Next Generation Gaming Analysis

With the next generations console offerings coming up next month we’ve decided to update our comparisons of the offerings between Sony and Microsoft.

Both Microsoft and Sony are producing consoles that are essentially mid-range gaming PCs. The differences being the operating system interface and controllers. Each of these powerful little machines have multimedia features and the capability to stream games, what it comes down to of course are the exclusive games dedicated to each platform. The release date for Playstation 4 is November 15th for $399 and Xbox One November 22nd for $499.

Features that both consoles have:

• The ability to play blu-ray disc based games on any console, this means you can loan, sell, or buy games without worrying if it will work on your console or not. You own the game.
• Subscription based online multi-player. Both PS4 and Xbox One require a monthly subscription service to play online retail games. (It’s said this is not required for free to play games on PS4 like PlanetSide 2.)
• 8 core AMD CPUs and 8 GB RAM. (The RAM on Xbox One clocks in at DDR3 while the PS4 is GDDR5)
• Recording gameplay and streaming. You can record your game-play sessions to watch later or stream to platforms such as Twitch.tv and UStream.
• Independent game developer support.
• Support for “Apps” such as Netflix, Amazon  Video, Pandora Radio, Youtube etc.
• 500 GB Internal Storage (PS4 can be swapped out for a larger hard drive, Xbox cannot.)
• No backwards compatibility outside of the box
• Both offer Cross game chat and voice commands
• Both consoles have premium account sharing features. Such as one Gold or PS+ account on a console allows all users access to online features even if they are free members.

Xbox One Exclusive Features:

• Expanded Achievements
• Upload Studio, a tool for editing captured gameplay to share with the community.
• Smart match, allows you to enjoy other activities such as skype while waiting for a match based on skill.
• Living games, games evolve and learn from players. Play against your friend’s shadow. Dynamic worlds.
• Xbox Smartglass, allows your tablet or smartphone to be used as a second screen for games and apps and as a controller.
• Sports, Stats and live video as well as NFL.com Fantasy Football.
• Live TV, watch live TV through your Xbox One. No switching inputs.
• Skype: 1080p Skype video chatting up to 4 participants.
• Updated Wireless controller with better D-pad
• Redesigned Kinect: 1080p HD camera with 30 fps video capture and active infrared precision for any lighting condition.
• Cloud features such as updating games automatically.
• Need Gold for streaming videos and using web browser.

Playstation 4 Exclusive Features:

• Blutooth support built-in
• Dual Shock 4 controller incorporates touchpad, light bar LED for quick information(low health etc), share button for streaming/ uploading gameplay and speaker (which can be muted)
• Online media features free to use (Netflix, Pandora, Internet Browser etc)
• Stream games directly to PS Vita and use Vita as PS4 controller
• Playstation Eye(sold separately) : Facial recognition and tracking with 2 cameras at 1280×800 pixels.
• PS4 instant On (no waiting up to 60 seconds to power off or on)
• PS4 will offer movies scaled at 4K resolution but not games.
• PS4 learns about your personal preferences, such as likes and dislikes and recommends media.
• Playstation App for tablets and smartphones to become a second screen for PS4 to view items, purchase games, or remotely watch others play games.

Xbox Exclusive Games:

• Halo 5
• Titanfall (also on PC)
• Dead Rising 3
• Forza Motorsport 5
• Ryse
• Quantum Break
• Killer Instinct
• Sunset Overdrive
• Below
• Project Spark
• Untitled Black Tusk Project
• D4
• Kinect Sports Rivals
• Project Spark (also on PC)

Playstation Exclusive Games: 

• Drive Club
• Killzone: Shadowfall
• The Order: 1886
• Knack
• Infamous: Second Son
• Blacklight: Retribution (also on pc)
• Planetside 2 (also on pc)
• DC Universe (also on pc)
• Resogun
• Warframe (also on pc)
• War Thunder (also on pc)
• Rime
• Shadow of the Beast
• Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture
• Final Fantasy 14: A Realm Reborn (Also on PC)
• Deep Down
• Soma
• Injustice: Gods Among Us Ultimate Edition (Also on PC and Current Gen consoles)
• The Witness
• Transistor
• Contrast

There are many more titles still in development for both these consoles that have yet to be announced. We hope you enjoyed this comparison of the next generation of console gaming. Vote in the Poll below which console you are more likely to get after being informed or both.