OT: PS4 vs. Xbox1
So judging by past posts there are some MgoGamers. I am considering getting (or trying to anyways) a new gaming console. I have read some online reviews for Xbox1 & PS4 and was curious if anyone here had aquired either one and what they thought. From my research it looks like the XB1 may be the more all emcompassing entertainment system, with the PS4 best for pure gaming (& some argue better games in the future). Thoughts? Any hangers on Nintendo fans out there?
The one thing worth mentioning is that as far as I understand, neither are reverse compatable (with Xbox 360 games or PS3 games). I don't have either system but would obviously love to play NCAA. Does anyone know if this will change and either system would become compatable? Many thanks
December 5th, 2013 at 1:40 PM ^
The difference between the PS3 and the PS4 is that the PS4 has better internals. Interface wise, the PS3 and the PS4 are very similar. The upgrade from PS3 to PS4 is not that significant because game play hasn't changed between the two consoles.
The difference between the Xbox 1 and every other gaming machine is very significant. I have my cable box plugged directly into my XBox and I use my Xbox 1 controller (or Kinect) to control everything. I can go from playing a game to watching TV without ever havign to put my controller down. On Saturday, I was watching the Alabama/Auburn game while using the ESPN app to scroll through all the other games that ESPN was showing...using my Xbox. The sheer amount of things that you can do with an Xbox 1 is staggering. Plus, Microsoft is indicating that the apps available on Windows 8.1 will be available on the X1...crazy.
Video game programmers didn't need more processing power to make video games. The Xbox 360 and the PS3 both had more than enough power to do everything that video game makers wanted to do with video games. After a certain point, game companies start losing lots of money trying to make a game too complicated. While the graphics may be better on the new systems, I don't expect to see a huge jump in actual game play between either the PS4 or the X1.
December 5th, 2013 at 1:43 PM ^
I work in the industry, and throughout the whole console marketing cycle, I was sure that PS4 would end up being the way to go. However, after having played / worked quite a bit with both, I have to recommend the Xbox One.
As mentioned above, there are a lot of extraneous factors that can shift you one way or the other. For example, if you're looking forward to certain platform exclusive games, or the majority of your friends play on a particular system, those are perfectly valid reasons for picking one over the other.
The PS4 is basically PS3^1 in my opinion. The graphic fidelity is great, developers are having an easier time making games that play well on it, and the interface is pretty much you're used to from Sony. However, aside from the track pad and some other minor controller modifications (that still don't make it as good as an Xbox controller - though the XB1 controller needs some tweaks as well), there really isn't much difference. I always defaulted to my PS3 at home because it could play Blu Rays, but now the PS4 doesn't have that advantage over MSFT.
One thing that isn't getting much attention is that the PS4 no longer has free online play. They slipped the PS Plus announcement in during their E3 announcements and it largely went unnoticed. In my opinion, it will not be as good as Xbox Live Gold and I'll probably cancel my subscription or even end up bricking / gifting the console once the free subscription I have expires.
On the other hand, while initially I was skeptical of the Kinect features - specifically, the voice recognition - it really works well. I still have the remote around for random odds and ends, but running your TV through the Xbox and changing channels via voice control is pretty slick. And it will only get better as they work through deals with cable providers. Having all of your entertainment on one system is pretty cool. The only downside to that is that most peoples' living room TVs aren't ideal for gaming... but I digress.
Microsoft has a long way to go to improve some funcitonality, but my bet is that they're listening to the feedback and hard at work to make it better. Not that Sony isn't working hard on the same front, but given the two systems' current functionality paired with long term potential, I have to recommend XB1.
For folks wondering about backwards compatibility on either platform... don't hold your breath.
December 5th, 2013 at 1:43 PM ^
I was lucky enough to pick up both. The PS4 is slightly more powerful and the Xbox One has the whole media integration thing going on. Neither thing is a deal breaker for me. I think if I was picking one it would come down to the exclusive games for each console. My tag on both is bamill010 so feel free to add me.
December 5th, 2013 at 1:47 PM ^
December 5th, 2013 at 1:52 PM ^
PS4 already has the Red and Blue line of death. No matter what you pick, the hardware failures shouldn't be a consideration or won't be a true consideration for a few years to go.
