BY DANIEL LEIBOWITZ
The eighth generation of new video game consoles has formed two very divisive sets of supporters; one is in favor of Sony’s Playstation 4 and the other sides with Microsoft’s Xbox One. However, despite the ongoing banter among gamers over which console is supreme, it’s clear that the PS4 wins the argument. With a superior price point, an upgradable hard drive, better exclusives, and a stronger online experience the PS4 is clearly the better console.
The PS4 is $400 compared to $500 for the Xbox One. Given how close both consoles are to each other when it comes to graphical capability and general specifications, the price point truly is a defining factor. Unlike the Xbox One, which requires extra purchase applications such as Party Chat and Netflix, the PS4 only calls for a $50 online multiplayer service that comes with free games. Additionally, the annual subscription is $10 less compared to the Xbox One.
However, while prices change over time, durability will not. While both the PS4 and the Xbox have very similar hard drives, the PS4 has an upgradable 500 GB hard drive whereas the Xbox One can only support an external hard drive. Generally, external hard drives are more expensive and are easily broken. Although it is important to note that replacing a PS4 hard drive will also require you to re-download all your previous games, an external hard drive with the Xbox One is just another added inconvenience.
The PS4 also has superior exclusives. While Halo may have once been a console selling game (with relatively lackluster recent releases) it certainly isn’t anymore. Compared to games like the eventual Uncharted sequel by Naughty Dog, or Final Fantasy XIV along with the eventual Kingdom Hearts 3, the Xbox One simply cannot compete.
Overall, it seems that the PS4 shapes up to be a stronger console than the Xbox One. While the two may appear to be similar at first glance, obvious differences in price, durability, and game quality make the PS4 as the supreme console.
