With the start of E3, the next console
generation war has officially started. Microsoft
and Sony both unveiled new information on the first day of E3 regarding their
respective next generation consoles. Here’s
what we know so far:
Sony PlayStation 4
- MSRP: $399, expected launch: November, 2013
- Supports used games (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWSIFh8ICaA)
- No 24 hour check-in system, all single player games can be played offline
- Media services will not require PS Plus (Netflix, HBO, etc.)
- PS Plus mandatory for multiplayer
- 500 GB hard drive at launch
Xbox One
- MSRP: $499, expected launch: November, 2013
- Games can only be transferred once, no used games
- 24 hour check-in, cannot play games if console does not check-in
- Xbox Live subscription required for media services
- Xbox Live mandatory for multiplayer
- 500 GB hard drive at launch
Heading in the exact opposite direction of Microsoft, Sony’s
emphasis on putting gaming first and game ownership has generated immense
excitement in the gaming community.
Gamers are emphatic Sony is listening to their desire for disc based games
and no online requirement. In a world
where a high speed connection is not universally available, many gamers still
require disc based games as well as an offline mode to play. Sony has embraced the entirety of the gaming
community by allowing those in rural areas to enjoy their console. The PS4, in many ways, is being marketed as a
pure gaming experience.
Microsoft’s Xbox One is the taking a vastly
different approach in relation to the PS4.
Microsoft has decided to eliminate the used game market by allowing
players to transfer their purchased game once.
Players can only transfer games to an individual who has been on their
friend’s list for a minimum of 30 days.
Additionally, all consoles must be online once every 24 hours to
maintain the console’s ability to play games.
If players fail to check-in once every 24 hours, the console will not
allow any games to be played. This form
of DRM has not been well received by the gaming community as gamers’ expressed their
anger over these restrictions.
As the first day of E3 wraps up, Microsoft
and Sony have revealed their interpretation of the future of gaming. Both companies have revealed their console
hardware, game play footage, and different features in a bid to attract gamers
to their console. With the majority of
gamers unsure of their purchasing different, gamers are looking forward to
finding out more at this year’s E3.
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