Xbox One and PlayStation 4: the choices of the new generation

This November marks the release of Sony’s PlayStation 4 and Microsoft’s Xbox One. Most gamers won’t have a hard time choosing which system to grab because their anticipation keeps them glued to the Internet looking for more information. Others might be unsure or uninformed when it comes to picking their next system.

One of the noticeable differences when comparing systems is the cost of each system. The PS4 carries a price tag of $399.99 while the Xbox One is priced at $499.99.

Electronics Entertainment Design and Research is a marketing firm designed specifically for the video game industry.

Vice president of analysis and insights Jesse Divnich is responsible for creation, development and execution of EEDAR’s custom research.
“Sony’s PlayStation 4 is targeting the heart of the gaming community by focusing purely on the traditional console experience,” said Divnich. “Microsoft, on the other hand, is thinking about gaming as part of a total entertainment experience and has chosen to focus on not only delivering high quality core gaming content, but a complete entertainment experience that involve movies, television, music and social interaction.”

To cut the cost of their system, Sony removed the PlayStation Eye from the packaging and opted to make the device optional. Microsoft opted to make the Kinect essential to the Xbox One experience making the device mandatory.

When he’s not working at a local EB Games, Scott Marion spends his time playing video games.

“I like that Sony makes their motion stuff optional, which is another point for them,” said Marion. “Xbox just throws the Kinect in the box and I don’t want it.”

When Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 were released there were two important factors in play. The first one was Backwards Compatibility which is the ability to play games from the previous generations console; both systems removed the feature. Sony has stated that it will release a streaming service called Gaikai that could possibly be advanced enough to stream and play PlayStation 1, 2 and 3 games.

Having played video games since the age of five, Tyler Head has his sights set on the PS4.

“What I love about the PS4 is the streaming and remote play capability with the Vita along with the potential of Gaikai and bringing a lot of older titles to the latest console,” said Head.

The other previous deciding factor was being able to play online for free or not. Sony decided to follow in Microsoft’s footsteps, offering a monthly subscription for online service.

“I dislike that you now have to pay for the Sony membership but it looks like it’s offering more than Microsoft,” said Marion.

Both consoles feature a 500 gigabyte hard drive, but only the PS4 console’s hard drive can be removed and replaced. The PS4 and Xbox One both use a Blu-ray optical drive for playing games. For the launch lineup of games PS4 has exclusives like Drive Club, Knack and Killzone: Shadow Fall while the Xbox One has titles like Dead Rising 3, Forza 5 and RYSE Son of Rome.

“Consumers always need to determine what use they plan on receiving from a product. If you are looking for a piece of technology that will wrap all forms of entertainment into one box, the Xbox One might be the appropriate system for you,” said Divnich. “If you are price sensitive, a loyal Sony fan, or only intend to use your system primarily as a gaming device the PlayStation 4 might be the best fit early on.”

When it comes to choosing a system you have to weigh what you find important. If you want a cheaper system with features like Gaikai and remote play, and a removable hard drive, PS4 would be the console for you. If you enjoy motion gaming and the new features of the Kinect, don’t have a limited budget for gaming and the launch line up appeals to you, then pick the Xbox One.

“It’s difficult to claim a victor. Personally, they will both succeed in their own manner as they have this generation,” said Divnich.

The PS4 hits store shelves Nov. 15 and the Xbox One releases on Nov. 22.