Amazon Instant Video, Amazon’s version of Netflix, is now available to stream on the PS3. Previously, the video on-demand service was only available on select connected TVs, and select set-top boxes and Blu-ray players.
A new Amazon Instant Video app is now prominently displayed on the PlayStation 3’s XrossMediaBar or XMB. As the streaming service is currently only available in the United States, it will only appear for those living in that country.
This announcement is a small triumph for Sony as their console is the first to offer Amazon’s video service – importantly, a small victory over Microsoft’s Xbox 360 who have yet to be officially integrated. It’s also great news for Amazon as their service is now infinitely more accessible.
Amazon Prime members can access a large portion of the video catalog at no additional charge, as they already pay $79 for a broad range of Amazon services. Non-Prime members can rent or buy (stream or download) from a catalogue of 120,000 movies and TV shows, starting at $2.99 each.