Sony PlayStation 4 and Microsoft Xbox One are the ruling giants of the gaming world. But which of these is the ultimate gaming console? This Techspirited article brings you the clash of the titans – PS4 Vs. Xbox One.
Astronomical Sales!
According to sales figures released by the two companies, by the end of 2013, Sony sold 4.2 million PlayStation 4 units in comparison to 3 million Xbox One units sold by Microsoft.
The year 2013 was probably one of the most awaited years of the decade. Nope, Haley’s comet was not coming around, nor was the supposed apocalypse called off (although I, for one, am pretty glad to still be around!) The past year may or may not have been special for most of us, but it sure was a year marked in gaming history, as it saw the unveiling of the greatest game consoles of the decade―the Microsoft Xbox One and the Sony PlayStation 4. Both platforms, in a little over a decade, have brought endless joy to millions of people across the globe. These magical machines have given wings to our imagination, with games that transport us into a whole new world, that of superheroes and mystical creatures, with the user at the helm of things playing the protagonist out to save the world.
So, lets cut to the chase here, and try to decide which of these is the ultimate game console? Both Xbox and the PlayStation have a massive fan following, with both factions staking claim to the title. With the release of the Sony PlayStation 4, and the Microsoft Xbox One close on its heels, this debate is hotter than ever. Both consoles bring in a gaming experience that promises to blow your socks off. Without further ado then, here’s a detailed look at the many strengths and the hidden weakness of these mighty beasts of the gaming world.
Image Source:
news.xbox.com
us.playstation.com
PlayStation 4
CPU: 1.6 GHz Single-chip x86 AMD “Jaguar” processor,8 cores
GPU:1.84 TFLOPS
Memory: 8GB GDDR5
Storage: 500 GB*
USB port: 2 x USB 3.0
Wi-Fi:802.11 b/g/n
Optical Drive: Blu-ray
Official Site: PS4
* expandable memory
Xbox One
CPU: 1.75 GHz Single-chip x86 AMD “Jaguar” processor,8 cores
GPU:1.31 TFLOPS
Memory: 8GB DDR3
Storage: 500 GB
USB port:3 x USB 3.0
Wi-Fi:802.11 a/b/g/n
Optical Drive: Blu-ray
Official Site: Xbox
PS4 Vs. Xbox One: Console
Sony PlayStation 4
The PS4 has a rather unique angular design, it has a part-matte, part-gloss body. It has dimensions of 275 x 53 x 305 mm, and weighs in at 2.75 kg. The slim construction of the console allows it to be placed vertically using a stand (sold separately). Up front is the Blu-Ray drive with 2 USB 3.0 ports, while the HDMI, Ethernet, digital audio out, and the proprietary auxiliary camera ports are at the back of the console. On the top is an LED status indicator.
At the heart of the PS4 is a custom single-chip x86 AMD “Jaguar” processor with 8 cores. Popular tech site, ExtremeTech reports that the processor is clocked in at 1.6 GHz. Graphics are handled by a powerful 1.84 teraFLOP AMD Radeon Graphics Core Next engine w/ 1152 shaders. There’s also 8 GB of GDDR5 RAM thrown into the mix, which ensures a super-smooth gaming experience. The console comes with 500 GB of storage space. The good news here is that you can upgrade the memory of the console without voiding its warranty. Other connectivity options include 802.11 b/g/n for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 2.1 to connect with the wireless controller.
Microsoft Xbox One
The Xbox One is one big, boxy console with a very industrial design. Taking cue from the first Xbox, the console features a part-matte and part-ridged body. The console has dimensions of 274 x 79 x 333 mm, and weighs a massive 3.56 kg. The front of the Xbox One has the Blu-Ray disc slot and the Xbox indicator light. The back of the console is full of ‘port holes’ which include HDMI in, HDMI out, Kinect, optical audio out, ethernet, IR out, and two USB 3.0 ports. The power adapter also plugs in here. The rest of the sides of the console are bare, except for the right side that houses another USB 3.0 port. The new-improved Kinect also comes out of the box with the console. It now has a much better motion-sensing system in place, and supports gestures and simple voice commands, apart from being a great motion-gaming tool. It can now detect up to 6 people at once, picks up heart rates, and detects facial expressions and 25 joints!
