So the PS3 is finally going to get Netflix streaming, but it’s like the backwoods, broke down version, and that’s not going to change any time soon. For PS3 owners to stream videos they’ll need a special disc in the drive, a handicap that won’t be lifted until late next year.

I have no idea why that will take a year of development. Netflix’s Steve Swasey explained the problem to G4, saying, “Late next year we expect to have an embedded solution available for PS3s via a system software update slated for release through the PlayStation Network. Until then, enjoy watching instantly via your PS3 using the instant streaming disc!” Oh boy!

I’ll concede that it’s still a nice feature to have on Sony’s console, but the disc thing is a bummer.

Sony’s 10-year plan for the PS3 finally seems to be coming together…halfway into its life cycle. As a Netflix press release announced today, the PS3 will be adding the ability to stream content from the rental service. The new feature will be offered free of charge to PS3 owners;all that’s required is a subscription to the Netflix service, which can cost as little as $9 a month. By contrast, the same service for the Xbox 360 requires that users have a gold subscription to Xbox Live, which runs $50/year.

There is a catch, though. While services like that on the Xbox 360 give users access to BD Live content, the PS3 version requires a special disc for the drive in order to access BD Live content. It’s a small trade-off, particularly if you consider the $50 upcharge for the 360.

At any rate, the PS3 is finally becoming the console we all wanted it to be. Sure, it’s all coming a bit late, but better to have these things than not.