Eurogamer has recently put together an excellent article explaining how the Playstation 3’s online platform works, what you can do with it, and what you can expect in the future.

In short, this is what you can expect:

  • PSP-like interface
  • Unique ID / Friend Lists / Messenger / Online Status of contacts / Messages / etc, etc
  • Web Browser - Online Store (you can use any USB keyboard or just the joypad)
  • @Online Store - Music / Videos / PS1 and PS2 games / Payed Upgrades or Patches
  • System capable of Firmware Updates (which will difficult the life of everyone trying to exploit the system)
  • There will be no subscription, the only time you have to spend money is when you’re buying a game upgrade, or a game, or etc.

Despite what the current trend is (to be against Sony), I think that this is a sign of good news for everyone alike. For the first time, all of the three major consoles were built with online communities in mind (sure, all of the current gen consoles had online functionalities at one point or another but not as well implemented as these ones).

Even though I have a small crush for the Wii, and it’s the console I’m most anxious to say, I have to admit that Sony’s online platform seems more attractive right now than the XBox Live service.