Recently, there has been insane amounts of banter about the Xbox One and the PS4. According to numerous websites, polls, and other sources of chatter, it seems that most consumers will be buying Sony's console this holiday season. But as for me, I am still strongly buying the Xbox One.
While many will instantly bash on me for this statement, this console works very well for me. But I will start with some technical information to give people a background of the consoles.
So, spec wise, lets admit it, they are practically identical. And with the graphics these days, nobody except a fanatic techy is going to pinpoint the differences between graphic capabilities. Also, Microsoft is now implementing a digital rights program that restricts a lot of access to used content and game sharing as well as require internet access. If you need more information on that, just search "Xbox DRM" and hundreds of articles will pop up. Finally, both consoles now require annual fees to engage in online gaming and both have their fair share of exclusives.
With that said, there are a few reasons why I am buying the Xbox One.
1) Games and downloads
2) Kinect
3) Xbox Live
4) User Interface and SmartGlass
First off, I am the kind of person who buys maybe 3 or 4 games for my console the first year and maybe one or two games the following years. As of right now, my plans are to buy Destiny, Battlefield 4, Forza 5, and the next Halo game. I will admit, I am a huge Halo fan from the start. That is a huge swaying factor for me, and personally, I have never enjoyed many of the Playstation exclusives.
But here is my main argument against the new game policy placed by Microsoft.
As somebody who enjoys the power of emerging technology I am going to take full advantage of the online capabilities by Microsoft and direct download all of my games. The convenience of a large SSD is fantastic. To never have to put in a game again is awesome! I will enjoy ridiculously fast load times and with Xbox's new platform, I can switch between games and apps instantly. I absolutely love that feature! So with that said, I don't care for used games or sharing games with my friends. When I buy a game, I have done extensive research and know exactly what I am buying. I have no need to try it out first. I have also never had a good experience with used games. I would rather have all of my content in one place that is easy for me to access.
Second, I am a big fan of the Kinect. Unlike many gamers out there, I host a lot of dance parties and such with my friends. I also enjoy using voice commands. I understand that voice commands can be a joke but I use them when I am not gaming. For example, if I am about to do dishes, it will be nice to just voice command my Xbox and watch movies, listen to music, or browse videos without doing anything.
Most people, both Xbox fans and Playstation fans will admit that Microsoft has a smoother and friendlier online service than Sony. The Xbox community is something that I have always loved. Most of my close friends are Live members and it's great to play big matches in BF3 with my squad members all being people I know.
Finally, the Microsoft Xbox OS is cleaner and much more user-friendly than Sony's. I liked how Microsoft didn't over Windows-ize the Xbox OS. It still is true to Xbox and is something that has always worked well. But my favorite thing is Xbox SmartGlass. Being able to use my tablet or phone to work with my consoles is a favorite feature of mine. Regardless of the technology, voice searches are not always very accurate. Adding keyboard features is wonderful. Also, there are numerous times while watching something on Netflix and I am struggling to remember an actors name or where they played in the past, and having my iPad ready with that information instantly is pretty cool. Playstation has the Vita, but I just can't justify having a portable console on me. I am just not that hardcore of a gamer.
I think some of the features by Xbox One are impressive as well. I don't really care for the Xbox TV and Fantasy Football or Skype stuff. I don't use any of these programs, ever. But the direction that Microsoft is taking with online services and digital content is the way that gaming is shifting. We all understand that the CDs and Blu-Ray discs becoming obsolete and it will just be a matter of time before everything is web-based.
Finally, these are some things I never enjoyed with the PS4.
1) The exclusives (I'm just not a fan of Uncharted, LBP, and such)
2) The online service
3) The controller
4) The look and styling of the console
5) Move and Eye Camera
All in all, I feel that the PS4 is really lacking some features that the Xbox has. And this whole DRM thing that everybody is whining about, it really is not a big deal. I download my games and my console is NEVER offline. I mean, when am I ever not going to have internet in my house? The Xbox One is a sleek system with a wonderful and loyal fan base and continues to innovate new ways to make the Xbox more of an all-in-one system. I still choose the Xbox One.
