NEWS
EVENTS
A Console Battle Like No Other
Other | Wednesday 19th June 2013 | Keshav
Xbox One vs. PS4
With only six months until Christmas, the battle for top-dog in the lucrative video game market is reaching fever pitch. E3, the electronic entertainment expo, saw both companies reveal their forthcoming consoles, exciting fans and prompting waves of debate over who was going to come out on top. These two companies are battling for the top position in Christmas sales. At the moment its quite difficult to tell them apart, and it is not until we receive more information about each console that we can compare their quality. Let's compare the pair.
Looks:
What was surprising is how both consoles look very similar. The PS3 and Xbox 360 each have unique features, however, they have a similar finish. Microsoft has clearly gone for the traditional look, resembling a DVD player, Sony, on the other hand, has outfoxed their rivals, and the PS4 enjoys a futuristic, angular look which will interest enthusiasts. It makes the console look different and in an age where consoles make up a key part of many living rooms. The aesthetics of a console have never been more important.
Verdict: PS4 has the edge on this one and its interesting design my give it an upper hand
Gameplay:
The most important feature of any console is the gameplay aspect. With both boasting they posses the finest technology, at first glance it is difficult to pick out the major differences. Both of them have AMD quality graphics, blu ray players (this is new to the xbox), and eight core processor. However, the tech experts have picked up on the fact that the PS4 could have a 50% advantage over Xbox in terms of graphics and colour performance. (The reasons for this is based on AMD Graphics core next which is subsequently divided into working blocks, and these blocks operate on CPU’s and PS4 has more than the Xbox One). All very complicated to the average gamer. The PS4 boasts to have a higher level of RAM then the Xbox One, which means a more efficient system. However the Xbox one has clearly been designed with hardware to do more than just gaming and it is runs Microsoft OS without complication. Experts suggest that the potential implementation of this higher specification of design could make the Xbox a more well - rounded model.
Verdict: Although the PS4 has slight advantages over its Microsoft competitor, the two are very similar in this department. Tie.
Motion Controls:
In an era where the Nintendo Wii has single handily transformed the way we enjoy video games, the big boys are now getting stuck in with motion gameplay. Xbox’s Kinect was the first motion control software that didn’t include a controller. The Kinect now comes included with Microsoft’s flagship console, officials claim it is more accurate in detecting movements as it can sense blood circulations. Interesting to say the least! The Sony alternative also looks interesting. The ‘Eye’ will come as a separate to the PS4 console itself and will use the flagship dualshock 4 controller to capture players movements in a 3D space. The ‘Eye’ is yet to be tested against Microsoft’s Kinect and with details not yet revealed Xbox clearly has the edge on this one!
Verdict: The Xbox One along with its Kinect is currently the front runner and Sony needs to catch up soon or Microsoft will move too far ahead.
The Controller:
Essential to a gameplay experience is the controller. How it feels and looks can determine a gamer's opinion completely. The Xbox 360 was quite clearly the winner in this battle last time. Sony has attempted to win back the market with a complete overhaul. The ‘Dualshock4’ comes equipped with a touch pad , a close up speaker to get involved with the action and also a share button which will help users stay connected their friends by sending them game footage to mull over. Microsoft has chosen not to radically modify the popular controller, the only improvements include; more comfortable joysticks, improved sensitivity and a new D pad.
Verdict: While both controllers feel and look very slick it’s the Xbox that comes out on top with its effort and simplicity giving it the edge of its competitor.
Price:
Arguably the most important aspect of each of the consoles will be their price. Sony has estimated the console will retail at about £350 which is around £80 cheaper than the Xbox at £429. An interesting ploy from Sony. Based on the fact they were actually producing the PS3 at a loss and that bulk sales were supposed to make up the gap many have suggested that once again the PS4 will be marketed on the same technique. The Xbox chiefs were left scratching their heads at the price difference however they have pointed out that their machine will come with the Kinect and Playstation’s equivalent ‘The Eye’ will raise the price of the two to about the same.
Verdict: The PS4 seems to have won this battle and clearly a lower price will leave Xbox users questioning if they should part with an extra £80 for virtually the same thing
Overall:
It seems as though on first glance the PS4 has an ever so slight edge over the two consoles. This is due to the fact game can be reused, play is allowed to occur even when the user if offline and most importantly the price. The Xbox however is not far behind and boasts a console capable of more than just gaming. With no specific titles announced for either of the two devices this is only the start of the battle. The latter months of 2013 will surely see an explosion of marketing as the companies attempt to capture such a lucrative market. One thing is for certain game – players have an abundance of choices!
Keshav Kapoor
@keshavkapoor15
