Both of these new devices are just going on sale for the first time in the run-up to Christmas 2013, so the question of which is the better one to buy is very topical just now. The Xbox One from Microsoft was actually released a few days ahead of the Sony PlayStation 4, but this isn’t likely to make much difference in the long run. It should also be remembered that both new products are competing against the Nintendo Wii, especially the most recent version, the Wii U.
To give an overview of the two products: the PS 4 is a gaming console with new improved graphics – the quality has been described as cinematic, and the power is much greater than that of of the Xbox One – and the whole design has been much improved. The thumbsticks, triggers and touchpad have all been made more user friendly, and the whole device is neater and easier to use than its predecessor, the PS 3. However, it could also be said that however much it has improved, it is still the same basic machine – it can’t claim to be revolutionary or to offer much in the way of new experience. Of course, to anyone looking for an improved version of the PS 4, this is a plus; but it can also mean that the PS 4 generates less excitement than other consoles.
The Xbox One may, overall, be less perfectly designed than the Ps 4 – the graphics quality isn’t quite as high, for one thing. However, it has some features that are attracting a lot of attention. It has more efficient voice recognition and better body movement detection, so the experience of using it may be better. It can also control set top boxes.
Both consoles have some new games that are exclusive to them. Sony has Infamous: Second Son and Killzone Shadow Fall, while Microsoft has brought out Titanfall and Forza Motorsport. So far it looks as if the Microsoft games have a wider appeal than those from Sony. One retailer has described at as basically turning your television into a giant smartphone with lots of complex and powerful apps on it.
In other ways both consoles are quite similar. Their hardware works in much the same way and the graphics speed is similar, though again with graphics the PS 4’s peak performance is higher. Overall you can say the PS 4 is faster and the Xbox One has more variety and may be more economical in terms of power consumption.
On price, neither is cheap as a Christmas present. The Xbox One is the more expensive at £429.00 but the PS 4 is also quite pricey at £349.00. However, many retailers still say the early signs are that the Xbox will outsell the PS despite the £100 difference – people are willing to spend more at Christmas of course, and as well as the new games from Microsoft being a big attraction, there is also the promise of a new TV series based on its Halo game, which will be directed by Steven Spielberg. This is generating a lot of publicity too. Anyway, John Lewis sold out all its stock of Xbox One consoles on the first day they were launched – but in these recession hit times we could still see sales of the more familiar, more keenly priced and, probably, overall better designed PS 4 overtake those of the Xbox One. And some canny shoppers suggest waiting for a while until both manufacturers start producing even better features and the prices of both products come down.
You can read some opinions on the new consoles here.