PCMAG: Why the Xbox One Is Better Than the PS4

"I've reviewed the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One now, and I'm prepared to eat some of my words. The Xbox One isn't just a powerful game system on the same level as the PlayStation 4, it's an incredible home entertainment hub that actually fulfills the promises made by Microsoft. In short, the Xbox One is the better system. Period. At least, at launch with the current feature sets offered by both devices.

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It Works Like They Wanted It To Work

There is where I eat my words. Game systems are great. I have many, dating from the late 80s to now. For decades it was always about what games they would play, how much power they would have, and nothing else. Media features were secondary.

The Xbox One changes that in my eyes, because it's the first game system I've seen that makes just as a compelling argument for non-game uses. Microsoft added some relatively simple and direct features to the Xbox One and actually fixed most of the problems with the Xbox 360 Kinect. The result is something that actually lives up to Microsoft's hype.

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I scoffed at Microsoft's ambition for the Xbox to be something much more than a game system. I thought it couldn't possibly work, and that Sony would succeed in producing a true game console while the Xbox One and Kinect would prove to be just as much of a gimmicky flop as the original Kinect. I was wrong, and while the PlayStation 4 is still an excellent game system in its own right, the Xbox One is that and so much more. It actually succeeds as the all-in-one device Microsoft wanted it to be. And I'm impressed.

Please proceed with calling me a fanboy in the comments below."

FULL ARTICLE HERE

720p isn't better, besides the entire world disagrees, tons of people will get a PS4 over a X1

1 million sales in N-A alone, when you add Europe and Japan it's all over for Microsoft

Don't get me wrong, the Xbox One isn't perfect. The voice controls are still slightly finicky and you won't get a Star Trek computer-like experience with them. The gamepad has awkwardly placed bumper buttons, and doesn't feel nearly as comfortable as the DualShock 4 (which was a massive leap in comfort over the DualShock 3 and Sixaxis). You still need Xbox Live Gold to use any of the useful features on the Xbox One. It's also $100 more expensive than the PlayStation 4.

PlayStation 4 is still an excellent game system in its own right

SDC

If you like the Xbox's multimedia features alot you are probably going to like the Xbox One better, if you prefer to use your console as a gaming machine you are probably going to like the PS4 better. I think this is agreed upon for the most part.

Xbox One is great for watching TV and having an unfinished voice command software.

To be honest neither console is quite there yet, but why would anyone say the Xbox is better because it's trying not to be a game machine... depends what you want a games console to do really.

I'm not touching the X1 until they make a cheaper kinect-free package.

Why on earth would anyone want a version of Xbox One without the "One" features, how much cheaper would it have to be to account for the shortcomings in it's spec?

@Heil68 You're doing it wrong!

Agreed on pretty much everything else.

Why in the world anyone from PC magazine compliment preference on the Xbox1 when the PC has much better multimedia features than the xbox1? If you already have a PC all you see is a 500 dollar machine vs a 400 dollar one or exclusives.. .but features vs features ? i don't think so.

I

They are comparing the consoles to each other in a vacuum, this should be obvious...

@danabo:

The controller has a wobble though. New known issue:

@Heil68 I chuckled. I watched a ten minute video of two guys wobbling various items last week. Wobble is truly next-gen.

This is where I stopped reading.

"The Xbox One isn't just a powerful game system on the same level as the PlayStation 4"

Umm... yeah, lol.

More like PCRAG. Nobody reads that pseudo-tabloid.

Right away they were wrong...so ya.

Yet the ultimate goal is which one to purchase ? is blowing money for these features on a magazine for PC users makes no sense to me considering those users already have multimedia features at a better and faster rate in their finger tips. The main thing stands.. it's a gaming console.. both are truly inferior as multimedia even to cell phones / tablets / and laptops that are portable and bring in better convenience. The ultimate choice rely's on the Games they have. I just honestly find this silly coming from a PC Magazine.

