Sony and Microsoft have unveiled their next generation gaming consoles with both having powerful hardware, look-alike designs, revamped software and lots of social aspects. While Sony placing their PlayStation 4 as an ultimate gaming console, Microsoft being working to place Xbox One to a more complete home entertainment system with gaming and TV. So let’s look how the two consoles compete with each other, to make up with your decision in buying one.
Design
The big black rectangular boxes , the two consoles look too similar to each other, being molded in a deep and rich black color and includes a distinctive beveled edge. The Blue ray disc drawer in the half never get noticed. Sony PS4 is somewhat smaller in size and resembles old school VCR machines we used to have. Xbox One covered in liquid black is bigger and carries too sharp edges.
Winner – both PS4 and Xbox One
The Power
Hardware is one the important aspect in a console, as these device are built to last several years without much upgrade options unlike in PC where you can upgrade each and every part of it. Both consoles pack a similar builds CPU cores, with PS4 runs on a x86 architecture 64 AMD Jaguar, 8 cores CPU developed by AMD and same for Xbox one with 8 core CPU unit based on Jaguar micro-architecture design.
When comes to memory unit, PS4 got a 8GB GDDR5 RAM (176GB/sec) used by both CPU and GPU, where as Xbox One has a 8GB DDR3 (68GB/sec) main memory unit. Also the graphic processing unit in PS4 is much powerful than Xbox One.
Winner – with some extra power, Sony PlayStation 4
Controllers
Sony have not much changed the layout for their analog/d-pad controller, keeping it simple DualShock 4 incorporates a new highly sensitive six-axis sensor, as well as a touch pad located on the front of the controller. In the other hand Xbox controller also got an overhaul with more than 40 technical and design innovations. In addition Kinect 2 gets bundled with Xbox One, which is added bonus. The redesigned 1080p Kinect, making it more precise, more responsive and more intuitive. Its advanced vision, motion and voice technology works in nearly any lighting condition, recognizes precise motion control from a slight wrist rotation, and distinguishes voice even in a noisy room using advanced noise isolation.
Winner – Xbox One with their Controller and Kinetic 2
Software
While we have little, but no idea about PS4 software side, Microsoft’s Xbox One runs on three different operating system. The core OS based on Microsoft’s Hyper-V hypervisor technology that’s keep the Xbox running, while the second OS ‘Xbox OS’ will help to run games on the console and the final Windows-based OS which runs the apps like Skype, TV etc. The UI in Xbox One looks similar to the Windows 8 start screen (metro) with tiles and boxes.
Both the gaming consoles has a considerable amount of social elements attached to it. Like in PS4 controller there is a SHARE button, through which gamers can broadcast their game play in real-time, share their triumphs and accomplishments on Facebook and other social networking sites. Similarly in Xbox One you got an inbuilt Skype, that allows you to chat or hold a group Skype call and revamped Xbox Live.
Winner – Yet to decide
Games
Both consoles have grabbed their own exclusive game sets like for PS4 we got Final Fantasy XV, Kingdom Hearts 3, Tearaway, inFAMOUS: Second Son, Killzone: Shadow Fall and more than 30 PS4 exclusive titles in development. PS4 also got around 140 games in development across worldwide Studios which will be available within the first year. With backward compatibility with PS3 you got thousand’s of older game titles to play with.
Xbox One carriers the exclusive Halo series, Killer Instinct, Ryse: Son of Rome, Quantum Break, Dead Rising 3 and other games including Forza Motorsport 5, FIFA 14, Madden NFL 25, NBA LIVE 14, EA SPORTS UFC. Xbox Live brings in a some handful features to the games with Smart Match matchmaking system which virtually eliminates waiting in lobbies by estimating wait times and finding people you want to play with while you are enjoying other activities. Game DVR that allows you to capture your gameplay and save them to cloud, along with sharing tools. Living Games where the dynamic, living worlds evolve and improve the more you play, and advanced artificial intelligence can learn to play like you, so friends can play against your shadow.
Winner – Sony Playstation4
Used Games
Well Sony PlayStation 4 have no sort of restriction in place with used games. When a gamer buys a PS4 game disc they have right to use that copy of the game, so they can trade-in the game at retail, sell it to another person, lend it to a friend, or keep it forever.
On the other hand Xbox One has a built-in capability for game publishers to block used games, as they can restrict the game from trade or reselling. Xbox One’s licensing only supports transferring the games one single time to a person who has been on their Live friends list for at least 30 days.
Winner – Sony Playstation4
Restrictions
You don’t want to be always connected to the internet to play a game, Sony PlayStation 4 doesn’t need their gamers to check in online in order to play games. On the other hand Microsoft Xbox One will need to connect to the internet every 24 hours in order to let you play games on the console. Some games and services will require a persistent connection to work and if you are somewhere without any Internet connection at all, then you will not be able to use Xbox One.
Sony allows PS3 games titles to be played on a PS4, bringing in thousands of already available game titles to play on PS4. On the other hand Microsoft Xbox One won’t let you play older Xbox 360 game title. You will need to wait for the newer games to arrive or get the developers release updated Xbox One version of the older games.
Winner – Sony Playstation4
Price
A $100 saving would be a good choice if you choose to go with Sony PlayStation 4, as it’s been priced at $399.99. Microsoft Xbox One been costing more with around $499.99, but you get the cool Kinetic 2 controller and a full-fledged TV experience with it. If you are looking for a hard-core gaming console and not a complete home entertainment system then PlayStation 4 will be value for your money. The extra money you would have shelling out for Xbox One can be used to buy games or PlayStation Plus subscription online.
Winner – Sony Playstation4
Currently with the low price, zero restriction in place and with a gamers attitude Sony PlayStation 4 have the upper hand. But with advance Kinetic, TV support and possible low restriction on used games and always online limit, will bring back Microsoft’s Xbox One in line with the competition.
Finally it’s time to take a decision, which one will you buy? Sony PlayStation 4 or Microsoft Xbox One.
