PlayStation 3 Memories

So the PlayStation 4 has been announced . . . big surprise. We now have a release window, some rumored price points, and an initial list of launch window games to look forward to. The future of gaming is upon us and we're all so excited, but let's not get ahead of ourselves. If Sony's history has anything to say about it we'll still see plenty of love and support for the PS3 in the coming years - thankfully. Still, it warms the heart to contemplate what the future holds for fans of PlayStation.

While we wait for the inevitable start to the next generation of consoles I though it might be fun to recall the ups & downs and often tumultuous experiences throughout the lifecycle of the PlayStation 3. It's likely I have more fond memories than bad but I thought I'd share some of my own with you in the hopes that you'd do the same. 

• First Party Franchises: To me the definition of the PS3 has been with a proud list of games. From inFAMOUS and Killzone, Motorstorm and Metal Gear Solid, Resistance and Uncharted, the PlayStation 3 was ripe with incredible gaming experiences, both individually and across lengthy franchises.
• Blu-ray: The smart (some might say lucky) decision to go with Blu-ray over it's failed counterpart was great for both the game aficionado and movie enthusiast. It also eliminated the need for multiple gaming discs to swap between (ala Mass Effect on the 360) by increasing the high amount of available storage.
• PlayStation Plus: Perhaps Sony's (better) answer to Microsoft's Xbox Gold Membership, PS+ continues to evolve and provide hundreds of dollars worth of content across both of Sony's gaming platforms - PS3 and Vita. How can you go wrong with a service that literally pays for its yearly expense in the first few months.
• Sony Security: The cyber-hack that literally shut down it's online service for what felt like an eternity was a lesson hard learned for Sony. Here's to hoping that the future of PlayStation is a bit more secure.
• Managing Online Play: When compared to the intuitive functionality of the Xbox 360, attempting to navigate online play across a variety of PlayStation 3 games it quickly becomes apparent that the PlayStation is in need of an overhaul.

Those are just a handful of my personal memories of the PlayStation 3. Like I said, more good than bad. I could have easily listed a dozen more but would much rather hear from the community at A Band of Gamers. What are your fondest memories or most infuriating distractions since the PS3 released all those years ago?

Comments

[stryfe84]

My only real issue with the PS3 has been the store updates each week. The 'heads up' weekly updates come too late and the actual store updating is way too late in the day. A low point from recent memory would be paying above the odds for the digital version of Borderlands 2, only for it to unlock in the afternoon on release day. Would have had access sooner if id gone to the shop, and saved a few quid!

I've been very happy with the PS3 though. I lent my 360 to my cousin years ago and just never got round too wanting it back, Cole McGraph, Nathan Drake and the rest where all the company I needed.