PS3 or PC?

[Shiken]

If you have a high end gaming PC, use it. If you are more of a console gamer, stick with PS3/PS4. I myself play on the PS3 and have no real issues that are not also present on the PC, and it is a blast. Making the game playable for the PS3 wasn't to make one version better or worse than the other, it was to broaden the audience so that players that were not interested or couldn't afford a good gaming PC could still play.

So in short, a PC can do anything a PS3 can do and then some so stick with PC if you have a good one. If you prefer consoles or your PC is a little dated and don't want to upgrade just yet, play on the PS3. I used to play MMOs on the PC and playing this on the PS3 isn't any less enjoyable so you should be fine with whichever you decide.

[Chitsune]

PS3 have long loading time and slow loading model other members in party after CS, not to mention graphic. Heal with controller in party are fine but have problems with heal other PCs during FATE.

[Zfz]

Also, on the PC you're quite free to play with the profile data files to copy your hotbar settings, HUD settings, gearsets, etc to other characters and make backups and so on. (Although this function will be built-in to the game in future, as devs already announced their plans to add it.)

Plus, the PS3 version is likely only be able to use add-ons that have been screened and approved by Square Enix; however, on the PC you're likely going to be able to use any and all add-ons you can find. So there's likely to be more freedom on the PC.

Likely. Because there have been little to no info on add-ons, only that it'll come out in future updates.

The PC also opens the door to third party tools like video capturing and so on, which isn't that straight-forward on the PS3.

Control-wise, you can use the gamepad on the PC and the keyboard on the PS3 anyway (although I'm not sure if it's possible to use only keyboard-mouse mode on the PS3 version, anyone?) There's nothing inherently "less controllable" on the PS3.

If you are looking to buy a PS3, then, I'd say hold off your horses and wait for the PS4. Play with whatever hardware you have now on the PC. (Note, however, that when the PS4 lauches, there will only be the beta version of FFXIV:ARR for the PS4. Details are slim and I'm not sure if that "beta" allows you to already participate in the current live servers.)

[Curagaja]

Control-wise, you can use the gamepad on the PC and the keyboard on the PS3 anyway (although I'm not sure if it's possible to use only keyboard-mouse mode on the PS3 version, anyone?) There's nothing inherently "less controllable" on the PS3.

After searching for quite some time on PS3 menus I found that there absolutely no way to play with just a keyboard/mouse. PS3 menus are missing the Display tab under Hotbar Settings which would allow us to use a keyboard for abilities/spells. Because it is missing we are forced to use a controller unless we want to go to the Actions and Traits menu and manually select every ability/spell we want to use. In other words, a keyboard can only be used to type and run around on a PS3.

[Tooth]

Big fates such as Behe, Titan, Scara are impossible on PS3.

[Cynric]

Big fates such as Behe, Titan, Scara are impossible on PS3.

I've done all the big FATE that people have issues with on both PC and PS3(Odin, Behe,Scara) without having to deal with the boss disappearing all that often if at all in some cases. Shame Odin crashed Hyperion before we could kill him last time I fought him. Plus as I said the issue present in these FATE are present on both PS3 and PC.

[Loopah]

TLDR: If you want the inferior version, go for PS3.

[Kyriea]

I'd say if you have a gaming rig then obviously stay on PC, but if you have a mid-low range PC or don't mind slightly bad graphics (not terrible but definitely not top range PC graphics) then get a PS3 copy. Also I find playing on PS3 a lot more relaxing than hunched over a desk. Not to mention that if you buy the PS3 version you get the PS4 version for free and that will eliminate any graphical differences when released but you do have to buy a PS4. It's personal preference to be honest and the only real way to know is to try it, but the PS3 isn't as bad as some may make out. Also an SSD really does help with every issue other than graphics and although they are fairly expensive for what they are you can get a bargain.

[Rhas]

There is *currently* no mouse/keyboard control on PS3, but you can hook up a USB keyboard to "chat". Devs have said they will look into adding it at a later time. I play on both PC and PS3 myself and there is very little I cannot do on either system. Might not be the greatest for fate parties, but then I hardly ever do those since... well.. they are boring as *#!!. Graphics are decent, not awesome, just decent but they don't bother be whatsoever.

[PerrythePlatypus]

I play on PC but have wondered how it is on PS3. Are there any really noticeable differences in loading, graphics, etc? Are the controls easier or more difficult to manage? Which do you prefer?

Troll OP, but I'll bite.
The PC version makes the PS3 version look terrible. But then it is objectively terribly in the first place so that's not hard.