PS3 is largest 'TV-connected platform' for Netflix

The PlayStation 3 has taken the lead as the most-used console for streaming Netflix, occasionally even surpassing the PC for streaming the service.

9

Wii used to be the dominant Netflix-playing platform. But as that system sunsets, the PS3 has overtaken its competitors for the box most owners use to stream Netflix videos to their TVs. In fact, according to new stats revealed by Netflix, PS3 owners stream more often than PC at times throughout the year as well.

Netflix announced today that the PS3 is the "largest TV-connected platform" for Netflix viewing. The company notes that PlayStation 3 offers the service for free (unlike the Xbox 360, which requires a Gold account), and was the first to offer 1080p video resolution, both of which may have influenced users to make the switch. It's also the platform of choice for testing a new interface called "Max."

As of last year, Nielsen research showed Wii held most of the Netflix audience between consoles. At the time, the PlayStation 3 accounted for about 13% of the audience, and the Wii at 25%. The news that the PS3 overtakes the PC is even more impressive, since last year PCs accounted for roughly 42% of viewing. Nielsen may count its figures differently than the Netflix's own internal estimates, but this still would seem to indicate a large sea change in usage trends.

"The PlayStation and Netflix communities both share a strong passion for high quality entertainment," said SCEA CEO Jack Tretton, in the announcement. "Netflix provides a fantastic experience for watching TV shows and movies on PS3, and our joint development will continue to produce innovations for our customers that further demonstrate PS3 as the true home for entertainment in the living room."

Editor-In-Chief
Filed Under
From The Chatty
  • reply
    December 4, 2012 1:30 PM

    Steve Watts posted a new article, PS3 is largest 'TV-connected platform' for Netflix.

    The PlayStation 3 has taken the lead as the most-used console for streaming Netflix, occasionally even surpassing the PC for streaming the service.

    • reply
      December 4, 2012 1:42 PM

      [deleted]

    • reply
      December 4, 2012 1:46 PM

      I absolutely hate the interface ever since they switch from the "disk" UI... there first interface that shipped with the PS3 disk was perfect, easy to navigate and didn't lag so bad you had to pause every few seconds to load images. Ever since they switch Ive used the web to que movies and only loaded up the PS3 app when i absolutely had too. There adult interface only shows 4 movies per category at any time... its useless.

      On the other hand There kids interface is Amazing! full screen loading of all episodes and content...

      • reply
        December 4, 2012 9:55 PM

        I wish I could experience the ol' "disk" UI, because their current UI is shit. I actually prefer the UI that Netflix has on the 360 to the PS3.

      • reply
        December 5, 2012 12:18 AM

        THEIR, THEIR FFS

    • reply
      December 4, 2012 1:58 PM

      Makes sense. I own all three consoles but generally use the PS3.

      That said, Wii U's ability to watch on the tablet while at my desk or whatnot may change that.

      • reply
        December 5, 2012 8:51 AM

        You don't have an iPad or some other tablet with a bigger/better screen?

    • reply
      December 4, 2012 2:09 PM

      Heh, interesting. Good work Sony.

    • reply
      December 4, 2012 2:21 PM

      They need to get HBO Go on there already.

    • reply
      December 4, 2012 9:57 PM

      makes sense. Requiring Xbox Gold to use netflix always seemed silly when it was free to use on PS3

      • reply
        December 4, 2012 10:31 PM

        free on every platfrom but Xbox I think.

        • reply
          December 4, 2012 11:13 PM

          Yep this is the answer.

        • reply
          December 4, 2012 11:51 PM

          ...the reason Im going playstation next round
          I mean really.. xbox live is basically video game facebook with p2p matching. How in the hell is that worth $50 a year???

          • reply
            December 6, 2012 5:44 AM

            It's like an annual fee for credit cards, but on the internet. and I can't call in to dispute the charge.

      • reply
        December 8, 2012 8:16 AM

        Completely. I thought the idea of running netflix with the Kinect could actually be neat, then I realized you needed a Gold account for it. There's no reason for that at all.

    • reply
      December 4, 2012 10:23 PM

      Not surprising. The usage experience is very solid, you can get 1080p and Dolby Digital+, and the PS3 is pretty silent so it acts well as a media player. Personally I bought a cheap'ish media player that has HF support so I don't have to switch between devices when I switch from watching NF to downloaded media or the other way around, but other than that and the lack of a proper remote, PS3 is perfect for Netflix.

    • reply
      December 5, 2012 12:10 AM

      the best and most popular blu ray player has the most netflix usage? OMG NO WAY NEVER SAW THAT COMING

Hello, Meet Lola