Price ( PS4 is winning this one )
Games ( X1 is winning this one slightly both exclusives are bad PS4's are worse )
and how well they work ( right now Ps4 is losing on this one )

http://cdn.arwrath.com/2/202584.gif

http://a.disquscdn.com/uploads/mediaembed/images/711/7169/original.jpg

PC has Kinect compatibility? Oh sorry, I didn't know...

It's not just that it multitasks, it's how it multitasks.

@danabo: I just want to game. I couldn't possibly care any less about all that other stuff. I already have an entertainment center for watching TV, DVDs, Blu-rays, Netflix, Amazon Instant, etc. in the living room. Talking to turn it on doesnt interest me in the least. I guess I could get a clapper if I was that desperate to avoid pushing a button on my remote, which I'm not. I have a pretty nice stereo system for music. My bedroom has my gaming setup and I don't do anything but game on my gaming setup. I was a PCWii60 guy last gen. I never even bought a PS3. I was put off by the ridiculous launch price and never gave it a second look. This gen, I'm tired of dumping cash into my PC to keep it up to date. The WiiU doesnt interest me as the Wii grew boring rather quickly. I moved to the convenience of tablets for surfing, light gaming and apps. I also have a pretty nice smartphone for apps. So, I think I'm gonna go with the PS4 this gen whenever they release an Arkham game for it. I have no need for an all in one entertainment center. It seems like gaming was an afterthought in the design process of the Xbox One. They even focused entirely on TV at the reveal. Then, there was the always online, no used games fiasco that put me off. They pulled a 180 on that but they already lost any trust I may have ever had in them.

The article trys to paint the PS4 and xbone as equal in power. Dishonest much. That shows a clear agenda.

Thank you for exposing PCMAG. Now we know PCMAG is on Microsoft's pay roll. We can safely disregard what ever PCMAG has to say from now on.

1. The fact is the PS4 IS SIGNIFICANTLY more powerful then the xbone.

All you have to do is look at the specs. The numbers dont lie. It is UNDENIABLE. The PS4 has a 50% more powerful GPU, has much faster GDDR5 RAM memory, has hUMA capability, and over all has a much better- more unified memory/GPU set up for graphics processing and rendering etc

All things considered, the PS4 is MUCH MUCH MUCH more powerful then the xbone and will be able to do a lot more now and in the future.

Just listen to how the developers have been stating that the PS4 is more then 50% powerful then the xbone etc

2. So not only is there the undisputable FACT that the PS4 is upwards of 50%-70% more powerful (based on specs and developers words)

It is an undisputable FACT that the PS4 is 100$ cheaper to boot.

For those huge reasons alone the PS4>>>>>>>>xbone

Bottom line, PS4 gives you more for less. Nothing can spin that

Lastly,

3.This is about GAMING...so the xbone's multi-media features can suck it.....even if the price and power were "equal," the PS4 would still win by actually being a PRIMARY GAMING console....

Hell, the xbone DOES NOT do any of its multi-media features better then multi-media devices can

So why pay 500$ for a "multi-media" xbone machine that doesnt do any of it better then multi-media devices and has gaming tacked on?

The xbone is a pure waist of money....Not to mention it is a Kinect NSA spybox......not to mention just weeks ago the plans were in place by Microsoft for DRM/always online....they can always be implemented again just like how they were quelled up for now etc.

You have to be a blind xbot loyalist and total sheep to want an xbone after all the facts we know.

And hey PCMAG, if you want to talk about innovative features, the PS4 has innovative social features that are SPECIFIC TO GAMING, like PS4 share features /the PS4 share button on the DualShock 4

The xbone cant even stream gameplay yet LMAO. You want to know why? Because it wasnt planned, as soon as they saw PS4's share features, they (Microsoft) wanted to blatantly rip that feature off from Sony, so they started working on patching Sony's SHARE features into the xbone for some time later next year (Microsoft is always copying Sony. Typical pathetic unoriginal Microsoft following in Sony's footsteps)

PS4 share features >>>>> the xbone's TV features and snapshap features

Xbone snapshot features add nothing of substance and are only there for the xbots with ADD disorder to get their ADD on

So the PS4 is focused on being a GAMING console, all its features are truly innovative and are built around gaming and for gaming....and its more powerful and CHEAPER...and it has better exclusive developers and more support etc

Its a no brainer, the PS4 is better then the xbone in every way....and the PS4 while being a GAMING console does everything BETTER for LESS

You arent a gamer if you pick xbone over PS4....if you pick xbone over PS4, you simply dont deserve to have an opinion.Youre a dummy. Youre a sheep.

