Netflix officially PS3-bound

[UPDATE2] Movie-rental service to begin offering video streaming to all of its subscribers who own a Sony console in November; requires Blu-ray disc to access at first, firmware update coming next year; Microsoft unfazed.

It's official: Netflix is coming to the PlayStation 3. The Los Gatos, CA-based movie-rental company announced this morning that it was bringing its video streaming service to its subscribers who own Sony's console next month. The installed base of the PS3 is 9 million units in the US, with 11.1 million Americans subscribing to Netflix's mail-based DVD-rental service.

Coming soon to a PS3 near you.

Today's announcement comes nearly a year after Netflix began offering video streaming via the Xbox 360. Under that arrangement, only subscribers of the premium-level Xbox Live Gold can use Netflix on their consoles. However, any PS3 owner who is a Netflix subscriber will be able to use the video-rental service at no additional cost.

While free, Netflix on the PS3 will require some setting up. Starting next month, the company will begin mailing out a free Blu-ray disc, which will use the console's BD-Live technology to connect to video-streaming servers. Once inserted, the disc will let players access and edit their Netflix cues, a functionality not currently available on the 360--but which will be added in next month's Xbox Live dashboard update. The disc can be reserved by visiting www.netflix.com/ps3.

[UPDATE] Speaking with GameSpot, Netflix vice president of corporate communications Steve Swasey confirmed that a firmware update to add Netflix directly to the PS3 XrossMediaBar (XMB) is coming next year. He also said the service will offer the same HD options as streaming on the 360 and PC, but that the 360 viewing parties are a Microsoft initiative, and it would be up to Sony to create an equivalent.

The PS3-Netflix deal was made public after months of both Microsoft and Netflix touting their deal as exclusive. However, it is not a surprise, as the latter company indicated in April that it was looking at console streaming on a 'variety of platforms' and hired a console chief with connections to both the PS3 and the Wii. Then, last month, CEO Reed Hastings told Reuters that "eventually we want to be on all the game consoles, all the Blu-ray players, all the Internet TVs."

[UPDATE 2] For its part, Microsoft seems unfazed by the PS3-Netflix deal. The company confirmed to GameSpot that a Xbox Live Gold membership will continue to be required to use Netflix on the 360. It also issued the following statement:

"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. 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 multiplayer gaming and early demos as well as Facebook, Twitter, Netflix, Last.fm, 1 vs 100 and more."

352 Comments

  • dresdek

    Posted Oct 31, 2009 5:17 am PT

    library not great for netflix streaming, I don't see how sony will afford giving it out for free once library expands (a great deal) and includes new releases. It's cool they're getting the process started though.

  • SopranosFan

    Posted Oct 28, 2009 4:20 pm PT

    I'm glad to hear this especially in connection with the rumor that microsoft may be raising gold membership prices. This is one of the things that I was going to miss with my gold subscription if I had to cancel because of the price increase.

  • bluehatman

    Posted Oct 28, 2009 3:53 pm PT

    It's irritating how many people complain. Who cares what console its on? I don't understand why people have to bash each other over consoles, its ridiculous.

  • Cabal23

    Posted Oct 28, 2009 11:38 am PT

    @XanderZane

    Move to a country that isn't in the business of capitalism. FREE movies? Are you a troll or just a goof? You don't pay for movies you dolt, you pay a monthly fee ranging from $9-20. So for $9.99 a month you can watch all the movies that Netflix has added to its instant to watch catalog as often as you want and recieve between 1- 4 movies at a time on top of streaming movies. The only person who would complain about that is someone without an income. As of this month Netflix broke 10 million users. Not bad considering none of your friends use Netflix.

  • Beetroot502

    Posted Oct 28, 2009 8:37 am PT

    multiplayer gaming and early demos as well as Facebook, Twitter, Netflix, Last.fm

    all things you can get elsewhere without paying $4 a month for gold.

  • Harmlesstoo

    Posted Oct 28, 2009 4:27 am PT

    "The Netflix experience on Xbox Live is unique and reflects our commitment to stealing all your money."

