Add the cost of a PS3 to the cost of the number of games you want to get for the PS3.  If the cost per game seems reasonable, then get it.  If Sony's next home console is backwards compatible with the PS3, then you trade in your PS3 for store credit or sell it.

Now that you get lots of great games for free by just becoming a PS Plus member I think it's the right time to become a PS3 user. If you ask me, best console since N64.

I'd say there's never been a better time to get a PS3. They're pretty cheap at the moment (but may be cheaper). PS+ just got really good if you're interested in that service. You can buy a lot of the older exclusives for really cheap these days (Killzone 2 £3, Resistance 2 £5, Infamous £8, Ratchet £6, God of War 3 £10, Uncharted 2 £10 etc.) and there are plenty more upcoming games to look forward to (Ratchet: Q Force, Sly Cooper, God of War, LBP Karting, The Last of Us) plus all the third party stuff.

So yes, I would definitely say get one.

edit: Oh and about the online play, I've never had any trouble playing any game that I've wanted to online.  All the first-party stuff is still supported - there's always people playing Resistance 2, Motorstorm 2 etc.  Any of the bigger titles (Battlefield, Call of Duty etc.) are all still supported too.  Depends what you want to play I guess.  If you were desperate to play Haze online, you might struggle a bit.  But I would advise you against it in the first place anyway!

It's not too late. But it'll soon be too late to buy a 360... *evil grin*

The PS3 has plenty of years left in it, in fact next year will see the release of highly hyped game the Last of Us. In fact the PS2 is still selling today.

go go go get it now!

It's never too late to buy a console.

Hell, I bought a friggin' PS2 two years ago. I went back, chose all the games that survived the test of time (I.E. the classics) and had a blast with them.

You can do the same with the PS3. And there's still online games available, if that's what you really want. Like Starhawk, for example. Hell, Warhawk still has players, I believe.

No. If there hasn't even been a leak on it I doubt it'll come soon.

no way now would be perfect

No, now is the time. It has great games, great upcoming games, and a great price 2nd hand. (New you'd have to look for deals)

My thread on the gen ending was more about hype than what to play.