December 5th, 2013 at 4:46 PM ^
While the PS4 has had its hardware issues, it is nowhere near the size and scope of the 360 issues. I knew multiple people that had their 360s replaced multiple times. I have yet to actually meet someone with a PS4 issue.
December 6th, 2013 at 12:18 PM ^
I would very much be interested in seeing the defect numbers. Last I knew, Sony said that <.04 percent of PS4s had the blue light and HDMI pin issues. I have no idea what the Xbox defect % is, but Kotaku had an offhand comment that they'd recieved quiet a bit more mail from readers re: XB1 complaints, so take that with a heaping pinch of salt.
December 5th, 2013 at 1:51 PM ^
I have both and use the Xbox more. there's really 2 reasons I use it more. Functionally, the Xbox is far more versitile. I can be watching a game, be bored and just say Xbox, watch TV, Xbox change channel to ESPN. Wham, I'm watching ESPN without having to move my fat ass. The second reason is because of friends. 95% of my friends are on Xbox. If they were on PS4, I'd probably play that more often. Both systems really are the same. THe exclusives for both are good. It just comes down to your friends and what you want it to do.
December 5th, 2013 at 2:13 PM ^
You must be a hit with the ladies.
Play on!
December 5th, 2013 at 10:20 PM ^
My wife is hot, my daughter thinks I'm God, my dog worships me. I'd say I'm a hit with the ladies.
December 5th, 2013 at 1:56 PM ^
There aren't enough games to make one really superior over the other, or even really worth playing. And there aren't enough additional features to make them worthy upgrades on their own. If you could still play your old games on it they'd be fine. But if you've owned anything before you're hooking up not only multiple kinds of systems, but mutliple eras of systems.
December 5th, 2013 at 2:14 PM ^
Not sure whether or not you'll find this helpful, but I was in a similar position as you recently. I've had a Wii since 2008 along with an old PS2 that I stopped playing several years ago. Hadn't had as much time to play video games recently, but wanted a fairly modern system with better graphics than the Wii and titles like GTA or NHL. I personally don't care about online gaming or even a fully integrated media system (I already have an Apple TV and Chromecast - that's good enough for me). I also didn't want to pay through the nose for a first year new gen console when they're likely still working out all the kinks.
I ended up getting a 500 GB PS3 bundle with GTA V for $270. The graphics are way better than anything I had on the Wii and unlike the PS4 where some games (GTA V, NHL 14) aren't yet available for the system and may not be for several months, everything's ready to play right now. My plan is to use the system for a couple years, and then at some point sell it and get a PS 4 or XB1 once the prices have come down and/or further refinements are made.
You have to remember - the product lifecycle of these consoles is typically pretty long (7 years), so there's no need to jump right in and buy one on Day 1 if the pricing seems too much. If you already had a PS3 or Xbox 360, I could understand wanting to upgrade now. But coming from a Wii, the PS3 should give you a lot of what you're looking for at a significantly lower price point.
Just my two cents for what it's worth. Also, the NHL 94 feature on NHL 14 rules. Nostalgia!!
December 5th, 2013 at 2:57 PM ^
^^^^this a million times over. I am not wasting 400+ dollars on a new system when I still have games out the ass on ps3, that I haven't even had a chance to play. I am only 5 hours into GTA V, I just haven't had the time to sink my teeth into that game. I still play Fifa and Ncaa 14 a lot, and my son loves Sly Cooper and Ratchet and Clank(I do as well). Right now, I have no need for a new system. In a year or two, maybe, especially when the price goes down significantly.
December 5th, 2013 at 5:35 PM ^
I have both PS3 and 360. All my gamer friends gather on 360 to play. A few of them have XB1 now and they can't join up on games. WTF? Also, they don't like the new interface (UI) for chatting/party with friends. The hot topic in the community is whether XB1 will revert back to the friendly and non-glitchy 360 UI. I personally don't like the PS3 interface and controller, so those have to be major improvements for me. Doing parties on PS3 is always more difficult and sometimes the audio didn't work and we had to use our cell phones to communicate during a game.
Here is a recent and useful article on the subject of XB1. LINK
I'll probably by both models but I'll wait a year or so for more games and for the kinks to get ironed out.
