We have still not even seen the PlayStation 4 console, but both companies have announced the specifications and what the consoles can do and what services will be offered.
It is hard to really call a final winner, given Microsoft and Sony have been quiet about a few issues and features, but we can put a straight view at what both consoles offer.
Hardware & InternalsÂ
The Xbox One got a lukewarm response in terms of hardware and design, the console has been linked to a DVR box in sheer size and is one hell of a beast. We expect with all the internals the PS4 will look quite large as well, when it is eventually revealed.
The Xbox One controller has had a lot of minimal design tweaks and the controller will now have better vibration that developers can tap into. The PS4 dualshock controller has a touchpad and share button, allowing users to control the menu with touch and share recorded gameplay.
Both consoles run on 8-core processors, Microsoft did not announce the supplier. The PS4 will run on x86 AMD Jaguar processor and comes with 8GB DDR5 RAM, while the Xbox One will come with 8GB of DDR3 RAM, a step down in speed.
Blu-ray was only on the PS3 last generation, but both companies are adding it to their consoles this generation. Both will have USB 3.0, Ethernet and wireless capabilities.
It has been confirmed the Xbox One will come with 500GB of HDD storage and cloud options, Sony has not announced the storage options for the PS4, but cloud storage and compatibility will be offered.
Motion control will be implemented in different ways, Xbox One will have Kinect and Microsoft has worked to make the sensor track and understand the user more with better voice commands and movement gestures. Sony will be offering something called the PlayStation Eye, but we have little information about what this will be.
EntertainmentÂ
Making the system become more than just gaming is what both Sony and Microsoft are hoping for, but the two events had very different themes, with the Xbox One harbouring a lot more entertainment news.
We expect Sony to work on getting applications and services on the system, but cable TV and deals with ESPN will be something Microsoft only in the next gen, from what we can tell.
This may work out better for Microsoft with the broader audience, offering a console that can work with your cable TV and offer entertainment and gaming options.
However, the huge gaming market will want a console dedicated to gaming and Sony seems willing to throw away possible TV deals for better games and a powerful system.
GamingÂ
Microsoft will be working hard with in house developers to make sure the Xbox One has a lot of exclusive titles, but we are already seeing Kill Zone, The Last of Us, Drive Club and something from Media Molecule.
From what we can see, EA, Ubisoft, Activision and the other big gaming labels will continue support for both consoles. The deal with Activision to launch DLC on Xbox One first was obviously a good step for the console, but one that probably cost Microsoft a few million.
Microsoft appears to be less liked by gamers so far and we can see why, they are changing the used games market and will not allow indie developers to self publish, unlike Sony with the PS4.
OverallÂ
We can see Microsoft looking for the ultimate all in one platform, while Sony tries to develop the perfect gaming experience. The winner will probably be down to personal preference, do you want an excellent gaming experience, or something that works with all your entertainment.
