Difference between PS4 and next Xbox is starting to emerge

Forbes: For the past console generation, the so-called “rivalry” between the PS3 and the Xbox 360 has been something of an unnecessary feud.

There are risks to this however, on both sides.

[xHeavYx]

"Sony ‘s PS4, but a narrative is starting to emerge. Sony is going to have a laserlike focus on games this time around, while Microsoft wants to create a device that everyone, gamers and non-gamers alike, will want to have in their living rooms."
I kind of feel that's how it's been this generation. Sony trying to innovate and Microsoft launching the same 2-3 exclusives and a bunch of Kinect shovelware. Reading this article makes me think Microsoft will focus even less on games and turn the next X-Box into a big smartphone

[Blackdeath_663]

it appears that there is a focus on TV this time around, i personally haven't watched TV in years i just use the internet but in places like America when you consider all of the rumours about the next xbox that have come up including always-on i actually think it could work and work well. but i feel that if it is the direction the next xbox is heading big compromises are being made to the gaming aspect of the console. we could possibly be ending up in an awkward situation where we have this amazing device that is confused between being a gaming console or a digital media tv set box thing.

[xHeavYx]

You think that the always-on is a positive? You must be loving Sim City

[jimbobwahey]

I find it interesting that you haven't watched TV in years because I'm in exactly the same boat. My TV has been used solely for gaming and DVD/Blu-Ray movies for years now, and I can honestly say that I don't miss TV at all.

Obviously people like you and I are in the minority, but I sometimes wonder just how many people have abandoned watching TV within the past few years and solely use the devices for gaming/movies.

[zeal0us]

I'm one of those ppl who have crappy internet and I don't think always online would work well.

I wish someone who is for always online/think it will work, would tell me the benefit of always online for consumers.

[Blackdeath_663]

@xHeavYx
no i don't think always on is positive at all not in gaming atleast and i have made a fuss about always-on previously but being able to watch tv through the xbox and use the xbox to enhance your tv experience like say for example having a user interface that overlays on the program you are watching that allows you to record,rewind,browse the internet and whatnot makes sense i can imagine alot of families who would benefit from a device that brings together all forms of entertainment in one place like internet/Tv/gaming. i just feel that the next xbox will be guilty of trying too much, "jack of all trades master of none" kind of thing.
anyway feels pretty weird talk about this knowing that the xbox reveal is in the 21st and everything said about it untill then my suddenly turn to bullshit including both my comments. can't wait next gen is looking exciting

[CEOSteveBallmer]

Yup, there is nothing beneficial about always connected to internet if that ever happens. Keyword here is "optional" Whatever an always online can do, an offline device that connects to the net can also do it. Anyway, I don't get why they focus on TV channels if you already have cable TV channels. In america it maybe a success but the whole world? I don't think so. And to add, not everyone has or access to internet in their area. Some still use dial up. Sad but true. And yet MS is somehow giving a hint that people need to be forced with internet

[SHORYUKEN]

Th next xbox wont get any penny from me.

PS4 is the best you can get!

Long live Free Online Gaming!

[starchild]

I'll laugh at people like you if Sony ends up charging to game online.

I'm sticking with PC and probably a PS4, but I am still willing to wait and see what MS has planned for the next Xbox.

[bganci]

If you think PlayStation's online will be free next generation..i'm sorry to say you're in for a rude awakening.

[ABizzel1]

I'm in the same boat, I recently dropped cable, because I'm barely home enough to watch it, and on top of that I watch like maybe 5 shows, which all seem to come on at different time throughout the year, so it made no sense for me to keep it.

I watch everything online now, and while it may not be quite as simple and pressing "REC" on the DVR, I manage to do just fine, and don't miss cable and it's useless movie channels at all.

Internet, Play-On, Netflix, Hulu, Red Box provide me with everything cable was and instead of paying nearly $200 a month (Internet / Phone / Cable), I pay $75 a month (Faster Internet / Use my Cell Phone / Netflix / Hulu / Red Box / Online TV), and I'll never go back until I get Google Fiber.

[talisker]

@jimbobwahey: There's been some research into that demographic group called "zero TV" in the US. Here's an article for starters http://www.dailycamera.com/... The number is still small but growing especially in Europe.

I'm in the same boat: my TV isn't connected to any signal except my PS3 and PC. I don't miss it at the slightest. I was shocked to find out how expensive cable is in the US. A decent sattelite DVR service is 15-20 euros here and even that I say is a waste of money.

[Ju]

That's not so much about "yet another cable box" but the contracts with the networks.

US is quite different than Europe. There are no all power networks in Europe. XMC is king there. MS will have a hard time to win that market.

In the US, I can only see them win if they can have big network TV shows on their box - which won't happen any time soon, and I doubt those want to depend on MS. Can't see replacing it other cable boxes or TVs in general. And for the people who are capable, you can actually get everything for free...

This is a gamble from MS. And I doubt it'll work.

[gaffyh]

@bganci/starchild - Why would Sony charge for online when it is the main draw to get Xbox gamers to convert to their console? Either of you thought of it that way? Probably not.