The Xbox One exclusives and launch line-up shows they also have gaming covered, as a primary gaming console.

The rest of your post is farting in the wind. :)

When the xbone was revealed, it was all about TV this and TV that. Kinect this and Kinect that etc

You cant even deny that the xbone is PRIMARILY a multimedia machine, and NOT a gaming console

Launch games MEAN NOTHING in the grand scope of things

And even then, like if a scripted linear QTE riddled Ryse proves the xbone has got the "games" covered. LOL

Cut the xbot BS out and lets be honest for a moment.

All the xbone has had is Dead Rising 3 and Ryse (money hatted third party games)

That doesnt prove Microsoft's commitment to games....

It only proves Microsoft will buy away games from developers to pad out their launches....

Remember the 360 had a decent launch too....and look at the 360 now...

In fact the 360 has been dry in exclusives for the past several years, the 360 has one of the worst exclusive libraries ever.

Going back to the xbone, beyond Dead Rising and Ryse what else is there, another Forza with missing features.....

The PS4 factually had MORE GAMES at launch that could only be played on a PS4 and not on an xbone

Then whats beyond launch? Again, PS4 has way more games set for release post launch too.

And furthermore, LETS see where the xbone is at midway into the gen....ya know considering that for TWO gens in a row Microsoft has DROPPED support for their consoles half way into the gen

Microsoft is clearly going in one direction, and its not in the direction of gaming!

Its sickening how xbots like you give Microsoft a free pass just for providing lackluster to average launches....and then never will call Microsoft out on providing less and less support as the years go by.

Its because of sheep like you why Microsoft feels they can keep getting away with not providing the games at a consistent rate

Everything else I said stands,

In summation:

PS4 is 50% more powerful 100$ cheaper. Thats all that matters. PS4 does more for less.

Plus PS4 has social features that are specific to gaming i.e PS4 share features.....

PS4 gaming related share features >>>>>>>>>xbone multi-media features

The xbone DOES NOT do any of its multi-media features better then multi-media devices can

So why pay 500$ for a "multi-media" xbone machine that doesnt do any of it better then multi-medai devices and has gaming tacked on?

The xbone is a pure waist of money....Not to mention it is a Kinect NSA spybox......not to mention just weeks ago the plans were in place by Microsoft for DRM/always online....they can always be implemented again just like how they were quelled up for now etc.

You have to be a blind xbot loyalist and total sheep to want an xbone after all the facts we know.

Here's all you need to know in 7 short sentences why you should get PS4 over an xbone

Superior Playstation exclusives/developers.

Sony is always willing to take more risks with all different kinds of games, think out side the box, and offer much more variety of exclusives to boot.

Naughty Dog (Uncharted 2 was one of the best games of this gen. The Last of Us is one of the greatest games of all time)

Sony supports their consoles until the end, UNLIKE Microlimpdick.

No Kinect spy cam.

Gaming specific features like PS4 share features and play while you download features. No Microsoft cable box non sense.

And the KILL shot, PS4 is 50% more powerful and 100$ cheaper

Blog it.

I'm fine with adding a ton of non-gaming features. If you can do it than do it. But what I can't accept about Xbox One is the weak GPU. That's where they royally screwed up. If the GPUs were equal I wouldn't consider the PS4 at all.

P.s somebody please embed the gifs for me

Hmm.

I think you're nuts if you believe that PS4 is better than Xbox One in EVERY way. PS4 has the better hardware but Xbox One is ahead in just about everything else. They're ahead with online, they have more apps and a better UI, Kinect > PS4 camera, etc. Seriously, does Sony have 300,000 dedicated servers for their online network right now? Sony did a better job with hardware but MS is ahead with other things.

