[rchaud]

Back then, PSN was free. Bought a PS3 over an XB360 because I didn't want to pay a subscription for the occasional multiplayer game.

[Turskarama]

PSN is still free but it only gives you access to the store and an account to keep user data, PS plus is an add on to it that costs money and is required for multiplayer.

EDIT: I feel like I should point out that PC players don't need PS plus to play multiplayer, I think literally every copy would be refunded if they tried to pull that one.