The next generation of gaming consoles is finally here. While both the Xbox One and the Playstation 4 are both nice enough in their own special ways, buying both could become an expensive venture fast.
Here’s a breakdown of each next-gen system for those looking for the next big thing for their living room entertainment needs.
A gaming system’s biggest asset is, arguably, the games it offers. Keeping with the tradition of snubbing the competition by offering console exclusive games, both the PS4 and the Xbox One will have their own repertoire of games only playable on each specific system, never to become cross-platform.
On the Sony side, there are eight confirmed exclusives, including the latest in the “Killzone” series, “Killzone: Shadow Fall” and “InFamous: Second Son,” the third main entry in the “Infamous” series.
The Xbox One comes in slightly ahead on exclusives so far, with nine confirmed, with some big names thrown in for good measure, such as “Halo 5” and “Dead Rising 3.” “Titanfall” is another Xbox One exclusive, and it’s certainly one of the more hyped games this year. While the Xbox One might be just a hair ahead on exclusives now, it’s possible this will change, as indie developers cite a friendlier, more supportive infrastructure, giving the PS4 a potential boost in the independent, cult-classic game department.
Up until recently, gaming consoles have been entirely about playing video games. However, with the video and music streaming explosion, consoles have the opportunity to entirely take over the living room space. Microsoft has made it clear it wants Xbox One to rule this comfy realm, making the Xbox One into a TV-gaming multimedia extravaganza. After telling the Xbox One what make of television it’s working with, the console takes over, doing everything a remote would, such as volume control, channel flicking, et cetera, with either voice control or game controller. In addition, the OneGuide gives those with cable a great replacement for their old cable box menu, allowing users to make a menu of just the channels that matter to them and throwing in streaming apps like Netflix for good measure. While the PS4 offers the usual streaming apps like Hulu Plus and Netflix, it’s not a cable box replacer like the Xbox One. Which may be fine depending on the buyer.
While the PS4 might lack the Xbox One’s TV-takeover abilities, it does appropriately go for $100 less. Those looking for a dedicated gaming console without fluff will find a better deal here. Additionally, games on the PS4 run at a native 1080p versus upscaled 720p on the Xbox One, creating a sharper-looking gaming experience.
In the end, it all comes down to the wants and needs of the individual gamer. The Xbox One, starting at $500, provides a full living room entertainment smorgasbord, complete with voice commands and facial recognition, though some might find the always-watching Kinect a little creepy.
The PS4, coming in at $400, provides more of a pure game console experience, along with the essentials necessary for movie nights and Netflix marathons, with a lot less Orwellian weirdness. Neither console is an objectively bad offering, however, and at this point, waiting to see what comes next for both is the best option.
Photo courtesy of New Game Network.
