Hardware
One of the biggest arguments in the console wars is always, “which console is more powerful?” Like last generation, Sony and Microsoft will have nearly identical graphical capabilities, as both consoles will be leaving their IBM & Cell CPU’s respectively for the newly implemented 8-core AMD, joining the PC to for Direct 11.1 support. They also each have 500GB Hard Drive’s and neither will be backwards compatible for previous installments, so no GTA on next-gen for a few years.
The PS4 has nearly double the Xbox One’s GPU clocking speed, which will provide some noticeable graphical differences if developers don’t use PC or Xbox One ports. So far, the PS4 has been easy to develop for in comparison to the Xbox One; and while Microsoft is in hot water from the hardcore audience, the casual audience decides the outcome in a console war (see Nintendo Wii). Each console will have 8 core, with the PS4 having a jaguar modified x86 single-chip processor and the Xbox One having a very heavily modified CPU.
Many gamers have also been baffled by the mandatory online connection required at least every 24 hours, mandatory game installs and no used games seen on the Xbox One. Retailers such as Game Stop (would you like the used copy for $54.99?) and Best Buy to name a few, are already siding with Sony. Arguably the biggest deal breaker for the international market will be the Region Lock on Xbox One, which means no digital or physical content will be usable outside its continent. There’s also still no Bluetooth incorporated for Xbox which means no custom headsets will be able work on Xbox One once again, giving the PlayStation 4 audience absolute freedom with their console.
Microsoft literally has their console locked down (pun intended) to stop illegal sharing and piracy, which PlayStation users can play online and offline at their own decision. That might be a deal-breaker to some; but in this day in age, who doesn’t have internet constantly connected if you’re buying $400-$500 hardware. We’re still having to side with Sony due to the strict limitations on Xbox One, that’s a little overwhelming even for the casual audience not online like the hardcore gamers.
Winner: PlayStation 4