    Still, what I don't get is, that a Live Gold membership costs (little more than) 4$ in the US, but here in Denmark it costs more like 12$/month.

    I cancelled my live gold membership a long time ago, and I'm not coming back, until bigSoft is turning around.

  • Glade_Gnarr

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 10:17 pm PT

    I'm really tired of Xbox live, I only use it to play mp anyways, although you can get a free month by just making a new e mail you have to make new accounts every time.

  • sonicmask

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 9:38 pm PT

    JUST ANOTHER REASON NOT TO BUY A 360!

  • dominatorishere

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 6:49 pm PT

    When wil lthis be available in Canada?

  • twashington9737

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 6:36 pm PT

    @ HerbalVideogame - Yup...and +1

  • HerbalVideogame

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 5:21 pm PT

    It's kind of interesting that they are doing this seeing as how you can rent movies already on the PSN without a subscription...

  • Flint247

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 3:43 pm PT

    To the people bashing the PS3 or 360 over this news, answer this:

    Who honestly is going to watch movies/shows on Netflix more than playing actual games?

  • XanderZane

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 3:38 pm PT

    Well, it's not FREE on the PS3 either. You still have to pay for the Netflix subscription. I'm not sure why you need to have a Gold membership to have it. You can easily just set it up on your PC and get it as well. Whatever the case, you still have to pay for the subscription and then the movies as well. I don't know anyone who even uses NetFlix. Once I found out you had to pay fees and costs for the flicks, I never even signed up. I want FREE movies. It's not free on XBox 360 and it's not FREE on PS3. I'll just watch them on my PC, for FREE.

  • AngelCage-2

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 3:08 pm PT

    Even when i think that the whole netflix thingy on Consoles are pure crap, i have to say this:

    Microsoft definition of the word "Exclusive": "You can only get this with us... for a couple of months, that is, BUT WHAT WE OFFER IS BETTER!!!!"

  • Bahaa3000

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 3:00 pm PT

    Damn it Microsoft , i'm paying 50$ for something that is free in other consoles , at least try to keep your exclusivity with 3rd party applications ! So freakin unfair ..........

  • beekayjay

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 2:00 pm PT

    @XXMadManVII
    Agreed. @i7Crisisx
    If you spent the time to actually read his post, and the fanboy posts scattered all over this board, you'd realize he was RESPONDING to the usual fanboy nonsense, not trying to spark it. Nice try though.

  • Joshua250

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 1:29 pm PT

    I actually never really noticed the Netflix feature on my Xbox. I know it's there, but I've never been inclined to ever use it or check out how it works. Anyway, it's cool that Playstation, as well as everything else, is receiving it in the future.

  • Amz1217

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 11:18 am PT

    @XXMadManVII

    Couldn't have said it any better myself...........

  • i7Crisisx

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 10:43 am PT

    @ XXMadManVII Except...this isnt an argument over consoles. It's not an argument at all. Nice try though.

  • XXMadManVII

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 10:38 am PT

    Two guys stand in the middle of a room, one screams: "PS3 IS BETTER!!" while the other answers: "NA-UH!! 360 IS BETTER!!" It goes on like this for awhile. Then the two start to regurgitate pointless factoids aquired on the internet to prove why there chosen system is superior until the shouts reach a octive only heard by dogs. As all civility vanishes, the situation deterrorates into a full blown b!tch fight complete with hair pulling. The rest of us, gamers who aren't irrationally prejudice, just laugh, shake our heads and walk away...

  • i7Crisisx

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 9:24 am PT

    @ im-a-roustabout My n00b comment stands. You made a comment defending Sony, I did not call you a fanboy. I made a comment against your comment, providing a reason as to why Microsoft was last to be in the gaming market, and I am a fanboy? I don't think so. I just hate when people that make ignorant comments and think they are correct. I am not a fanboy. I support all three companies. But if you are going to protect one and say something negative about another, I think facts deserve to be presented. K? Thanks? o ahead, post again, make some more pointless insults. Prove my point even further. Dooooooo Itttttttt.

