Guys, I just can not decide if I want to open and keep this machine or not. I've been an Xbox guy for years...ever since the original came out back in the day. However, after doing much research, I just have a bad feeling about opening it up and keeping it. 500 bones is a lot of money and with the console struggling to provide gaming graphics/performance on par with the PS4, I'm second guessing myself. The multimedia features sound interesting, but I'm concerned that they may prove to be gimmicky and be an after thought after a few weeks of use.

I tried the PS4 the other day and I must say that the controller is leaps and bounds much better than the one for the PS3. I may just return the system and get the PS4 or return it and hold out for a few months to see if how things shake out. Hopefully the gaming performance of the Xbox One will be improved by patches/firmware updates. Anyone know the return policy at the official MS stores? Would they let me return the system once opened for a full refund?

Thoughts?

I've said it once and I will say it again- the only thing that is keeping me in the X1 camp is Xbox Live(I do most of my gaming online). In almost all other areas, PS4 is currently beating out the X1. If the PS4's online networks is even close to what Xbox Live has to offer then I'm gone...I will be moving over to the PS4 for this generation. I have both pre-ordered and am holding off until the last possible moment to decide. I need to get more info on how the online networks compare for this next gen.

Then why the hell are they so behind with drivers and dev tools? I simply don't get it.

Like I said, the only thing that is still keeping me in MS camp is Xbox Live and MAYBE some of the media features. If I see that MS had dropped the ball at all with Xbox Live and Sony has come within striking distance with the online services, I'M GONE.....I will switch. At this point, IMO, Xbox Live is X1 only saving grace.

You make some very valid points. However, I think MS knows now that they could have done SOOOO much better. They are simply way behind Sony in regards to the hardware and even software(dev tools & drivers) I can't believe I even said that. MS(a software giant) was and is currently behind Sony in regards to drivers and dev tools. Like I said before, what the HELL was MS doing the past 3-4 years?

If Xbox live is not head and shoulders above what the PS4 has to offer, there is now way I can justify going with the X1, especially with it being a 100 bones more. Being an MS and xbox fanboy, MS has really put me in a very bad position and has actually made me seriously consider going with the competition(PS4).

My question is; is the X1 really not that powerful of a system or is it simply a matter of poorly designed system or, it is a matter of poor dev tools? To be honest, not of those options are ok with me. What he HELL was MS doing for the past 3-4 years? How come Sony was more prepared than MS? Will the situation improve with mature drivers and dev tools or is the X1 just not that powerful? I want a system that will truly stand the test of time over the next 10 years. At this point it is looking like the PS4 is more future proof.

I agree....xbox live and some initial good games are really the only things that are going for the X1. The PS4 simply appears to be the more appealing system right now. It's faster, more powerful, cheaper, rumor has it a better controller....... and if P4 network is even close to what Xbox live has to offer, I'm gone....I will switch over. I'm actually kinda of passed at MS for putting me in this situation.

I have both the X1 and PS4 ordered. I very much value online gaming. If Xbox live does not clearly beat the PS4 network on all levels, then I will switch to Sony this generation. This is coming from a guy who's never owned(with the exception of the PS3 that I owned for a short amount of time before selling it to a friend)anything other than an Xbox and some over of the older Nintendo systems back in the day. IMO that really is the only thing at this point that would save the X1... All other areas, the PS4 is looking to beat out the X1. It just seems to be a better built and designed system...it pains me to say but it is what I see. It looks like the rumors have been true all a long....the PS4 is looking to be significantly more powerful machine which would more it more future proof for the long upcoming generation. What the hell was MS thinking?

How the hell do you know that? You are simply a video game nerd living in mothers basement. How would you know hot the actual experience. Let me guess....you have a top secret source that told you. haha. Nerd.