Well it's officially started. The console wars are in full effect and both the Microsoft users and Sony users are slinging mud and pledging their allegiance to the brand. In the previous generation of consoles Microsoft's XBOX 360 was heralded as the leader, for the most part, while Sony struggled to find it's footing. Microsoft used their vast marketing clout to push the 360 into homes even when it began to come to light that there were some major engineering and manufacturing defects in many of the units. The 360 did enjoy many years in the limelight but eventually was overshadowed by the PlayStation 3 as the 7th generation moved along. I'd like to take a look at the closing of the 7th generation of gaming consoles before giving my brief opinion on the 8th generation as it ramps up. Before continuing I will state I do NOT own a PlayStation 4 or XBOX One. I will most likely be purchasing a PlayStation 4 as I have been with the Sony brand since PlayStation 1 and have never, ever, had a bad experience with any Sony game console. As it stands my PlayStation 2 is still working and I occasionally will play games on it when there is no other electronic entertainment available in my home. My PlayStation 3 is hooked into the main TV in the living room and I waited until last year to finally make the jump to the 7th generation. I'm glad I waited as well since I was able to get the PS3 Super Slim at a nice price, hardware that had only gotten more efficient over time, and access to a huge game library. Let's take a look back at the 7th generation consoles so we can look forward with better understanding of the 8th generation consoles.
Back in 2005 Microsoft released the XBOX 360 to much fanfare. During the 6th generation Microsoft was the late guest to the party, and while the XBOX sold well and maintained itself as a serious contender it was unable to hold a candle to the flame of the PlayStation 2. The XBOX 360 did make some choices that I still find questionable such as the insistence of using HD DVD as a "next generation" high technology device. I also found it bizarre that this HD DVD drive was an external add-on as opposed to something built in as the XBOX 360 evolved and went through product revisions. Microsoft also did not include rechargeable battery packs for their controllers, instead opting to have them as a purchasable add-on. The battery packs I can almost overlook, but Microsoft not fully embracing HD DVD made it painfully obvious they did not want to put all their eggs in a basket with a clear hole in it, that hole being Sony's forthcoming Blu-ray media capable of holding much more data on a single disc.
In 2006 Sony finally began shipping PlayStation 3 to the retail market. With it's outrageously high price tag and the fact that it was swimming against the tide of the XBOX 360 made many consumers and reviewers alike doubt the console would ever last. The PlayStation 3 was even considered a technical blunder and was considered by many to be one of the worst pieces of technology EVER. The hardware configuration was exotic and this left many developers with a bad taste in their mouth as the console was difficult to program for. However, the PlayStation 3 would eventually surpass the XBOX 360 in terms of graphical fidelity mostly due to the enhanced storage capabilities of Blu-ray. The controller also housed an internal rechargeable battery. Over time many developers who originally lambasted the PlayStation 3 would eventually recant their comments and the console became well received.
One of the most technically attractive options for both consoles was the ability to connect them to the internet for downloading games and playing with other people. The mid-200's however saw an explosion of the Internet as broadband connections became more widespread and less cost prohibitive to consumers. Microsoft was the undisputed ruler of the multiplayer scene with the XBOX 360. XBOX Live was introduced on the first XBOX, but it's true potential would be exposed on the XBOX 360. For many this was the first time they could voice chat with other players in their favorite games and it introduced a whole new level of connectivity to gamers. The service was easy to use and as such many gamers quickly embraced it and XBOX Live became the gold standard for Internet connected consoles. This ease of access came at a price though as XBOX Live users had to pay for full access to the the suite of options. Sony took a different approach and maintained that this service should be free for their consumers. They eventually released PlayStation Plus, a subscription service that allowed consumers access to free games, demos, early releases, etc. While PlayStation 3 allowed gamers cooperative multiplayer for free, their online capabilities paled in comparison to the fluid, easy access that XBOX Live offered.
Both consoles also began to foray into motion tracking game controlling though it's arguable who stood at the top. The PlayStation 3 would see the Move add-on accessory which consisted of a camera and two hand held wands. The camera would track movement via the wands and was usually highly accurate in interpreting movement. XBOX received the Kinect add-on, a camera used to track the players movement without any hand held devices. However, Kinect usually had a more difficult time interpreting the movement of the player's body. The full utilization of both of these add-on devices seems to have had limited utilization on both consoles, however Kinect was regarded as more technologically advanced as it did not require the use of external devices to work. While the Move was more accurate, Kinect was simply easier to use.
And now we look forward to the 8th generation of game consoles. While the 7th generation clumsily introduced us to new technology and methods of interacting with each other, the 8th generation seems poised to refine what the generation previous had started. The XBOX One and PlayStation 4 both have high definition camera accessories, though Microsoft is seeing the peripheral as a required component for the console while Sony is still maintaining the view that their add on is an optional device. As for the controllers both companies have completely redesigned their handheld devices, though many critics seem to still consider the XBOX controller as the superior choice.
