The word from Next Generation today is that Sony is eyeing a September 2006 for their PlayStation 3 console and, as if that weren't enough, that the company is planning its own answer to Microsoft's Xbox Live called PlayStation HUB.  Customers would be able to play games, buy downloadable/streaming music & movies, and do all kinds of other nifty (albeit costly) kinds of things.  The battle for the living room (and your credit card) is on!

PlayStation HUB is being described to developers as a 'subscriber service' suggesting a monthly charge. We understand the service is being created by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, although this is unconfirmed.  Sony boss Howard Stringer is pushing for all media content to be available for distribution over PlayStation HUB, such as music and movies, thus opening up a powerful iTunes-like distribution network for Sony.

As usual, I'm not jumping for joy.  All of these "all in one" wunderconsoles just come off as a transparent attempt for an ongoing cash grab by the companies that create them.  One of the things I've always loved about game consoles is that I can buy a console and buy a game and then I don't have to pay anymore.  It's a one time charge for entertainment.  I can go back to my old Nintendo Entertainment System and play Maniac Mansion right now and it won't cost me a dime (not counting electricity charges).  I worry that the future is all about having to pay another monthly fee for access to games and the like.  I want to pay once and keep things forever, not license them on an ongoing basis where if I stop paying the fee I lose access to the material I've been paying for all that time.  I realize that kind of thinking may be on the way out, but I'll cling to the idea for as long as I can.