Xbox One vs PS4: Which game console should you buy in 2016?

What are the hottest topics among worldwide gamers? Guess two best consoles you can buy Microsoft Xbox One and Sony PlayStation 4 will be one of them. Which console is Your Dish? Or which one is worth your hard-earned cash in 2016? To help answer that question, we've put Sony and Microsoft's next-generation consoles head to head, and compared them in all the aspects that matter. Chek out this Xbox One vs PS4 comparison.

Xbox One vs PS4: Controllers

Controllers are the most intimate, personal component of a games console. They're the part of the console you touch and hold, they're the link between you and the games you play – so they need to be excellent. The Xbox 360 controller was rightly seen as one of the best on the market. Featuring satisfying triggers and a solid joystick, its controller was chunky without being too large, and had everything where you wanted it – but the Xbox One's controller is even better. In addition to slightly improved directional pads, the new controller also includes independent rumble on the left and right triggers.

The PlayStation 4 features the biggest change to Sony's controllers since the original PlayStation. All the key components such as the analog sticks and L2 + R2 triggers are back, but the whole package is wrapped up in a far more hand-friendly, ergonomic design. As you'd expect from a next-gen controller, Sony has also added a range of new features. Along with improved triggers, the PS4 controller includes a clickable touchpad – where you'd usually find the PlayStation button – as well as a speaker. Each PS4 controller includes a coloured light at the front, and it can be used for everything from showing your health to distinguishing multiple players.

Verdict: Xbox wins. Although the PS4's controller is the best Sony has made, it can't compete with that of the Xbox One. Sony's touchpad is rarely used in the games – and when it is, it's hardly a game-changer. In contrast, the Xbox One's independent rumble triggers may seem like a gimmick, but really transform how you play games – especially racing ones. Combine that with the more comfortable design of Microsoft's controller and the Xbox One is a clear winner.

Xbox One vs PS4: Console design

Both consoles will form a permanent fixture of your audiovisual setup, so it's important they look good. After the curvy designs of the Xbox 360, the Xbox One is a boxy rectangular affair, looking more like a PC or old-school VCR than anything else. That's not to say it's an ugly device – Microsoft has used a combination of gloss and matte finishes along with splashes of chrome, to make the Xbox One look like a seriously sophisticated bit of kit.

In contrast to the PS4's touch-sensitive buttons and status light, the Xbox One features a unique glowing On switch. There is, however, one catch. Despite its larger footprint, the Xbox One doesn't feature an integrated power supply, so you'll need to make room for a cumbersome and sometimes noisy power brick behind your audiovisual setup.

After the somewhat generic design of the PlayStation 3, the PlayStation 4 is a return to form for Sony. Featuring a mixture of gloss and matte plastic, and a sophisticated status light separating the two, the PS4 is neat and compact – and looks a lot like a PlayStation 2 in italics. Better yet, Sony has also managed to integrate the transformer into the console, so you won't have to make room for a power supply. The PlayStation 4 is available in black and "glacier white" models, but Sony also releases limited-edition designs when consoles are bundled with larger titles.

Verdict: PS4 wins. Both consoles look great, and although the Xbox One is bigger, it's still a handsome device. But considering its larger footprint, the Xbox One's need for an external power supply is pretty disappointing.

Xbox One vs PS4: PSN Plus vs Xbox Live Gold

Games of the past pit you against the computer – or if you were lucky the person next to you, but the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 open up the gates to an entire globe of competitors. Games such as Destiny, Call of Duty and Star Wars: Battlefront can place you in firefights with up to 31 other people, while sport titles such as FIFA 16 and Madden 16 put you head to head with people from anywhere in the world.

Both the PlayStation and Xbox offer online services in the form of PSN Plus and Xbox Live Gold, and both offer relatively similar experiences. Both cost £40 for a year's membership (easily the best-value option) and both offer a range of additional benefits in addition to online play. Both services give you two free games every month and offer heavily discounted digital versions of older games too.

PlayStation Plus also adds Share Play, a novel feature that lets your friends play whatever your playing – even if they don't have the game themselves. At the same time, Online Storage lets you save your most important game saves to the cloud, so you won't lose your progress if your console's HDD happens to fail.

Xbox Live Gold, on the other hand, doesn't allow for game sharing, but does offer Xbox Fitness – an intriguing collection of workouts that can help you get in shape. However, they track your movement using the Xbox One's Kinect sensor, so you'll have to shell out if you want one.

Verdict: A draw. Both services cost the same, offer similar features, and they're identical when it comes to lag and matchmaking. Of course, the PlayStation 4's Share Play represents a good benefit, but both services are fairly evenly matched.

Xbox One vs PS4: Streaming apps

Consoles aren't just about gaming. Alongside social features, and the ability to manage saved games and downloadable content, both the Xbox One and PS4 are also compatible with a wide range of apps – from BBC iPlayer to Spotify. That means that if you don't have a smart TV, your games console could be a gateway to a huge amount of content.

