The next generation of gaming is almost here. As expected, new consoles have been already announced. Namely Sony’s PS4 and Microsoft’s XBox One along with some blockbuster titles. The two consoles take up the large market share with smaller consoles such as Nintendo’s Wii U and PS vita make up the rest. Today, we take a look at the two major consoles and their specifications along with their pros and cons.
Both of the new next gen consoles were recently revealed in more detail at the big E3 conference in California. Microsoft had the early spot on the schedule, and the night belonged to Sony. With that, the video game world learned about the prices, specs, release dates and some of the upcoming next gen video games. Let’s check out these two systems in comparison.
Sony PlayStation 4 Console
-The PS4 has an octa-core from AMD called Jaguar. The CPU is based on x86 architecture.
-The PS4 packs an amazing 8GB of GDDR5 ram.
-Blu-ray drive for movies.
On top of this, the PS4 comes with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support, HDMI out, cloud based game saves and a new dual shock controller that is not only wireless but also has a touchpad area with improved grip. The new console comes with motion based controls support via its new enhancement the PlayStation Eye.
Why should you buy the PS4?
-Access to PlayStation 4 exclusive titles like DriveClub, The Last of Us, and many more.
-Has motion control support with the new PlayStation Eye.
-The PS4 is not region locked.
-Is cheaper than Xbox One.
-Games can be played while downloading.
-Console does not require regular check-ins to the internet.
-No restriction on used games or borrowed games
-PlayStation Network membership is only $5.
-All PlayStation members get to carry their account details from previous consoles onto PS4.
-Over 140 games being developed for PS4.
Negatives
-The PlayStation Network, since its last database was hacked has left many PlayStation users questioning their security details.
-The PS4 has smaller fans and has been said to be noisier when gaming.
Release Date: Early November 2013. Sony PS4 Pre-Orders available online now.
Price: $399 for the US and £349 in the UK market.
Microsoft Xbox One Console
The new Xbox from Microsoft has a lot of added interactive features that make it stand out not only as a gaming console but also as a home entertainment system. For this reason, Microsoft decided to go with the name Xbox One instead of Xbox 720, so as to signify it use as a multifunctional device.
Specs:
-Comes with a heavily modified eight-core processor from AMD
-Has 8 GB OF DDR3 RAM
-500 GB of storage space for you games and movies.
-Blu-ray drive
-A new and improved game-pad
In addition, there’s also a HDMI and optical outputs and support for 4k displays
On top of that, the Xbox One packs a USB 3.0 for expandable memory, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi support and cloud based gaming. The console comes in a polished black chassis.
Why should you buy the Xbox One?
-You will get access to Xbox One exclusive titles such as a new Halo and Forza 5
-The improved Kinect 2 is even better with a long line of planned games.
-Access to a secure online platform, Xbox Live that has a lot of features.
-Once a game is installed in your console, you can play it on any Xbox One without disc as long as you have an active internet connectivity.
-Uses cloud and as a result your games can be accessed from any Xbox One
-The Xbox One is quieter when gaming.
-New and improved voice controlled Xbox UI.
-You get to play and buy Xbox 360 games but via cloud network.
-You get 2 free Xbox 360 games with every Xbox Live membership payment.
Negatives
-You must connect at least once every 24hrs to the internet even for offline gaming. (Update: Microsoft changes policies)
-Xbox One users have to pay a monthly membership fee to Xbox Live
-You will have to pay a fee for any used games you play
Release Date: Early November 2013. Xbox One Pre-Orders available online now!
Price: $499 for the US
Conclusion
The two are great entertainment consoles each with its merits and demerits and thus you should choose depending on your needs and suitability. The shift to x86 architecture mean that game developers be able to build and port games more easily. Sadly enough, this limits backwards compatibility on both consoles so no Xbox 360 or PS3 game discs will play on either console.
As of this report, the Sony Playstation 4 is winning the war in terms of pre-orders as it ranks #1 on Amazon.com, with the new Xbox One by Microsoft ranking at #2. Stay tuned as the holiday video game console wars are sure to heat up!
Sony PlayStation 4 vs. Microsoft Xbox One
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