Both Sony and Microsoft have unveiled their gaming devices, the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Microsoft first revealed its Xbox One, which focuses on new games, but the subject of used games and digital rights management (DRM) was glossed over. However, Sony was keen to get one over Microsoft by revealing the PS4 with a cheaper price for the console and a solid used games policy.
Pricing
Sony has announced that PlayStation 4 will launch for $399 / €399 / £349 / AUD$549 this holiday season in the United States and Europe. The PS4’s Eye camera will be sold separately and costs $59. Meanwhile, The Xbox One will be released in November 2013 for $499.99 in the US, £429.99 in the UK and 499.99 Euros in Europe. In Australia, the Xbox One will cost $599.99 AU. One reason this is that the Xbox One’s Kinect camera is no longer optional; it comes bundled with the console.
The PS4 has taken the lead in price and this will be a huge factor when making a purchasing decision for the upcoming 2013 holiday season.[more…]
Games
Both Microsoft and Sony have announced their new games. For example, Microsoft has announced Forza Motorsport 5 and Dead Rising 3, whilst Sony has Final Fantasy XV and Killzone: Shadow Fall.
However, they hold different policies on used games. Microsoft recently announced that it would be operating a restrictive policy on used games, where you can resell a game only through a game publisher or via specific retailers. Also, each Xbox One game can only be shared once, and only to Xbox Live friends of 30-days or more. Now that doesn’t sound very consumer friendly.
Sony on the other hand has announced that the Sony PlayStation 4 will not come with any such restrictions and will continue its existing used games policy. The PS4, like previous iterations, will not limit disc sharing, games can be resold easily and the PS4 will use region free discs.
Online
With regards to online connectivity, the Xbox One requires a periodical internet connection, meaning the console will ‘check-in’ every 24-hours. Basically, the console will verify if any game updates are available or if any games have been traded. Microsoft adds that “offline gaming is not possible after these prescribed times until you re-establish a connection, but you can still watch live TV and enjoy Blu-ray and DVD movies.”
On the other hand, the PS4 will not regularly connect to the internet to check on your game licenses, and you will be able to use your console offline for as long as you want. However, PlayStation 4 will require an annual subscription to play multiplayer games online.
Specs
Both consoles have a similar appearance, while on the inside, the specs mainly differ in the type of system memory used.
Neither Microsoft nor Sony has strayed far from their previous controller designs and the changes are only slight modifications. The DualShock 4 is a little bigger and features a touch pad, plus a built-in headphone jack. The Xbox One controller has a tweaked D-pad on the bottom left-hand side of the controller plus the trigger buttons also feature a new built-in rumble system called “Impulse Triggers.”
Which is better?
The PlayStation 4 comes with cheaper price and there are concrete details available on its used games and region-free policy. While the launch of Xbox One created a lot of controversy due to the muddied details about used games and backwards compatibility.
Initially portrayed as the ‘all-in-one’ living room solution, the Xbox One might be worth looking at if you’re interested in other entertainment aspects apart from gaming. The Xbox One lets you participate in Skype video chats with friends or even browse the web whilst watching a film, all from the same screen via its ‘Snap mode.’ Whilst Sony’s PS4 seems to be more focused on games, its entertainment strategy doesn’t change much from the PS3.
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http://blogs.which.co.uk/technology/news/playstation4-vs-xbox-one-which-is-better/
