SOCOM for PS2 has voice chat. The PSP and PSVita also have built-in mics plus include the ability to run Skype (which is replacing MSN). There are various gaming headsets for the PS3 as well. So the PS3 obviously is more than capable at voice chat. Why wouldn't it? There are as many headset's for PS3 as for PC! Take a look yourself.

The *REAL* issue is, not everyone wants to get a headset. Not everyone wants to do what's necessary for it to work properly. And, not everyone speaks fluent English as may have a harder time being understood.

The only time I've found voice chat useful is when it's just me and one or two other people. Even when in a group of 20, I don't need to hear everyone in the group. Just the people in the group I enjoy talking too. For everyone else, I just "text" them instead of ringing them up.