Despite it being some time since these consoles released fans are still arguing about which one is better. For those who have held off on getting either it may be a bit difficult to decide which one to buy. To you say: fear no longer! I the amazing Zlinqx will provide you with all the information you could need!.. Or at least the things I think people will find relevant

So I've decided to do this a bit differently compared to how most people do it. In stead of comparing the consoles in different aspects I'll be splitting it into three sections. "Why you should buy a PlayStation 4", "Why you should buy an Xbox One" and "Miscellaneous factors". I'll be listing my top reasons for what I find each console does better than the other in the first two sections. In the last section I'll talk about other important factors where I found neither to be outright superior. Sounds good? Then let's get started.

Why you should buy a PlayStation 4

While the PlayStation 4 being the better console or not is subject to opinion it is the more popular one, being my personal primary gaming platform. In some ways it isn't hard to see why so let us take a look at what it has to offer over the Xbox One.

1. The Games

The deciding factor for many. A lot of time can be spent arguing about the different exclusives and which is better. What can be said from a purely objective standpoint is that the PS4 has many more exclusive games. Having something within almost every genre meaning you likely have a much bigger chance of finding something you will enjoy. For the skeptics here are some links:


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_PlayStation_4_games
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Xbox_One_games

There are 100 PS4 exclusives and 94 Sony exclusives (games exclusive to Sony consoles). While only having 33 Xbox One Exclusives and a measly 5 Microsoft exclusive games. Which indicates that there's a lot more variety on the PS4. Of course the numbers won't matter if the games aren't good. So let's talk about that.

The PS4 does have many games that have received widespread praise like Bloodborne, Uncharted 4: A Thief's End, Ratchet&Clank, Until Dawn, Infamous: Second Son and more. This is also not including the many more games that are currently in the works like Persona 5, Horizon: Zero Dawn and The Last Guardian. The console features a good mix of new IPs and established franchises. Also worth noting is that typically more games from PC makes its way over to the PS4 than Xbox One. Particularly noticeable with games like Street Fighter V, No Man's Sky and tons of Indie Game offerings on PSN not found on the Xbox Live Store.
 
Xbox One doesn't have a lot of big name exclusives sadly. The main games it has going for it is Halo 5: Guardians and Gears of War 4 (which hasn't been released yet). Both are shooters which if you're someone who primarily enjoys shooters may sway you but it doesn't leave a lot for fans of other genres. Some other big exclusives are Sunset Overdrive and Quantum Break, with the last mentioned getting relatively mixed reviews. It used to have the Fable series as well but hopes of new Fable games are pretty much gone with Lionheart Studios being shut down. Other than that it's also worth nothing that a lot of these exclusive games are kinect games. Which most people reading this article will probably not have the slightest interest in.

2. Performance

While I could sit here comparing the specs the truth is that is probably not going to interest most people as it is relatively similar. Really it won't matter if one has a 0.15 ghz faster processor if it doesn't take advantage of it.

What does matter is that the PS4 has shown itself to have the edge in this regard. This is best illustrated in the 3rd party releases for both consoles. You will notice that the PS4 has more games running at 1080p or 900p (when that's the native resolution) compared to the Xbox One which is ocassionally stuck at an inferior 900p or 720p. Examples of this are Call of Duty: Ghosts, Assassins Creed IV: Black Flag, Battlefield 4, Destiny, Middle Earth: Shadow of Mordor, Metro Redux and quite a few other big releases. The same goes for the frame rate with the PS4 having some games running at 60 fps which were locked at 30fps on Xbox One like Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition and Warframe.

Source: http://www.ign.com/wikis/xbox-one/PS4_vs._Xbox_One_Native_Resolutions_and_Framerates

While it probably won't be the deciding factor for most people it can make a very real visual difference in some games. It's worth keeping in mind for those who want the best possible experience since it does speak for the capabilities of the console.

3. The Design

Lastly while it's a simple and to some a petty point to make, I think it's one that should be made nonetheless. The PS4 simply looks a lot sleeker than the Xbox One which essentially looks like a giant brick.Nobody wants a giant brick sitting next to their TV. It is also both thinner and less wide making it more appropriate for those who may not have a lot of space.

Why you should buy an Xbox One

Me being primarily a PlayStation 4 gamer you may have thought this review would be completely in favor of buying the PlayStation 4. Well if so you were wrong because the list of what the Xbox One does better is not a short one either.

1. Games With Gold

If you're picking up either console chances are you will also be picking up a PS+ or Xbox Gold membership as it's required for online multiplayer in most games. Through this each membership also offers two "free" games. I use that word lightly because you're still paying for them through the service and it's closer to a rental as you'll be unable to play them once your membership ends.

Regardless of that you will likely be looking to have an active membership .These games can provide a great instant addition to your library. So what exactly makes Games With Gold superior to PS+ games? Simply put the value of the games. It constantly features AAA games and many highly regarded games which has been a much more rare sight on the PS4 side of things. Some examples of this are: Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, Killer Instinct Ultra Edition: Season One, The Wolf Among Us, Metal Gear V: Ground Zeroes (it has been on PS4 as well but was on XB1 much closer to release), Sunset Overdrive and The Crew. While there have been exceptions on PS4  featuring a few big games like NBA 2K16 this month as well as Tropico 5 or Zombi these are few and not exactly as popular offerings either. PS+ also in general largely seems to consist of cheaper indie games that have had more mixed responses. Leading to many current owners including myself having been dissatisfied. 