In terms of hardware, both consoles seem to be closely related to one another save for a few slight changes. What is currently understood is the PlayStation 4 does have the technological advantage over the XBOX One. Both consoles are also equipped with built-in Blu-ray drives so the matter of storage restrictions is a thing of the past. Also, both companies are aggressively over-hauling the online capabilities of their consoles and the services designed to deliver them into the homes of their consumers. Time must pass before the full extent of each consoles strengths and weaknesses become apparent. As developers learn to maximize each console I'm sure we will all be treated to some eye-melting visuals regardless of platform.
While graphics may be one of the most important aspects of what is considered a "good game", both Microsoft and Sony are taking very different stances as to what their consoles actually do. Sony is in the camp that their console is for the gamer so to speak, and as such they are promoting the PlayStation 4 as a graphical powerhouse and that its first job is to play games with multimedia applications coming in second. This is a turnaround from the notion that the PlayStation 3 would be the one device needed to enjoy all formats of electronic media. While the PlayStation 3 did these things well, that console is still mainly a gaming machine. Sony has released the PlayStation 4 stripped of it's ability to handle many media types, a function its younger brother had and was considered by many a main selling point of the console. Microsoft, on the other hand, is seated in the notion that the XBOX One will certainly be the one device you need as it not only handles multimedia applications, it also replaces your set top DVR and may even act as a remote control for your entire television experience. So as Sony truncates the applications the PlayStation 4 can handle, Microsoft is set to expand theirs just as much. Whether or not Sony will readmit multimedia capabilities via patches is a question only time will answer. What is also unclear is which ideology consumers will embrace. Will they side with Microsoft and the concept of the XBOX One taking place of everything you need for your TV, or will they move closer to the Sony side and be more accepting of a console that does gaming first and everything else second and in some cases, as it stands as of the publication of this article, not at all?
This time around both consoles are being released only days apart from one another so the matter of one company having more time to generate an install base will be relatively flat. While the PlayStation 4 will be available first, the fact that XBOX One will be available only days after will not have much of an impact on the sales of either console. Many comments I've read have consumers stating they will be purchasing BOTH consoles, though if will pan out is debatable. The numbers will speak for themselves as the 8th generation continues to roll on. Many people have stated that XBOX One will have better exclusive titles and a more robust initial game array for those brave consumers who will enter the 8th generation at its inception. What is clear is both Microsoft and Sony, along with their fans, are battling each other for who will be considered the "winner" of the new console wars.
I hope you enjoyed reading my OPINIONS of the emerging console wars. Be aware that while I have been following the development and release of both consoles I do not own either one, nor do I plan to buy on in the immediate future. I feel it is best to wait after new products are released to make sure there are no critical hardware or manufacturing problems. So please take into account these opinions are formed by someone without hands on experience with either brand. Please feel free to comment below but KEEP IT CIVIL! I'm really tired of "fanboyism", which is the arrogant, obnoxious, flagrantly disrespectful defense of any brand. I have no problem with cursing, but try to keep the name calling and outright attacks on others to a minimum.
Back in 2005 Microsoft released the XBOX 360 to much fanfare. During the 6th generation Microsoft was the late guest to the party, and while the XBOX sold well and maintained itself as a serious contender it was unable to hold a candle to the flame of the PlayStation 2. The XBOX 360 did make some choices that I still find questionable such as the insistence of using HD DVD as a "next generation" high technology device. I also found it bizarre that this HD DVD drive was an external add-on as opposed to something built in as the XBOX 360 evolved and went through product revisions. Microsoft also did not include rechargeable battery packs for their controllers, instead opting to have them as a purchasable add-on. The battery packs I can almost overlook, but Microsoft not fully embracing HD DVD made it painfully obvious they did not want to put all their eggs in a basket with a clear hole in it, that hole being Sony's forthcoming Blu-ray media capable of holding much more data on a single disc.
In 2006 Sony finally began shipping PlayStation 3 to the retail market. With it's outrageously high price tag and the fact that it was swimming against the tide of the XBOX 360 made many consumers and reviewers alike doubt the console would ever last. The PlayStation 3 was even considered a technical blunder and was considered by many to be one of the worst pieces of technology EVER. The hardware configuration was exotic and this left many developers with a bad taste in their mouth as the console was difficult to program for. However, the PlayStation 3 would eventually surpass the XBOX 360 in terms of graphical fidelity mostly due to the enhanced storage capabilities of Blu-ray. The controller also housed an internal rechargeable battery. Over time many developers who originally lambasted the PlayStation 3 would eventually recant their comments and the console became well received.