The Xbox One is powered by the same custom single-chip x86 1.6 GHz AMD “Jaguar” processor with 8 cores CPU as found on the PS4. According to ExtremeTech, the processor on the One, though, is slightly overclocked at 1.75 GHz. A 853 MHz 1.31 teraFLOP AMD Radeon GPU w/ 768 shaders GPU churns out crisp graphics. 8 GB of DDR3 RAM ensures that there are no hiccups while gaming. The console packs 500 GB of non-user accessible storage. Its set of connectivity options include 802.11 a/b/g/n dual-band Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi Direct.
In layman’s terms …
The Xbox One has a slight advantage when it comes to data processing, which should benefit most of its additional functionality, considering it is more of an entertainment system than just a console. This doesn’t, however, translate into a vastly better gaming experience than the PS4. In fact, when it comes to pure graphics, the PS4 outclasses the Xbox One, with its superior GPU. Sony also gets a few more brownie points for its expandable storage option. Microsoft may, however, argue that cloud storage is the future. For now though, Sony edges ahead of MS. As both are meant for gaming rather than act as showpieces, we haven’t really considered the overall looks of the consoles, although we must admit that the bulky Xbox One, with its horrendous power brick, is definitely not the prettiest sight around. The Kinect which was considered an abomination on the Xbox 360 has redeemed itself, and now makes for a great way to interact with the console (console can also be used without the Kinect).
PS4 Vs. Xbox One: Controller
Sony PlayStation 4
The all new DualShock4 controller for the PS4 is one of its unique selling points. The entire design and the shape of the buttons are a lot more ergonomic and feel great in the hand. The buttons have a good tactile feedback and feel solid. The main highlight of the controller is the light bar in the front. Apart from glowing in different colors depending on the on-screen notifications, it can also be used to show the health status of a player in the game. The controller also features a nice touchpad which is extremely convenient to navigate through the UI of the console. It even finds its use in certain games. It also has a built-in mono speaker, a 6-axis motion sensor, USB port (Micro B), extension port, and a stereo headset jack. The DualShock4 has an internal rechargeable battery which makes it perfect for hardcore gamers.
Microsoft Xbox One
The new controller on the Microsoft Xbox One is a lot better than the one on its predecessor. The controller feels a lot smaller and lighter and fits snugly in your hands. The controls themselves have been changed around a little, and they take a leaf out of the DualShock4 controller. It now features Impulse Triggers which deliver vibration feedback to your fingertips. It also has a proprietary audio port to plug in a compatible headset. It has a range of up to 30 ft. Apart from this, the company claims that the new controller brings in about 40 innovations in total.
In layman’s terms …
Now, this surely boils down to a matter of choice. Gamers used to a particular platform will have little trouble in adjusting to the new-age controllers. We, personally, prefer the DualShock4 controller over the one on the Xbox One, as it is a lot better laid out, and the touchpad really makes for a great navigation tool. The Xbox One controller brings in a lot of innovations, but the lack of an internal rechargeable battery out of the box can be quite a deal breaker.
PS4 Vs. Xbox One: Software
Sony PlayStation 4
The Sony PS3 was a great multimedia device which drew a lot of praise from all quarters for its media-centric approach. The PS4, on the other hand, is a hardcore gaming console with no frills attached. It does, however, retain basic features like video streaming (Netflix, Vudu, Amazon Instant Video, etc.) and music streaming via the company’s Music Unlimited app. The console’s UI itself is fairly easy to use and is not cluttered. The touchpad on the DualShock4 makes navigation through the screens an absolute breeze. The social networking abilities of the console are really good, and let users post game clips on Facebook and Twitter with minimum fuss.
