Online

Buying Games & Content Online With PlayStation Network

Though you can browse the Internet with the PS3's browser, you'll want to get set up with PlayStation Network to get the most out of your PS3 online experience. PSN represents the meat of the PS3's online options, and in order to download games or videos, or to play games online, you need to sign up here for an account, which will require a credit card. Once you're squared away with your PSN account, you can grab downloadable games--start with our suggested PS3 games list. You can download a variety of TV shows and movies from the PlayStation Store, as well. In addition, you'll need to get online to grab downloadable content (DLC) for the games you already own--many game companies now support their games after launching them with additional DLC that can take the form of new playable characters, new levels to play through, new character costumes, and more. Finally, by signing up for PSN, you'll be set up to play games online.

Online Multiplayer

With a PlayStation Network account and an active Internet connection, you'll be set to play PlayStation 3 games online each time you log into PSN. The PS3 has a good variety of different online multiplayer games, though it absolutely excels in heavy-duty shooter games such as Killzone 2 and Resistance 2.

Netflix

While you can download a variety of movies and TV shows from the PlayStation Store, the PS3 also supports Netflix movie streaming. Until recently, a proprietary disc from Netflix was required to stream movies. Now all you need to do is setup your account and watch to your heart's content.

The PS3 also has many other ways to stream media. You can read more about them in our Streaming Video on the Console story.

PlayStation Home

PlayStation Home is an unusual social networking interface that lets you create an avatar, a virtual representation of yourself, and explore a 3D world populated by other people's avatars. Each avatar can be customized with different clothing, and can own a "HomeSpace" (your avatar's virtual apartment). While Home is free to use, clothing for your avatar and furniture for your HomeSpace must be purchased online. Home also has various other areas, or "spaces," to explore, including public spaces where you can play minigames such as bowling, or go shopping for virtual items.