By Christa Speranza
Assistant Copy Editor
With less than six weeks until Christmas, and a few days until Hanukkah, many shoppers are starting to run frantically around this time of the year. Within this month, there are two events that gamers and parents are anticipating: The release of major next generation consoles –Microsoft’s Xbox One and Sony’s PlayStation 4.
While the PlayStation 4 releases on Nov. 15, and the Xbox One on Nov. 22, companies like GameStop and Target are preparing for massive swarms of customers between the two days. Most stores on Long Island have run out of preorder spots for both systems. According to Amazon. com, all bundles for Xbox One and PS4 are completely out of stock.
Putting the two side by side, the Xbox One and PS4 each possess distinct features, while some similarities are also present. Each system is equipped with 8 GBs of RAM, a Bluray Player, and 500 GBs of internal memory for game saves, downloads, and applications. However, the winner of the console wars will be determined after sales are calculated.
So, what should every consumer look for when deciding which console to buy? First, take a look at the prices. The Xbox One retails at $499, which includes the system, a controller, and a Kinect sensor. PS4’s starting price is $399, and comes with the system and controller.
Unlike the Xbox One, PS4’s camera is optional. A Kinect sensor is required to operate the Xbox One, but not mandatory to use. Thomas Sherman, a junior Digital Arts and Design major, said in regard to the required sensor, “I’m getting an Xbox One because it’s been a dream of mine since I was little to tell my stuff what to do. I’ve always wanted to say, ‘Xbox, turn on.’ Now, I can do that.” Another consideration should be based on the first-party games. Xbox One exclusives include, “Ryse:
Son of Rome,” “Dead Rising 3,” and “Forza 5,” all of which are first-day release games.
Other Xbox One exclusive titles that come out in the upcoming year are “Titan Fall,” “Halo,” and “Kinect Sports: Rivals.”
The PS4 is bringing sequels to some big hits, such as “Infamous: Second Son” in April 2014 and “Killzone: Shadow Fall” which is available in stores now. Other quirky titles that are new and exclusive to the console include “Octodad,” “Knack,” and “Flower.”
“I [have] had a [PlayStation 3] since forever, and I’ve played the Infamous and Killzone series. It’s great and [the system] is cheaper. That’s why I’m excited for the PS4,” said senior Psychology major Junior Pluviose.
Be aware the contrast between PlayStation Network and Xbox Live. The PSN paid membership is not required to use applications such as Netflix or Hulu, while Xbox Live Gold is necessary. The PSN membership costs $50 for the year and offers discounted games, as well as free games for those who keep the membership.
Xbox Live Gold members pay $60 for a 12-month membership. Only recently did the XBLG offer free downloads of classic Xbox and Xbox 360 games. However, the gaming community of Xbox Live is one of the largest among gamers and offers some of the best servers for third-party games, such as “Call of Duty” and “Battlefield.”
After talking with members of the vast gaming community of Hillwood Commons, the majority ruled that the PlayStation 4 was the supposed victor of the console wars. Still, with all this information at hand, which will you choose: Xbox One or PlayStation 4?
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