Microsoft Xbox One
The Xbox One resorts to a Metro UI-esque interface. The UI features a lot of app tiles which can be browsed through either the controller, or voice, or gesture commands. Navigating using voice commands can get rather frustrating as, on many an occasion, you may need to repeat the commands more than once. The console can easily replace the entertainment system in your living room as it features media options like video streaming (YouTube, Netflix), music streaming (Xbox Music), live TV streaming , VOIP calling, etc. The OneGuide app on the console gives you access to TV listings, and it can easily replace your set-top box. The console also lets you share your game clips with your friends on Facebook and Twitter in real-time.
In layman’s terms …
Both devices are brilliant in their own ways when it comes to software features. The PS4 chooses to put gaming first, and offers a clean and simple interface to easily get to your games. The Xbox One takes a completely different approach and aims to take over your living room with its many media capabilities. While video streaming, Skype calling, and music streaming are really smooth, the TV streaming on the Xbox One can be called, at best, a work in progress. Nonetheless, it is fairly easy to hop, skip, and jump, right onto your game tile. We must admit though, that we aren’t big fans of the Windows Phone UI, and would have preferred a toned-down interface instead. Also, the more advanced RAM on the PS4 means that there is almost no lag when browsing through screens and multitasking, while the Xbox One just lags behind a bit.
PS4 Vs. Xbox One: Gaming experience
Sony PlayStation 4
The powerful hardware on the console ensures that gaming is an absolute breeze on this console. The graphics are truly stunning and life-like, especially on Sony’s in-house game titles. The incredible detailing does not weigh down on the PS4, which goes about its business without breaking a sweat. There are a handful of games available for the platform right now, with a long list of games in the offing.
Microsoft Xbox One
The gaming experience on the Xbox One is vastly better than that on the 360. Microsoft have released a lot of titles for the platform, and there are more waiting in the wings. You can expect a lot of games coming in from indie developers, thanks to the company’s rather generous developer offering (each Xbox One acts as a developer kit).
In layman’s terms …
Gaming experience is fairly subjective as it is all about what games you choose to play. Both platforms offer some real nice exclusive games which are bound to wow you. The PS4, however, has the upper hand when it comes to cross platform games, which undoubtedly look a lot more detailed and crisp on the console. Microsoft more than compensates for that by offering free developer kits to Xbox One users. This is bound to ensure a steady stream of independent game titles hitting the markets for the One. Having said that, let us tell you that both consoles are incredibly good when it comes to gaming, and we would be nitpicking if we chose one over the other for the graphics, as it most certainly is not a deal breaker here. You might also want to keep in mind that, currently, there are very few games in the market that exploit the true potential of these gaming behemoths. For now, it is pretty much even stevens.
PS4 Vs. Xbox One: Which is better?
Gamers, the world over, have been longing for an out-of-the-world gaming experience, and that is something both consoles deliver. It all boils down to what you want out of your console. If you are media-savvy gaming enthusiasts, then the Microsoft Xbox One would make the perfect companion. If, however, you are a no-nonsense gamer who couldn’t care lesser about the add-on multimedia features (and would love to brag about how the game looks a tad better on your console than your friend’s One), then look no further, the Sony PlayStation 4 is made for you. Also, the Sony PlayStation 4 retails for about USD 100 lesser than the Microsoft Xbox One. You might want to keep in mind though, that the One ships with the Kinect (Sony’s PlayStation 4 Eye would cost you an additional 100 USD or more).
Whichever of these consoles you opt for, you are bound to be one happy gamer. Both consoles are worthy contenders for the title of the ultimate game machine. This debate is bound to rage on in the coming years, and it’s highly unlikely that either of these heavyweights is gonna concede defeat. The prices of these consoles are unlikely to change by much at least for the next couple of months or so. So, if you’ve been waiting to get your hands on your next-gen gaming console, now would be as good a time as any. Happy gaming then. Cheers.