If both companies charged for online gaming, Xbox fans would stick to Xbox, PS fans would stick to PS, and the rest would decide between by looking at where their friends are. If they don't charge for the basic online, and charge for further features, they are offering a major advantage over XBL, and are very likely to convert many Xbox fans that are sick of paying $50 a year for a service that frankly is not worth it, and creates a pay-wall for additional third party services like Netflix.

On the other hand, if their is no pay wall for basic online, then third party partners are happier, and are more likely to develop their apps for the system, due to increased usage and contact with the consumer. This is the main reason why PS3 is the most used console for Netflix.

[MysticStrummer]

I'm another person whose TV is only for gaming and movies on disc or through Netflix. I've had cable and satellite TV in the past, but I haven't had either one in years and don't miss them at all.

You guys that think SONY will charge for online gaming next gen are wrong in my opinion. Free basic online play is a major selling point for PS. I do think they will require PS+ for a lot of the social features of PS4 though.

[Ritsujun]

starchild thought she came from the star.

[slampunk]

I thought this article was actually a decent read but the usual comments follow about always on....ps4 is better, xbox is better.....

Firstly, i will be buying both PS4 and 720 so no fanboy here....

They both WILL have their strengths and i just wish some of the fanboys would ask themselves a few questions.....especially sony fans who harp on about recent rumours.....

Always online rumour - MS getting a lot of flack for this but what about the PS4? all of it's new functions are squarely related to being connected....gaikai, share button, video uploads etc....??? If PS4 isn't online you miss out? If you cannot be online you will miss out next gen no matter what system you have...you can still play games but not much else.

DRM......From what i've heard both systems will have this but it will be up to the publisher to decide if the feature is used? Yet MS seems to be getting all the flack? we'll see May 21st!

Kinect 2.0.....if implemented well this could be great for functionality. It doesn't really appeal to me for games but it is certainly a big plus for MS to have...... Sony including their new PS eye camera at their Feb Reveal shows they are trying to compete in some way with the device? You are foolish even if you dont like Kinect to think it hasn't been a success for MS.

Xbox Live cost.....It works out to be $4-$5 a month for live and i'm happy to pay that for a superior online service.....Is PS+ a great service? Yes indeed offering better value (free games)? Yes but, live still is IMO a better online experience...Question to ask if you are a sony fan is....what cost will gaikai be? and when will gaikai be up and running? i would be surprised if it is within the first 6 months after launch? same goes for any MS products / services......

I cant wait for May 21st so we can see what MS have got to show us.....

I just hope fanboys of both sides don't just rubbish their competitors without asking questions of the preferred console...????

I applaud sony so far for what they've shown us as they've look to have worked on their weaknesses from this gen. There are still a few questions that need some answering though...

Will PS network still be free?
Will PS+ add Gaikai content once up and running?
When will Gaikai be up and running?
Cost of Gaikai if not a PS+ member?
DRM features available to publishers?

My MS questions will come after May 21st....

[loulou]

focus on this focus on that. dont you people get bored writing the same stuff in the hope that you can persuade people not to buy an xbox?

like someone wrote below, 90% of ALL games next gen will be on both consoles, the only difference there will be the exclusives. and in the real world, a good game is a good game no matter what the platform.

just being an exclusive doesn't equal greatness.

it's pretty pathetic how hard some people on here are trying

[nveenio]

The only thing we know for sure is that one box has been revealed and the other hasn't.

[malokevi]

"You think that the always-on is a positive? You must be loving Sim City"

What a stupid comment. What, pray tell, is wrong with Sim City?

Oh, thats right, it didn't work immediately, so people who don't own it and haven't played it don't like it.

Meanwhile, thousands of happy customers are playing RIGHT NOW.

tard.

[Jek_Porkins]

So you think Microsoft shouldn't advertise all the other functions the next Xbox can do because you feel like it'll take away from games? Even though Microsoft has the most first party studios, and partnerships with the top third party studios?

Since when did it become a bad thing to want to achieve something? Microsoft shouldn't be punished because they can afford to market their things to more people, all the third party games will be there, that makes up 90% of the market, so that 90% will be on the next Xbox no matter what. You don't think with 20 odd studios Microsoft will bother to make any games? Really? Is this really what is bothering people?

Get over it! Microsoft and Sony and even Nintendo has entertainment features, and there is no wrong with that. I have never heard anyone say "I wish my iPhones could just make calls and nothing else". It'd be pointless, like everything gaming consoles have evolved, I'm sorry if a particular company advertising their's as more than just a gaming console worries you or bothers you, but to think they wont have games is just ridiculous.

[MariaHelFutura]

20 studios? Wow, thats AMAZING!!!

Sorry my memory is bad, could you list them and some of their previous projects for me? Thanks.