One of the most technically attractive options for both consoles was the ability to connect them to the internet for downloading games and playing with other people. The mid-200's however saw an explosion of the Internet as broadband connections became more widespread and less cost prohibitive to consumers. Microsoft was the undisputed ruler of the multiplayer scene with the XBOX 360. XBOX Live was introduced on the first XBOX, but it's true potential would be exposed on the XBOX 360. For many this was the first time they could voice chat with other players in their favorite games and it introduced a whole new level of connectivity to gamers. The service was easy to use and as such many gamers quickly embraced it and XBOX Live became the gold standard for Internet connected consoles. This ease of access came at a price though as XBOX Live users had to pay for full access to the the suite of options. Sony took a different approach and maintained that this service should be free for their consumers. They eventually released PlayStation Plus, a subscription service that allowed consumers access to free games, demos, early releases, etc. While PlayStation 3 allowed gamers cooperative multiplayer for free, their online capabilities paled in comparison to the fluid, easy access that XBOX Live offered.
Both consoles also began to foray into motion tracking game controlling though it's arguable who stood at the top. The PlayStation 3 would see the Move add-on accessory which consisted of a camera and two hand held wands. The camera would track movement via the wands and was usually highly accurate in interpreting movement. XBOX received the Kinect add-on, a camera used to track the players movement without any hand held devices. However, Kinect usually had a more difficult time interpreting the movement of the player's body. The full utilization of both of these add-on devices seems to have had limited utilization on both consoles, however Kinect was regarded as more technologically advanced as it did not require the use of external devices to work. While the Move was more accurate, Kinect was simply easier to use.
And now we look forward to the 8th generation of game consoles. While the 7th generation clumsily introduced us to new technology and methods of interacting with each other, the 8th generation seems poised to refine what the generation previous had started. The XBOX One and PlayStation 4 both have high definition camera accessories, though Microsoft is seeing the peripheral as a required component for the console while Sony is still maintaining the view that their add on is an optional device. As for the controllers both companies have completely redesigned their handheld devices, though many critics seem to still consider the XBOX controller as the superior choice.
In terms of hardware, both consoles seem to be closely related to one another save for a few slight changes. What is currently understood is the PlayStation 4 does have the technological advantage over the XBOX One. Both consoles are also equipped with built-in Blu-ray drives so the matter of storage restrictions is a thing of the past. Also, both companies are aggressively over-hauling the online capabilities of their consoles and the services designed to deliver them into the homes of their consumers. Time must pass before the full extent of each consoles strengths and weaknesses become apparent. As developers learn to maximize each console I'm sure we will all be treated to some eye-melting visuals regardless of platform.
While graphics may be one of the most important aspects of what is considered a "good game", both Microsoft and Sony are taking very different stances as to what their consoles actually do. Sony is in the camp that their console is for the gamer so to speak, and as such they are promoting the PlayStation 4 as a graphical powerhouse and that its first job is to play games with multimedia applications coming in second. This is a turnaround from the notion that the PlayStation 3 would be the one device needed to enjoy all formats of electronic media. While the PlayStation 3 did these things well, that console is still mainly a gaming machine. Sony has released the PlayStation 4 stripped of it's ability to handle many media types, a function its younger brother had and was considered by many a main selling point of the console. Microsoft, on the other hand, is seated in the notion that the XBOX One will certainly be the one device you need as it not only handles multimedia applications, it also replaces your set top DVR and may even act as a remote control for your entire television experience. So as Sony truncates the applications the PlayStation 4 can handle, Microsoft is set to expand theirs just as much. Whether or not Sony will readmit multimedia capabilities via patches is a question only time will answer. What is also unclear is which ideology consumers will embrace. Will they side with Microsoft and the concept of the XBOX One taking place of everything you need for your TV, or will they move closer to the Sony side and be more accepting of a console that does gaming first and everything else second and in some cases, as it stands as of the publication of this article, not at all?
This time around both consoles are being released only days apart from one another so the matter of one company having more time to generate an install base will be relatively flat. While the PlayStation 4 will be available first, the fact that XBOX One will be available only days after will not have much of an impact on the sales of either console. Many comments I've read have consumers stating they will be purchasing BOTH consoles, though if will pan out is debatable. The numbers will speak for themselves as the 8th generation continues to roll on. Many people have stated that XBOX One will have better exclusive titles and a more robust initial game array for those brave consumers who will enter the 8th generation at its inception. What is clear is both Microsoft and Sony, along with their fans, are battling each other for who will be considered the "winner" of the new console wars.
I hope you enjoyed reading my OPINIONS of the emerging console wars. Be aware that while I have been following the development and release of both consoles I do not own either one, nor do I plan to buy on in the immediate future. I feel it is best to wait after new products are released to make sure there are no critical hardware or manufacturing problems. So please take into account these opinions are formed by someone without hands on experience with either brand. Please feel free to comment below but KEEP IT CIVIL! I'm really tired of "fanboyism", which is the arrogant, obnoxious, flagrantly disrespectful defense of any brand. I have no problem with cursing, but try to keep the name calling and outright attacks on others to a minimum.