Both consoles are fairly even when it comes to apps. Although there are certain applications exclusive to either console – such as Spotify on the PS4 and NFL on the Xbox One – both have all the main services such as Netflix and BBC iPlayer. In addition to streaming services, the Xbox One also lets you run content from a set-top box or tuner through your console. The result? You're able to use your Xbox One as a PVR, complete with a EPG.

Verdict: A draw. Both consoles are evenly matched when it comes to apps. There are a few apps exclusive to either console, but they aren't significant enough to make a difference.

However, it should be noted that although the consoles offer the same apps, the Xbox One makes it far easier to access them – and that's thanks to its new Windows 10 UI.

Xbox One vs PS4: Graphics and performance

Most games are available on both consoles, and therefore it's easy to compare their graphical performance. As you'd expect from the successor to the PS3, the PlayStation 4 is capable of producing 1080p, 920p and often 60fps content, making games look rich, but also smooth.  Although the Xbox One certainly looks next-gen – and significantly better than the Xbox 360 – in most multi-platform games, it lacks the polish of the PS4. Often lighting effects are less subtle, models are more jagged, and the end result is a game that looks slightly less refined.

Verdict: PS4 Wins. Although both consoles offer impressive graphics, multi-platform titles tends to provide crisper visuals when on the PS4.

Xbox One vs PS4: Exclusive games

Although most games are available on both consoles, some titles are exclusive to either the PS4 or the Xbox One. While this is sometimes because of licences or deals, it's often because the games are developed by either Sony or Microsoft. For example, headline games such as Halo 5, Forza 6 and Gears of War are only available on Xbox One, while Bloodborne, The Order: 1886 and Driveclub are only available on the PlayStation 4. As you'd expect, third-party games such as FIFA, Fallout 4 and Destiny are available on both the Xbox One and the PS4.

Verdict: A draw. Both consoles have their fair share of killer apps, and most are evenly matched. Forza 6 and Gears of War are particular highlights for the Xbox One, but the PlayStation 4 will also see the likes of Uncharted and Gran Turismo Sport in 2016. Unless you're drawn to a particular game, the consoles are pretty much even.

Xbox One vs PS4: Entertainment Features

Microsoft originally sold the Xbox One as the ultimate all-in-one entertainment system, pushing how voice controls and integrated TV would put it right at the heart of the living room. It still has arguably the best set of entertainment features, with apps for all the major catch-up TV services bar ITV Player, plus all the major video streaming services, including Amazon Instant Video, YouTube Netflix, Blinkbox and Now TV. The Xbox One also has a Blu-ray drive and playback app, and DLNA media streaming both through the console's own Media Player and an app for Plex.

The PS4 has been playing catch-up here, not even having YouTube to start with, but it now has apps for Netflix, Amazon Instant Video and Now TV, plus iPlayer and Demand 5. There's currently no DLNA client for the console, so it's the less capable media player of the two. 

You may be interested in: How to stream videos from Xbox One/PS4 to TV for playback

Verdict: A draw. Throw in Microsoft's own music and video services and its TV features, and it's the best console for those who want to do more with their console than play games. On the plus side, you can use Sony's own Video Unlimited and Music Unlimited services, which are stronger than their Microsoft equivalents.

Xbox One vs PS4: Price and verdict

Although the Xbox One originally launched with an asking price of more than £400, price cuts mean a 1TB version of the console can be now bought for £350. A 1TB version of the PlayStation 4 can also be picked up for £350.

Verdict: PS4 wins on points. The Xbox One is better than ever, and with a range of new exclusives on the horizon, and a new Windows 10 update, it's finally beginning to reach its potential. However, the PlayStation 4 is still far more popular, and enjoys slightly better graphics that truly show the power of next-gen.

Conclusion

We hate to say it, but there is no right choice. The deeper look at the hardware and features will help you better decide which one is right for you. Choose the one in accordance with your demand, and things will never go wrong.

How to perfect the entertainment on Xbox One and PS4

Consoles today have been used for much more than just gaming. PS4 and Xbox One also act as DVD/Blu-ray players and HD video players. Dozens of great movies are released in 2016, say, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi, Deadpool, The Forest, Captain America: Civil War, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, etc. However, if your Blu-ray DVD is region locked or the video formats/codecs cannot be read by Microsoft Xbox One and Sony PS4, like MKV or MP4, H.265, it will be a pity you can not to make best use of PS4's high resolution and Xbox One's multimedia function.

Closely Related Software Recommendation

No worry! With the powerful video converter- iFastime Video Converter Ultimate, you can also convert Blu-ray, DVD and various 4K/HD/Common videos to proper formats for playing on Xbox One and PS4 with zero effort. Instant conversion, no skill. It has a simple, intuitive, very functional interface so it can be used by anyone who wants to enjoy their favorite movies. 

The only requirement for you is to select a file you want to convert, choose the optimized profile and hit the "Start conversion" button! Why going for a complicated software bundled with various features you don't really need and waste time figuring out functions and settings when you can simply click-convert-enjoy?

Related External Source

Xbox One - A home video game console developed by Microsoft. Announced on May 21, 2013, it is the successor to the Xbox 360 and the third console in the Xbox family.

PlayStation 4 -A home video game console developed by Sony Computer Entertainment. Announced as the successor to the PlayStation 3

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