PlayStation fans continue to tout the importance of the PS3's Blu-ray drive, but the reality is that it is far more of a luxury than a necessity. With the industry headed toward a completely digital future, the need for disc based media of any kind is fading fast. So I ask you, what is so important about a Blu-ray drive?
Perhaps one of the most compelling reasons to have a Blu-ray player is the ability to play Blu-ray movies. However, with the surging popularity of Netflix and Hulu, watching high definition movies off of a disc is beginning to sound a bit antiquated. Let's also not forget that PlayStation Network and Xbox Live provide users with the ability to download and stream high definition content directly to their console. Not only can consumers rent the content, but they also have the option to purchase it straight from the comfort of their own home.
In addition, iTunes and other such digital media retailers provide even more options to get high definition content without a disc. Sure, having your favorite films on Blu-ray is nice, but with all of the other ways to get HD content, having such a drive is hardly necessary.
The other major benefit to having a Blu-ray drive lies in the fact that most - if not all - games can fit on a single disc. While some Xbox 360 games span two or even three discs, the PS3 versions of the same games come on a single disc. In the end though, is swapping discs really that much of a chore? Let's face it, multiple discs is really a non-issue. Those who make it out to be a big deal are either kidding themselves or making weak attempts at justifying the viability of Blu-ray.
With the industry heading toward cloud-based gaming there will really be no need for Blu-ray, and judging by the current state of things, the Xbox 360 is doing just fine without it. So I ask you this, why would Microsoft even bother?