December 5th, 2013 at 2:22 PM ^
December 5th, 2013 at 3:08 PM ^
December 5th, 2013 at 4:01 PM ^
I need to find some people to play COD on PS4 with.
Feel free to add me. Dawgstyle21
December 5th, 2013 at 3:21 PM ^
December 5th, 2013 at 3:36 PM ^
I used to play video games while watching tv while using picture in picture. It was the best. Still not sure if I want to go to an XboxOne, but the fact that I can watch TV and play video games would be awesome.
Think about this. You're watching Michigan bball, commercial comes on, un-pause, play, commercials over, pause, watch basketball. All while never switching inputs or changing channels, or missing any bit of action.
December 6th, 2013 at 12:49 AM ^
If it works for you then do it to it! Pick the console that you think you'd enjoy most.
December 5th, 2013 at 3:38 PM ^
I'll probably end up getting XBoxOne when it comes out. However, I've read reviews for both and one big thing I've gleaned from reviews of both consoles is to wait a few months to buy thme. Mostly becasue 1: they still have functional/hardware glitches that need to be worked out and 2: neither has a great line up of games yet. From what I've heard though, both sound great, and it's mostly up to what games you like more (I've always been a Halo guy, so that's why I'm leaning towards XB1).
December 5th, 2013 at 3:45 PM ^
3DS all day folks. The number of good games it has now is pretty ridiculous, and they aren't all shooters which seems to dominate the home consoles these days. Portable online Mario Kart FTW.
December 5th, 2013 at 4:15 PM ^
I own both systems as well as the WiiU. I have two boys (ages 9 and 6) so I game with them. As far as which system I prefer/recommend, it comes down to which exclusive games you play. Each system will have their exclusive titles (Halo for Xbox, etc.). Almost every game comes out for both systems. Pick your game and grab that system.
Me, personally, I like the PS4 better. I think they had more games at launch (bought six games). I do, however, like the Killer Instinct game that's exclusive to Xbox so I love that game on there. Review-wise, they say the PS4 has more powerful video graphics but both systems are great. I don't think I could tell the difference (watching on 65" 3D LED tv) between the two in terms of visual graphic dominance. Controller-wise, I also prefer PS4's new controllers vs. Xbox One's. Just feels better.
As someone stated, the Kinect is pretty awesome. TOO awesome. It's facial recognition is scary good. My two boys and me will be on the couch playing and one of them will stand up and cross me to go grab a drink and when they do, it recognizes them and logs them in instead of me. Annoying, really. :) But damn scary good!
Hope this helps.
December 5th, 2013 at 4:56 PM ^
December 5th, 2013 at 5:04 PM ^
December 6th, 2013 at 12:47 AM ^
Acutally, it would go Wii/Wii-U, Xbox 360, and then PS3 in kid frienliness.
You can blame the wild popularity and Microsoft's stubborness towards Kinect for why Xbox isn't far behind he Wii/Wii-U. Between the Burger King hand out games, the Disney Cars games, the Lego series... I'd say Xbox definitely has more kid games.
December 5th, 2013 at 5:35 PM ^
December 5th, 2013 at 4:26 PM ^
December 6th, 2013 at 12:42 AM ^
I had a choice of PS3 or 360 and I chose the 360. I don't regret that choice at all, because the 360 has delivered months worth of entertainment for my friends and I.
That said, Xbox Live is overrated. I can't count the number of times where my firends and I would have issues connecting to small 3-6 man parties and private chats. Between the constant disconnects on wired and wireless connections spanning speeds of 300kb/s to 45 mb/s, it did not matter. I've had issues where, while playing Mass Effect 3 online on a 45 Mb/s wired connection, I would get kicked from Live and booted out to the game lobby. It occasionally would also happen during Call of Duty, when I played with a certain friend.
Controller is entirely a matter of preference. I and a few of my friends prefer the DS4, two of my other friends prefer the XB1 controller, but we all agree that they are both fantastic.
December 5th, 2013 at 4:37 PM ^
December 5th, 2013 at 4:41 PM ^
I had a 360 from release until a few weeks ago. After Microsofts blunder with all their rules earlier in the year I decided to go with the PS4. Honestly I just didn't trust that they wouldn't go back to their insane ideas of controlling their product.
