However,
the real question is which one do you choose?
Initially
I would recommend that, if you have one of the current consoles, then you stick
to upgrading your favourite one. But the real issue is which one do you buy if
you’re a first timer or if you can only get one and have no real preference on
the current generation?
Controllers
Probably
the most important thing to consider is the controller itself. Both consoles
are relatively similar in their gaming quality, what will be offered and its
features so consider the thing that will be strapped to your hands the majority
of the time you’ll be using it.
If
you have small hands or want something lightweight then the PlayStation 4 is
probably where you should look first. The new controller has been tweaked to
expand the space between each button, implement a touch pad but has also
managed to maintain its standard ‘feel’. I’m a larger fan of the Xbox –
obviously – but having played the PlayStation 4 regularly over the last few
weeks I have to say the new style is a massive improvement.
On
the flip side; if you have larger hands or want to feel like you are actually
holding something then the Xbox One controller has tweaks all the is great with
current generations offering. The new controller has been micromanaged in over
– and I quote - ‘500 improvements’ to just perfect the formula already created.
It’s smooth but at the same time it grips onto surfaces to reduce the
likelihood of damaging the hardware from being dropped.
Incidentally
the Xbox One also comes with Kinect; the motion sensor and body movement tool. All
the consoles will automatically come with this piece of hardware and I can
confirm, first hand, that this is a massive improvement over its predecessor.
The system is even capable of reading your heart rate through your clothing by
reviewing contours of the skin, colour, exertion and sweat. I played Kinect
Sport Rivals at EGX last month and am happy to report that this is
exceptionally responsive and clearly tracks everything from fingers to eye
movement.
Games
Unfortunately,
even when choosing a Video Games console, the actually decision in purchasing a
specific option cannot be considered too greatly on the actual software
offerings that are available. 80% of the games being released on the
PlayStation 4 or Xbox One will simultaneously release on the other console
anyway. However there are a few games that you can guarantee will only hit one
or the other and these are the ones to keep in mind before purchasing the next
generation hardware.
Halo
has always been a Microsoft title and with the fifth instalment due some-point
early in the lifecycle you can expect that this won’t be making its way over to
the PlayStation. On the other hand Naughty Dog seem to have a glowing
reputation with Sony and since ‘The Last of Us’ and ‘Uncharted’ have been such
massive hits I doubt they’ll give up their exclusivity too soon.
When
it comes to release day titles the only ones that spring to mind are ‘Knack’ on
the PS4 and Forza on the Xbox One. Neither of these, for me at least, are game
changers – I’d look forward rather than what’s due to hit on the doorstep on
day one.
What do you currently own?
Chances
are, if you are a hardcore gamer, you will have a console already and would
have a preference for which offer you’ll be going for. Most current generation
owners that are thinking about switching are probably Xbox 360 gamers that are
worried about the internet rumours that plagued forums following the Xbox One
release. My advice – ignore it! Most of the hellish comments doing the rounds
were completely wrong or incorrectly interpreted. Xbox One does not always need
to be online and you can trade in your old games as normal.
Everyone
has a favoured current generation console and the updated/next gen version from
the same developer should be where you go next. Have you ever tried playing FIFA 14 on your
non-home console? It’s a nightmare. Stay with what you’re used to.
What are you using it for? Just Video
Games?
This
is probably one of the areas that will only affect some of you; but it is a
valid consideration. Xbox One comes with a lot of additional ‘entertainment’
options compared to its PlayStation counterpart. Both will feature the standard
apps like BBC iPlayer, Skype and Netflix but the Xbox One will come with quite
a lot more.
Coming
build with the standard panel features of Windows 8 you can snap applications
to different sections of the screen. Xbox One lets you quickly jump from TV to
a movie to a game. And then snap them side by side to do two things simultaneously.
Music and games together or Skype video calls and live sports – it really is
easy. Split your screen to do everything, you want, all at once.
You
can also connect you cable, satellite or other HDMI hardware through the
console allowing you to drop in an out of each to create your own personal hub.
PlayStation
meanwhile will feature online options, applications too but not the hub that
the Xbox One supports. Its primarily a Video Games console in the truest form
of the word.
Overall
You
probably know what you’re after, you probably have a favourite anyway – but, if
not, follow the guide above and you’re sure to get exactly what you are after.
Comment
below if you have already ordered your console, we want to know which you went
for and why? Otherwise what are you thinking about getting? Do you want some
advice? What games did you or are you going to pre-order? Let’s get this next
gen discussion flowing.
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