But hey, I'm not dogging PS4. Just pointing out realities. I think part of the reason PS4 is so far behind with the OS and extra features isn't because they don't care about them but because for a long time they thought they were only going to have 512 megs of RAM to work with for their OS. Getting 8 gigs of GDDR5 was a late addition to PS4 and they haven't had enough time to take advantage of all that extra memory yet. Believe me, a ton of non-gaming features will be coming to PS4 eventually. But I don't think they'll ever quite catch up to MS in that regard because it's the sort of thing MS really excels at.

But hardware? Sony absolutely outdid MS there. And it's why I'm leaning in the direction of PS4 for a next-gen console. But even if I do end up picking it I'll never try pretending that Sony does EVERYTHING better than MS does.

If only more people on system wars were like you. Instead we have people like him telling people they dont deserve opinions and are not gamers if they like the X1.

Im getting an X1 and a PS4, but if I could only get one it would be the X1. That's my preference. But every cow on here will say thats impossible and im just a sheep....or a lem...or whatever they call x1 fans these days.

@danabo: I couldn't agree more. PCMAG hit the nail on the head. Xbox One is the worlds most superior gaming and home entertainment system!

Wickerman777 said:

I think you're nuts if you believe that PS4 is better than Xbox One in EVERY way. PS4 has the better hardware but Xbox One is ahead in just about everything else. They're ahead with online, they have more apps and a better UI, Kinect > PS4 camera, etc. Seriously, does Sony have 300,000 dedicated servers for their online network right now? Sony did a better job with hardware but MS is ahead with other things.

Yep, the PS4 is better then the xbone is in every way. I listed numerous examples in the post you quoted. You should go read it.

Its funny, you say that the xbone does many things better, yet you cant even list the "many things" it does better.

For one PS4 share features allow instant game streaming and screen shots on the fly.

The xbone cant even stream yet lol.

Not only is the PS4 doing that better, the xbone isnt even doing what the PS4 is already doing there to begin with it.

And the UI in the PS4 is way better, way more responsive and way faster etc

Dynamic menus on PS4 are awesome too.

All in all Xbone UI pailes in comparison.So thats ANOTHER thing the PS4 is doing better.

PSN+ is better and offers more value...Hell, 81 of the xbone's apps and media features are hidden behind pay wall fees and thats just despicable too..You get most of the same apps for free on PSN

LIKE i said, feature per feature, the PS4 is doing everything better for less. OR in other cases the PS4 is doing things like streaming that the xbone cant even do yet lol

The ONLY thing the xbone has that the PS4 doesnt is snapshot features and snapshot features are lame and add nothing of substance to gaming.

So yeah, Ive more then proven the point that the "PS4 is better then the xbone in every way. In every criteria that can be proven the PS4 beats out the xbone in it.

You are the one in denial. You are delusional. Let me guess, you are either an xbot or will hide behind the PC as your excuse. I even recall how you have been called out by many many times before for being a delusional troll

i dont need excuses of why console A is better than console B. as for now maybe xbone has better game is only slightly. but for now both xbone and pos4 suck. they dont have any must have titles. by 2015 it will be clear which console hav better games and a decent future lineup. by then i will make my choice, as for now my pc wiiu 3ds vita ps3 and 360 will keep me occupied because they have much better games.

Everyone has their own opinion. I don't happen to agree with his. I don't care about the entertainment crap. I buy a gaming console for the games. The added cost in no way adds to the gaming experience. As such....it's the last on my list to own....if I do own it. I need to see exclusives that I want.....mostly ended up dividing multi plats up on the two consoles just to have games for the 360. Bit disappointed in the support MS gave the 360.

Oh so the graphics card is "apparently" 50% better. yet Forza, Ryse and KI look great. tbh though none of the games including killzone match what my damn 3 year old pc can do so its all POINTLESS. especially considering the console with the most killer titles this coming year (exclusives) will be the Wii U. gamers. "OH DAT POWER" then complains it doesn't matter when comparing to PC. MAKE UP YOUR MINDS.

Fact of the matter is, if the X1 can provide great kinect experiences, even if they are casual party games, fitness or puzzles, and flesh out its overall commands while offering better and better entertainment over time. AND providing a good deal of games, it has every RIGHT to be considered equal or better than the PS4?