I should write a thank you letter to Microsoft. I enjoy the PS4 much more than I did my 360. Not sure what everyone else sees in the xbox controller, the dualshock feels so much more natural to me.
December 5th, 2013 at 4:49 PM ^
ahh... one of those people. Now I have to put in a stupid disc everytime I want to play. Thanks.
December 5th, 2013 at 5:43 PM ^
I really didn't mean to ruin it for everyone...however the idea of limiting trading games with people and requiring an internet connection to use my system just seems a little much for my liking.
December 5th, 2013 at 5:56 PM ^
the sharing features seemed pretty cool. Not sure about some of the details though. It seems like it could have been done without a persistent internet connection. Just tie the license to the box and register the game once.
December 5th, 2013 at 8:27 PM ^
That's why you should buy the digital edition...
December 5th, 2013 at 10:25 PM ^
Exactly. 99.999% of the people complaining about the things they would 'lose' would never experience the loss. Meanwhile they killed a true freedom in gaming .
December 6th, 2013 at 2:42 AM ^
The digital downloadable versions are still there for people who want that option. That doesn't mean that option should be shoved down everybody's throat who still wants a physical disk.
Also the fact of the matter is the internet infastructure worldwide is not at the point where all digital makes sense for most people. The internet bandwith caps that some providers have alone would make downloading every gaming digitally very difficult. Also the harddrives on both consoles are not not equiped to hold a ton of digital games, since they are larger than their physical counterparts, at least so far. Many people also don't want to wait 2+ hours for a game to download either. Currently on the PS4 with a physical disk, it takes only 30-60 seconds after putting it in for enough data to be installed in order to start playing.
The way they have it now is perfect. Give people the option to download digital, but still allow physical since it is still the best option for most people at this point. MS original intent to all digital at this stage would have been a disaster.
As far as the other aspects of MS initial plans that were scrapped, there is no logical reason for why somebody should have to be connected to the internet in order to play the campaign/single player portion of a game. MS was also be shortsighted with the no used game stuff, since many people use trade ins of games they are finished with as means of buying new games.
Gamers aren't somehow wrong for not wanting to give up their rights as consumers of a product.
December 6th, 2013 at 12:32 AM ^
Microsoft didn't need to take that away. They could've used codes like PC does and link it to your gamertag, but instead they blew it all up and tried to say it was all or nothing.
Blaming people who didnt want an every 24 hour log in is pointing negativity in the wrong direction.
December 5th, 2013 at 5:19 PM ^
I'm getting the PS4, here's why for me, in order of importance.
1. Pure power. More so than in previous generations, it's actually fairly straightforward to compare the two systems and the PS4 has a significant edge in graphics, both theoretically and in practice (lots of launch games are running at higher res and/or frame rate on PS4 than XBone).
2. My friends are getting the PS4, lots of them are XB360 converts too (like me).
3. Cost. I know the XBone has kinect included which is reflected in the price, but it's just not a feature I'm interested in, especially not for $100. Similarly, I'm just not interested in the entertainment connectivity features, I just want a gaming system.
4. Design. I really like the physical design of the PS4, it's slimmer and has the power supply internal to the device. I also like the fact the hard drive is user swappable.
December 5th, 2013 at 6:54 PM ^
I'm slightly concerned this is too political for the boards, but the XBox1 facial recognition thing, especially given recent NSA disclosures, really creeps me out. Microsoft is too big not to be forking over all your information to the government. It's a downright Orweillian vibe. I'm not sure if the PS4 does the same thing, however. In which case, screw 'em all.
December 6th, 2013 at 12:25 AM ^
December 6th, 2013 at 2:06 AM ^
Have a Xbox 360 and PS3, but spent most of my time with 360. Decided to go with the PS4 this time around for these reasons:
1. More powerful system for games, and it really isn't close. People in this thread have been saying there is a slight difference, but the estimate from tech individuals is actually 50% more powerful at minimum, which is quite a difference for consoles releasing at the same time. The GPU (most important component for games) in the PS4 is superior to the one in the XB1. The numbers for the GPU'S have been released by both companies, they are what they are. We are already seeing games run at higher resolutions on PS4, and I would expect framerates to be better on the PS4 moving forward. Muliplatform games should be better on the PS4.
2. $100 less.