I've also personally noticed more people seem to prefer big releases that will last for a while so I think most people are probably going to prefer Games with Gold in this regard. It's really good for gamers who are on a tight budget but don't want to have their options limited to purely single player games.

2. Backwards Compatibility

This point is an important one not only for Xbox 360 owners but also those potentially making the switch from other consoles who may want to experience Xbox 360 games they never got the chance to. Right now, Xbox One features selective backwards compatibility. Selective as in only a few games will play on it but this includes many big releases with more being added as time goes on. Compare this to the PS4 which disappointingly currently has no backwards compatibility options

For a full record of compatible games see the official list on the xbox website: http://www.xbox.com/en-US/xbox-one/backward-compatibility/available-games

3. The Price

I cannot make an exact comparison at this point because I realize it varies from country to country and it may possibly be cheaper to pick up a PlayStation 4 in some but I'll try talking about it more generally. It used to be that the Xbox One was the most expensive due to at first retailing with the Kinect bundled. It was later made optional however making it about equal in price and now due to it being less popular console overall you can typically find the 1tb version for around the price you would a 500gb PlayStation 4 and with some pretty good game bundles.

Let me tell you as someone who was stupid enough to pick up his console the year after launch that if you plan on getting a lot of games that memory fills up fast and it is not going to be fun un installing and reinstalling games as it can take hours. So if you know that you're likely going to do so the Xbox One is probably going to the best choice for your wallet (it also supports external hard drives unlike the PS4 which is another plus).

Miscellaneous Factors


1. The Controller

I decided to make this a separate point as I felt it's too subjective and with me spending more time with the PS4 controller I'm likely to have a bit of a skewed opinion on this one. As for notable differences the XB1 controller is more weighty while the Dualshock 4 controller is less bulky but wider. I personally prefer how the Dualshock 4 is a bit more lightweight as I think it's easier on the wrists during longer gaming sessions. The XB1 controller retains the same analog stick layout as the x360 controller not being symmetrical while the Dualshock 4 analog sticks are with the dpad situated opposite to the buttons. Which is something you're either going to like or dislike additionally being good or bad depending on what games you're playing for example fighting games. Additionally the Xbox One has the unified dpad while the Dualshock 4 consists of separate buttons. These are the most notable differences I've found in terms of the layout.

Worth mentioning is that the Dualshock 4 has some features the XB1 controller lacks. The touch pad and the controller speaker. The touch aspect itself is one that seems to be mostly employed as a gimmick in games. A neat function though is that it doubles as a button which can be very useful as it frees up the use of other buttons, for example when using it to pause in various games. The speaker while not that impressive in most games, I have found a use for in some where it can be used to add to the atmosphere.

2. Kinect

I decided to talk about this separately since it does add to the price and is going to be something the vast majority will not care about. For the few that do though Microsoft has gone a long way in developing the Kinect, in the past it was competitive with the PlayStation Move but that really isn't the case anymore. They are without a doubt the clear champions in terms of motion gaming today. In turn making motion gaming a lot more responsive on the Xbox One.

Which singlehandedly makes the Xbox One superior

Conclusion

Hopefully this helps those stuck in the previous console generation finally decide which one they may want to get. If you had already decided I hope you found this interesting to read to see some of the more positive aspects of the opposing console.

Be on the look out in the future as I bring you news and new perspectives on the world of gaming!


 

I really really really realllyyy enjoyed reading this. I mean I never read articles, but you told me about it. And I decided to read it. Its something I would read everytime you post it. There is a lot of factors here you put in which drawed me on to read further to understand more about the consoles itself. And that I thank you for. And as for my choice I am not sure, but I do plan on getting a ps4 in the near future. Mainly because of Destiny. XD

Please let me know when you do your next one.

Thanks for your analysis. You clearly had preference, but you made sure to give the underdog some praise as well. Very informative. Thanks for sharing, my good friend.

You forgot to mention that the PS4 also has voice control like the xbone.
It doesn't work as well though...

Eniitan : Thanks, I've heard some good things about Destiny. It had a pretty bad launch but it's seemingly improved a lot since, fan of bungie games will likely enjoy it.

Ultrajeff : Yeah It's obviously down to preference. I do believe the Xbox One might be the better choice for some which is why I decided to do it in this format. Glad you found it informative.

Vanelan : Yeah, I don't think that something most people are going to care for though. This was less about covering every single feature they have and more the major things I felt were worth talking about. From my experience with both consoles it's a lot more cumbersome than simply using the button commands in stead. Not to mention it makes you look like a total dork

I figured it was worth mentioning since you did mention the kinect and motion control.
And TBH, I dunno if that would make the XBONE superior as you struck out since its a gimmick...

Vanelan : Well I figured the kinect was more worth mentioning because it ties into a big part of its game library. It's something some people are going to get enjoyment out of even if that doesn't hold for most reading (which is why I listed it under miscellaneous factors and not as a reason for buying the xbox one). The voice commands to me are something that's supposed to make things more convenient except it's actually less convenient because of how it doesn't always pick things up. Serves more as a gimmick to show off in commercials than anything.

Zlinqx : I played destiny originally on the ps3 and I played it like everyday before enjoying myself. Of course, the ps3 belongs to my brother so sadly I don't have one of my own. :/