, and there’s more to come. I’m excited to see what the future brings.
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