3. Don't care about Kinect, and don't feel like being forced to pay for it in the box now that it isn't required for the system to function. Might be interested down the line if MS releases a cheaper option without Kinect.
4. TV features/integration on the XB1 are nice, but honestly when I am playing a game I am doing it at a time where I am not interested in watching tv/or doing other things and would not be flipping back and forth anyways. Most of the apps I have any interest in (Netflix, etc.) are on both.
5. Free to play game support on the PS4. Currently playing Warframe (originally a PC game) and having a blast. Planetside 2, which is supposed to be pretty good is coming soon as well. It is true, that F2P games try to encourage you to spend real money, but you can still have fun and unlock most things in the game without paying a dime.
6. DS4 controller is big improvement or me. The 360 controller was my prefered controller, but the improved triggers, altered sticks, and slightly bigger size of the DS4 make a big difference. Only two complaints are battery life is awful compared to DS3, and the bright mostly pointless LED light (since I am not looking down while playing) should have an option to be shut off.
7. Developers on PS4. Most notably Naughty Dog (Uncharted, The Last of Us, which is my personal game of the generation), along with the devs who make MLB The Show since that is the only sports game that I think is worth anything right now.
Also just as side note anybody saying there isn't a big difference in graphics between next gen and current gen needs to check out Killzone Shadow Fall. The graphics for both systems should also get better as time goes, it happens in every generation. Compare early PS3/360 to more recent PS3/360 games, the difference is staggering. With a game like Killzone looking as good as it does at launch, I can't wait to see what games will look like a couple a years from now.
December 6th, 2013 at 12:33 PM ^
3. Don't care about Kinect, and don't feel like being forced to pay for it in the box now that it isn't required for the system to function. Might be interested down the line if MS releases a cheaper option without Kinect.
I had to laugh about that. Microsoft says Kinect is technically not required to operate console, then packages one in with every XB1, charges $100 more, and offers no way to turn it off.
I know I am dogging Xbox a bit in this thread, but this was actually my biggest issue with the XB1, more so than DRM, always online, every 24 hour updates. The Kinect wasn't even remotely reliable or useful the first time around and from what I've been reading, it is still buggy and inconsistent and the games that utilize it as a controller are still garbage. So why are they forcing me to pay $100 extra (which is why there is a price difference between the consoles [LINK]) for a device that constantly eats 10% of the GPU, which results in the 1080p/720p resolution difference?
December 6th, 2013 at 1:26 PM ^
#7 deserves extra attention. Sony's first party development has been way better than Microsoft's the past few years. Microsoft has really been phoning it in since around 2009, simply crapping out reptitive Halo and Gears of War iterations and doing essentially nothing to develop other new IPs. This year alone, Sony came out with a Sly Cooper game, a Ratchet and Clank game, The Last of Us, and Beyond: Two Souls. Nintendo has been pretty active with their first party titles too.
December 6th, 2013 at 1:12 PM ^
Don't buy either one now. Outside of maybe Dead Rising 3, all of the platform exclusives are donkey balls. I have a PS4 and it is going to collect dust until Infamous: Second Son comes out. All of the multiplatform games have been built with the XBox 360 as the lowest common denominator, so playing them on the PS4 or the XBox One doesn't get you much besides crisper graphics and faster loading times.
They will probably end up of equal value with the PS4 being cheaper. The XBox One isn't an all-encompassing entertainment system. It is essentially a gaming console combined with a voice-activated universal remote and an IR blaster. You still need your cable box/satellite receiver/DVR. An you still need to connect any other gaming system that you have directly to the TV, because the lag going through the XBone is reportedly really bad. The hoopla over the XBox's Kinect/voice commands is highly reminiscent of the hoopla over the Wii's shitty motion controls seven years ago. The XBox One will probably have a few party games that make good use of the Kinect and beyond that, it will be Halo, Gears of War, and whatever other exclusives they can get that make use of traditional controls that make it worth buying.
I can't wait until this dumb fucking gimmick era is done and gaming companies get back to just making games instead of trying to cram all of this shitty bloatware and gimmicky controls down our throats. The industry has wasted countless millions if not billions running in place ever since the original Wii came out.
December 6th, 2013 at 8:22 PM ^
To your last point...isn't that exactly what Sony is doing?