  • Linkari

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 8:28 am PT

    Forget Netflix, I just want to play GAMES on my VIDEO GAME CONSOLE!

  • eltel78

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 7:05 am PT

    Will this be available to PS3 users in the UK?

  • kavadias1981

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 5:57 am PT

    Any new service which enables me to get even more from my PS3 pleases me greatly. I haven't looked at the posts below mine yet but I am willing to bet that it is full of fanboy gloating and anger, depending on whose camp they are aligned with.

  • P0T

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 5:50 am PT

    Whatever.... I don't care about Netflix on my ps3 or 360. Nice for those that do pay for Netflix every month though.

    Willistron, that is not exclusive to 360 fanboys. The ps3 fanboys do the same thing as well, just look at all the comments here. Almost everyone is bashing the 360. And these same people said Netflix sucks 2 months ago are now sucking the big Netflix penis Freaking hypocrites...good thing I own both systems and don't have to spend all day fanboy'ing it up on Gamespot.

  • MSG-Deathscythe

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 3:15 am PT

    "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. 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 multiplayer gaming and early demos as well as Facebook, Twitter, Netflix, Last.fm, 1 vs 100 and more." in other words, we want your money you ignorant xbots. so what if you get all this and more on the ps3 for free. btw, don't forget to get windows 7 too. so what if you just paid for that crap vista. yeah it's still a vista, but it looks different.

  • thenephariouson

    Posted Oct 27, 2009 1:06 am PT

    When the 'Next Gen' arrives, im going to select my next platform veeery carefully, as the more 'Subscriptions' that keep crawling out of the woodwork are beginning to leave a bad taste in my mouth.

  • fauljosh

    Posted Oct 26, 2009 10:44 pm PT

    I've been a Live subscriber since the original Xbox but I'm really starting to think that it's not worth the money any more. It is a better service than PS3 but Sony is catching up fast. Microsoft really needs to offer me something great to get me to keep paying.

  • FallenOneX

    Posted Oct 26, 2009 10:43 pm PT

    Nice MS statement, except 1 vs 100 is in the "off season", and you only pay $4 a month if you pay for a year. They're going to have to cut their prices next gen or suffer when Nintendo gets on the ball and Sony keeps improving. but for now, my credit card is a slave to them

  • wiidsduelpack

    Posted Oct 26, 2009 10:04 pm PT

    Maybe in the future Xbox Live will be free like in the ps3 and finally competition is what makes everything cheaper. The biggest example is Nintendo. They had no competition and it has been the most expensive console for about 2 years. Competition makes everything cheaper and better for consumers.

  • Bytor60150

    Posted Oct 26, 2009 10:02 pm PT

    @vectorman88
    I find it hard to believe that the majority of Gold subscribers signed up JUST so they could stream Netflix through their systems. It's a nice feature, but not the only reason to sign up for Live.
    I for one don't even use it, I just play games. It is nice to see the service branch out to other devices though. Competition is always a good thing.

  • HAAS599

    Posted Oct 26, 2009 9:57 pm PT

    1 vs. 100?? How bout after two years, $100.00 vs. nothing for online gaming, demos, AND netflix. PS3 for the win. Also PS3 has Pandora radio, enough about lastfm already.

  • stziggy

    Posted Oct 26, 2009 9:56 pm PT

    I'm off the fence. I want a PS3. Free Netflix streaming on PSN, that's a deal.

    I hate the idea that I have to pay Microsoft $50 a year for the right to view my Netflix movie subscription. One subscription fee should be enough.

  • shani_boy101

    Posted Oct 26, 2009 9:55 pm PT

    sounds cool but even if it does come to Australia i'd never use it. i don't get why 360 fanboys hype that feature up so much.

  • acsam12304

    Posted Oct 26, 2009 9:38 pm PT

    "Xbox Live Gold membership is hands-down the best value in home entertainment, and gives you exclusive access multiplayer gaming and early demos as well as Facebook, Twitter, Netflix, Last.fm, 1 vs 100 and more." umm same thing that the PS3 can do for free right?

