With rumors flying around the release of Microsoft’s and Sony’s newest respective consoles, there’s more than enough for gamers to be excited about this year. While the release details of the Xbox One are still unconfirmed, it’s been set in stone that the PlayStation 4 will be gracing the shelves by the end of the year. But what can we expect?
The launch dates
The reveal on the 21st May confirmed that the Xbox One is set to be released by the end of the year, or just after Christmas 2014. Given the fact that the PlayStation 4 has been confirmed for release this year, there’s reason enough to speculate that a rush will be placed on Microsoft’s new console to hit the shelves in time for Christmas.
The exact release date for the Xbox One will be revealed at E3 in June.
The features
Both new consoles have been attributed with the rumor that games for the consoles will be accessible as download-only software. For the Xbox One, it was suggested that games would only be playable after downloading them, and games for the PlayStation 4 were rumored to be one use only in order to cut out the sale of pre-owned games.
However, it’s been confirmed that the games will still be issued in disc format and without any one-use formats, so there’s no reason for second hand stores to be worried.
A new feature set for the PlayStation 4 is the integration of smart devices into gameplay. Players will be able to use their iPhones and smart devices as a ‘remote play’ option, and use them as a second screen. There’s been rumors of this capability for the Xbox One, but nothing is confirmed as of yet.
It looks like the Xbox One controller won’t be differing too much from previous incarnations, but the PlayStation 3 is sporting a brand new revamp on its time-tested Dual Shock controller.
For the first time, an interactive touch screen has been included in the design. Not only does it look pretty swanky, but it’s no doubt going to add a deeper level to gameplay.
Specifications and performance
Below is an infographic from netvouchercodes.co.uk, detailing the ins and outs of the Xbox one vs PlayStation 4 consoles’ hardware specifications. It might still be early days to decide which one you’re planning on treating yourself to – but some retailers have already started taking advance orders.
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View Comments (3)
I'm a pretty dedicated Xbox fan. It's pretty funny how they choose the names (360 degrees = one, to an extent). Bluetooth on the PS4 does seem better, though.
I prefer the xbox too since the majority of my friends have one. Todd goes PS3 though. The biggest new addition for xbox one I think is the Blu-Ray feature.
I am an Xbox fan and I think the One is going to be good. I don't like the fact that you can't play 360 games on it, but I realize that the architecture is completely different.