PlayStation 4 --VS-- Xbox One

Girlfriend Perspective ;)

I spent this afternoon scouring the PlayStation and Xbox websites, filling my overcrowded brain with considerably useless information. It is obvious to me, and everyone else on the planet, that there is going to be a major showdown between PlayStation 4 and Xbox One sometime in November. Both consoles are rumored to be released sometime during that month. Obviously, they want to get it on the market before the Christmas holiday, and PlayStation will definitely want to schedule a release near the same time as Xbox so they can cash in on the price difference.

The Xbox One will cost a pricey $499, while the PlayStation 4 will only cost $399. Everyone has to understand that the Xbox One price also includes the Kinect Sensor, which SURPRISE, is required in order for the system to work. The PlayStation 4 offers a Kinect equivalent, but it may seem too strenuous to some people having to purchase it separately (if you decide to purchase it at all). Personally, I find the entire ‘camera watching you while you play’ scenario pretty creepy. Even creepier than that is the stalking capabilities Xbox One will support. With a simple oral request to your fancy, new Kinect, you will be able to find out exactly what TV shows your friends are watching. According to xbox.com, “you’ll be part of the most exciting social entertainment network in the world.” ALSO, people will be calling you up from Indonesia, like, “what’s up? I watch Gilmore Girls religiously also!”

If you didn’t like the matchmaking for Xbox360, prepare yourself for some excitement! Xbox One’s new “revolutionary multiplayer matchmaking system” will use something referred to as “Smart Match” which uses advanced algorithms (set of rules for solving problems) to pair players based on skill, language, and reputation. This means that you will be playing with people who are most like you. No more of this nonsense about getting your butt kicked by players far better than you are, let alone befriending them. I wonder if they will take accent into consideration. I know I would rather play with people who talk with the same southern twang as me…. (not really).

Enough about the Xbox One for now, let’s discuss the PlayStation 4! I’m not sure about multiplayer matchmaking, but the PlayStation 4 will learn your likes and dislikes, so BE CAREFUL not to change your mind about certain things or it may get confused! Once it “gets to know you,” it will allow you to discover content pre-loaded and ready to go on your console in your favorite game genres or by your favorite creators. I have to say, I think this was a fantastic idea. In my experience, the creators of one GREAT game, will most likely create another GREAT game. Who knows, there could be countless awesome games out there that you have never played because you didn’t know they existed! It’s a Netflix-esque quality that will definitely help rather than annoy. Less can be said about Xbox One’s insanely complicated multitasking operations.

Xbox.com described the new console as a “state-of-the-art gaming console, a new generation TV and movie system and a whole lot more.” In my opinion, WAY too much more! Gamers, the gamers I know, are not interested in purchasing a console solely because it can play video games, TV, Skype, Netflix, Music, and Apps ALL AT ONCE. I, personally, am not interested in it as a personal computer system either. Xbox One will be running three Operating Systems at the same time in order to ensure smooth operating of all these innate functions. I am curious to see someone trying to cope with the confusion this system will most likely provide.

The PlayStation 4 will be offering Remote Play, while Xbox One has nothing similar. This is good and bad. Gaming on a 5-inch screen proves very difficult, but entertaining if you’re bored enough. And since it has to be connected to the same local area network as the PlayStation 4, you will most likely only be able to access gameplay at home. If you’re at home, why not play PlayStation on the big TV, instead of your Vita? It will be a very handy feature if you have children. If you have control of the PlayStation 4 and your kid wants to play on it, tell them to play it on their Vita…. Handy!

Both systems will be offering mobile apps. Xbox Smartglass will turn your mobile phone or tablet into a second screen that can intelligently interact with your console. From your mobile device, you will be able to navigate the Web on your TV. According to xbox.com your wireless device will become the “ideal companion to your Xbox One.” Xbox Smartglass will offer extended experiences of your favorite TV shows, movies, music, games, and sports. Once again, WAY too much, Xbox!  The “PlayStation App” will enable iPhone, iPad, and Android-based smartphones and tablets to become a second screen also. It will differ from Xbox in that the second screen will function as a helper for GAMING. I’m sure Xbox Smartglass will offer gaming help, but with far too much complication. The PlayStation App will allow users to view game items, purchase PS4 games and download them directly to the console at home. It will also offer remote viewing of other gamers’ gameplay on their devices.

Most people will find it intriguing that Xbox One’s all come with a Kinect Sensor, but I don’t. The Kinect Sensor must be connected to the Xbox One console in order for it to function. Also required is a 720p or higher HDMI-compatible TV, a Microsoft account, and an account on Xbox Live in an Xbox One-supported Xbox Live country/region. Fine print at the bottom of xbox.com states, “Features and requirements are under development and may change prior to release. Available features and contents may vary by country. Advanced TV and hardware required for Xbox One. Broadband internet (ISP fees apply) required for Xbox Live. Xbox Live Gold and/or additional requirements apply for some features. Games sold separately.” Also in fine print: “Xbox One system software uses a significant amount of storage; less internal storage will be available to users.” I wonder exactly how much internal storage the Xbox One does use. It would not bode well for consumers to receive their new Xbox One’s to find that they have 30GB’s of space for games, music, TV, Skype, etc., etc., etc.

PlayStation 4 is sticking with Blu-ray, naturally, with Xbox One upgrading to Blu-ray. Yay! Finally, something good about the Xbox One! Let’s hear it for Microsoft! There have been changes to both systems controllers, which I am nervous about. My small hands make it difficult for me to find a controller comfortable. I believe my favorite controller will remain to be the Super Nintendo Entertainment System controller. J Xbox One claims there will be OVER 40 technology innovations. I cannot wrap my head around 40 things to change about a controller… Xbox refers to the controller as the “best controller we’ve ever made.” It has New Impulse Triggers which provide precise fingertip feedback for more realistic experiences, streamlined thumbsticks, D-pad, and contours for improved precision and comfort. PlayStation 4 is sticking with Dualshock. I have always preferred the Xbox Controller over the PlayStation controller, but from what I’ve seen PlayStation has melded with Xbox to create a controller I will surely LOVE! …I hope. The Dualshock 4 will have familiar controls, incorporating new ways to interact with games and players. It will provide improved analog sticks and trigger buttons, which will account for a greater sense of control. It will also feature a capacitive touch pad, which will offer endless potential for new gameplay possibilities.

Each console’s inner workings are, in my eyes, identical, except for the Xbox One’s running of three operating systems. I see no problems there… Unless the Xbox One’s system software takes up an ungodly amount of space, in which case, consumers will be pissed!

Included in the BOX for the Xbox One Day One Edition is: console, Kinect, commemorative controller (while supplies last), exclusive achievement (while supplies last), and HDMI cable. All for the low, low (just kidding) price of $499. Included in the PlayStation 4 BOX is: console, controller, Wired Mono Headset, power cable, HDMI cable and USB charging cable, all for the considerably and surprisingly low price of $399. Break out your checkbook, people!

GAMES I’M EXCITED ABOUT for XBOX ONE: Forza Motorsport 5, RYSE Son of Rome, Dead Rising 3, Call of Duty: Ghosts, Battlefield 4.

GAMES I’M EXCITED ABOUT for PLAYSTATION 4: The Order: 1886, Call of Duty: Ghosts, Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag, Battlefield 4, Destiny.

It’s up to you which console you decide to go with. I have already made my decision, and I hope my day of researching has helped you make yours. Good luck with your gaming, my friends.