  • monson21502

    Posted Oct 26, 2009 9:02 pm PT

    beware, just play games on your systems. both 360 and ps3 overheat and die on you. i play games alot at night. and the rest of my family loves to watch movies. both of my systems died. just a friendly warning....

  • Grim_Reaper007

    Posted Oct 26, 2009 8:55 pm PT

    Microsoft is funny with their "for just a little over $4 a month" thing, i'm paying for my internet access at home, and they want me to pay more so i can get everything i already get on my pc? if PS3 isn't offering any extra payment then it seems fair, why pay more for what I already have access too?

  • kytomasi

    Posted Oct 26, 2009 8:47 pm PT

    1 vs 100 is ass. lol you will never get picked unless you spend hours in the extended play. its ok to play with family but thats all. PS3's connection is better then xbox also. Havent had lag in any PS3 online game at all, and Demon's soul's online experience is amazing and epic and lag free even in the PVP and Co-op. I lagged in GoW2, Halo CoD4 L4D all on xbox. with a 25mbs upload and 10mbs download so ya... lol not a fanboy i brought another xbox 360 and i have more xbox games then PS3 soo ya.

  • synthetiksin

    Posted Oct 26, 2009 8:46 pm PT

    There's last.fm on the 360? Why pay for it when it's free for the computer?

    And netflix would be awesome

  • OF-5

    Posted Oct 26, 2009 8:19 pm PT

    I have been enjoying this service on my Xbox for a while now. Its pretty damn cool

  • BigBacon87

    Posted Oct 26, 2009 8:07 pm PT

    For under $5 a month you get exclusive access to Last.fm and 1 vs 100 is what he meant to say. It might not be alot of money, but theres no need for it to be any amount at all is the point. Thats an extra dl game every other month on my PS3 for all Im concerned. Enjoy Last.fm while I remain uninterested in it.

  • FoxMcCloudDS

    Posted Oct 26, 2009 8:00 pm PT

    I hate how microsoft is going to require something like gold that every xbox should be able to do if every ps3 should. Microsofts online isn't NEXT GEN. It's just that PS3 is FREE, or they would have a small updated version of PSN that would be equal to XBL if Sony started charging. I'll take PSN.

  • -theMisfits-

    Posted Oct 26, 2009 7:41 pm PT

    at baystatethrashr

    i meant you don't need to pay for a psn account to use it, you still have to pay for netflix.
    on xbox, you need gold & netflix

  • dybbuk

    Posted Oct 26, 2009 7:33 pm PT

    @ baystatethrashr

    hahaha that was funny. good one. I second your statement. It is true, netflix is definitely not free.

  • Flint247

    Posted Oct 26, 2009 7:22 pm PT

    It's a good thing I made up my mind to try and get both the PS3 and 360 than to join these fanboy wars over which system is better.

  • cjasko94

    Posted Oct 26, 2009 7:15 pm PT

    Ha I get my movies for free USING the Web browser....but I gues this is great for the fanboys. LOL

  • vectorman88

    Posted Oct 26, 2009 7:13 pm PT

    @ monson 21502

    I literally had the same thing happen to me three weeks ago. There is hope. www.videogame911.com THese guys are professionals. THey preserve ur hard drive while they tackle the problem. Ur i constant contact with ur technician and they send u back the system for free. Have a 90 day warranty. Theyre based out of Denville, NJ. My repair was $160 but they saved the hard drive. it was better then paying the same price then getting a refurbed form SONY. Check them out.

    Anyway, MS is just staving off the press. Theyre going apesh** in their offices. They know that this move by SONY deals a decisive blow to its XBL features. That was a main reason for people to subscribe to their service. Why pay almost $50 just to get the feature? And with the subscription thats an extra $36 a year. SONY's Netflix wont be entirely free but with the fact that having an account is free, the cost is greatly reduced. And a lot of people are enow willing to deactivate their LIVE accounts. Ive checked several sites and many bloggers are saying they will switch over.

  • LordRaymond

    Posted Oct 26, 2009 7:01 pm PT

    Now both consoles get Netflix. yay?

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