Yesterday Microsoft announced it had done away with some of the restrictions and rules that were making the Xbox One more and more unpopular. (Quite frankly, they had no choice. Usually consumers don’t like having to pay $100 more for something that lets you do less than an alternate option.) Nevertheless, the Xbox One now allows used games and doesn’t require an online connection. So, since the playing field is a bit more even now, let’s do a quick comparison—Xbox One vs. PlayStation 4.
The Xbox One and PlayStation 4 are pretty similar when it comes to hardware, according to CNET. They both have—500 GB built-in hard drive, eight-core x86 AMD processor, Blu-ray, Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI, the ability to suspend and resume a game, native gameplay sharing, USB 3.0.
The two consoles both provide motion control gaming—the One with the Kinect and the PS4 with PlayStation Move. When it comes to RAM the One has 8GB DDR3 and the PS4 ahs 8GB GDDR5. They both can share gameplay in real-time, the One using Twitch and the PS4 using Ustream.
When you get past the hardware, the consumer must ask themselves, “What do I want my console for?” This question will determine which system you buy.
The Xbox One may cost $100 more, but it is not just for gaming. It is supposed to be an “all-in-one entertainment system.” It lets you, Skype, watch live TV, and battle your friends in a multitude of games—doing more than one of the these things at a time. It seems Microsoft is attempting to take a piece of your laptop and television and throw it into your gaming system. Microsoft also realized it would be a hassle to constantly stop your game to Skype with your friend, or hang up when you realize the World Series is on TV. So, Microsoft is trying to make your entertainment experience easier.
If you don’t want to be hassled by all the extra distractions and bought your gaming system for just that—to play games—then the PS4 is for you. According to PlayStation.com, “The PS4™ system enables the greatest game developers in the world to unlock their creativity and push the boundaries of play through a system that is tuned specifically to their needs.” The PS4 allows you access to a host of indie games with a PlayStation Plus subscription. The PlayStation 4 also allows easy sharing—simply push the SHARE button on the back of the controller. Also on the controller is a touch pad, which offers new and different ways to play games.
If you are looking to buy a next gen console this fall, you must ask yourself, “Do I want greater entertainment experience for $100 more or do I want my console to be strictly about my gaming experience?” Once you answer this question, you’ll be one your way to buying a next generation console.