Killzone's graphics? so what its a mediocre franchise (this coming from someone that played KZ2 to death) in a sea of brilliant FPS. there is nothing on the system worth owning outside of one indie game, and we have plenty of those. the Infamous latest gameplay look MEH as hell. this was a AA franchise anyway.... repetitive empty sandbox.

Both sold over a million on launch.

initial sales due to cheaper price is one thing. but being the better experiance is another. NOTHING on the system other than spec sheet and "promise of game focus" (which no indication of as of yet) is actually worth the praise yet.

as a hermit neither are worth their salt on launch or this year, barely anything announced for 2014 ... which will be the year of the Wii-U.

Don't be an elitist. PC gamers and console gamers are different. Nothing wrong with that. Also every gen will have a leap in graphics...but graphics really really aren't the most important factor in a game. Who the **** cares if the graphics are fantastic...yet the gameplay sucks? Likewise slightly lower graphics but fantastic gameplay won't mar the game.

SW puts way too much interest in specs....and less on what games provide. Fun.

Yeah I noticed the improvement of the bumper buttons over the 360s, they curve down a bit at the end, so it's easier to slide the inside of the finger you have on the triggers up enough to push it,

XB1 definitely has better features and games right now. PS4 has a slightly more capable GPU but the XB1 off loads more work to custom processors to compensate a bit. The END result are Multi Platform games that are almost indestinguishable from each other. Kinect 2.0 is not for every one but for people that do enjoy the Kinect that would give the XB1 the upper hand. The nice OS, UI and voice control make the XB1 desirable although the $500 price tag is definitely on the High side.

The features I the x1 is great. The bumbers are weird at first but its actually designed better.

PC Rag shills for MS? What a surprise. lol

I agree. I haven't been impressed with anything on any new console graphically so far because of diminishing returns and all that. So I really don't care about the PS4 being stronger in that area. The Xbox One has impressed me in all other areas.

The console looks classy under the TV, like a Blu Ray player, when you see it in context it makes sense, MS wanted it to look like those devices. If MS wants the Xbox One to be taken seriously as a living room device, they can't have a machine that looks plasticy or like an N64 if you know what I mean. Nothing against the PS4.

The build quality is amazing, just like those Blu Ray players and other such devices. It has some weight behind it, feels solid. This thing is silent too, very different from the 360. The power brick is also half the size of the Xbox 360s.

The control pad is strange, it looks the same as a 360 pad, but feels better. Kinect is pretty amazing, I can see potential with it. I like how you don't have to input codes anymore, you just put the QR code in from of the camera. And Kinect 2.0 reacts quickly to what it sees as well.

I really like the media and multitasking abilities and look forward to seeing the software evolve.The Xbox 360 is a games machine that became somewhat of a media device through updates, but there is only so much you can do. The Xbox One was designed to be a games machine that can handle media function from more of a hardware point from the start, and it's really good at it.

The bottom line is this. If you think that the Xbox One is any less of a games machine, then you've bought into Sonys 'pure gaming machine' and 'for gamers by gamers' hype. The Xbox One is just as good at gaming with a kinect that can add to the gameplay this time and a cloud service that can open up possibilities. It will have the same types of games as the PS4 but is also flexible for other games as well.

This gen is about features.

It's sad TC needs other people's opinions to validate his purchase

It's not all-in-one. Features are missing (from PS4, too). That and Kinect doesn't work consistent enough to render it as delivering on promises.

I would think most PC sights would like the Xbone better. PC gamers who are worried about visuals will play there games on PC. The PS4 is a better more capable gaming machine but for someone who does all that on PC then they will be more interested in the non gaming features.

PC Mag is going to regret for making this article in the future, lol.

What a way to ruin your image for the money.

PC Mag didn't say One is the better buy tho.

@MBirdy88:

I'm pretty sure killzone smokes what your 3 year old PC is doing. Have you played these games are you just randomly babbling.

PS. If you thought infamous SS gameplay looked men there is no hope for you.