[xHeavYx]

Maria beat me to it. So go ahead and answer her question, in the meantime, please order me a pizza using your VIDEO GAME machine

[Jek_Porkins]

343 Industries – Halo series

Connected Experiences – Untitled Project – Design Large scale multiplayer title and help other first party studios

Good Science Studio – Kinect Adventures, Kinect Fun Labs

Kids and Lifestyle Entertainment – Next generation fitness project - Original IP

Microsoft Studios – Los Angeles – Next generation core cinematic title

Microsoft Studios – Mobile Gaming – ilomilo

Microsoft Studios – Redmond Publishing – Overseeing and co-developing multiple projects in conjunction with third party development studios

Platform Next Studios – Next generation core title

Playful Learning – Next generation family project

Skybox Sports – Next generation sports project

Turn 10 Studios – Forza Motorsport series

Twisted Pixel Games – The Gunstringer, LocoCycle, Splosion Man, Ms Splosion Man, the Maw

Xbox Live Productions – South Park Let's Go Tower Defense Play!, South Park: Tenorman's Revenge, Avatar Kinect

Lionhead Studios – Fable series, Black & White series, Unannounced MMO-like New IP - (2 team studio - an unannounced next generation title)

Lift London – Multiple Cloud Based gaming projects

Rare Ltd. – Banjo-Kazooie series, Viva Piñata series, Perfect Dark series, Kinect Sports series- (3 team studio - Concurrent development of various titles)

Soho Productions – Kinect Sesame Street TV

Press Play – Max: The Curse of Brotherhood[25]

There ya go, 20 studios. I never said they were all core or well known, but 20 studios is impressive, and the core studios are around 12-14 I believe. So that's not too bad.

I'll also add that Microsoft's first party studios had the best average score on Metacritic.

For 2012, the games review aggregation site Metacritic gives the average of Microsoft games as 77.2 (out of 100), the highest score for a first-party publisher. The nearest ranked first-party publisher is Nintendo at 74.4 followed by Sony at 72.8.[31]

[CEOSteveBallmer]

I get your point and agree that there is nothing wrong with advertising other features. And I know MS will not let go of games as people say it would be. But what fears most gamers is that MS will just rely on third party and their first party games will not so much deliver since they are so busy with making xbox an entertainment device. And they may have many studios but are you sure that "All" of these studios create games only?? Some of them is just creating kinect games and apps. You can see gears judgement is the only exclusive they got right now. But I know what you will say next. Maybe MS is "Saving" exclusive IPs for 720. So it took them several years just to save and reveal exclusive games? I don't know if that's the case. You don't need 4 plus years to create a good game. Look at bethesda and bioware, creating games like mass effect and elders scrolls and it didn't took them very long to present a Sequel to the previous game.

[grayfoxx881]

Again, you are missing the point. No one is saying the next Xbox shouldn't have all of these other entertainment functions, or even games for casuals. If they can include all of this and it works for them, I say that's great.

It's when apps, other forms of entertainment, and casual games start taking priority over core gaming, this is what gamers have a problem with. Look at what has happened the last 3 years with the 360. I don't see the next Xbox being any different.

It's sad that Microsoft takes billions in from LIVE and all the ads on the dashboard every year, but rarely gives back to the gaming community that made the Xbox brand what it is. Microsoft could have one hundred internal studios, and we would still see nothing.

[MariaHelFutura]

SCE Japan Studio – Ape Escape, Siren, LocoRoco, Patapon, Ico, Shadow of the Colossus, The Last Guardian, Knack
Polyphony Digital – Gran Turismo series, Tourist Trophy
North America

Naughty Dog – Crash Bandicoot series, Jak and Daxter series, Uncharted series, The Last of Us - Also home of the ICE Team
SCE Santa Monica Studio – Kinetica, God of War series, PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale
SCE San Diego Studio – MLB: The Show, ModNation Racers
SCE Bend Studio – Syphon Filter, Resistance: Retribution, Uncharted: Golden Abyss
SCE Foster City Studio - supported studio for SCE Worldwide Studios
Sucker Punch Productions – Sly Cooper series, Infamous series
Gaikai
Sony Online Entertainment - EverQuest series, PlanetSide series, DC Universe Online
Europe

SCE London Studio – SingStar, EyeToy, PlayStation Home
Guerrilla Cambridge – MediEvil, Killzone: Mercenary
Evolution Studios – World Rally Championship, MotorStorm series
Guerrilla Games – Killzone series
Media Molecule – LittleBigPlanet series
Asia
Clap Hanz – Everybody's Golf series
Cellius – Ridge Racer Vita
North America

Insomniac Games[31] – Spyro The Dragon series, Ratchet & Clank series, Resistance series,
Ready at Dawn Studios – God of War: Chains of Olympus, God of War: Ghost of Sparta, Daxter, God of War: Origins Collection
Idol Minds – Pain, Ruin, Ratchet & Clank Collection
Sanzaru Games - Secret Agent Clank, The Sly Collection, Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time
Zindagi Games – Sports Champions, Medieval Moves: Deadmund's Quest
Giant Sparrow - The Unfinished Swan, Edith Finch
Europe

Quantic Dream – Heavy Rain, Beyond: Two Souls
Tarsier Studios – Rag Doll Kung Fu: Fists of Plastic, LittleBigPlanet PS Vita
Double Eleven – LittleBigPlanet PS Vita
Novarama – Invizimals, Reality Fighters
Supermassive Games – Start the Party!, Doctor Who: The Eternity Clock, Until Dawn, Tumble, walking with dinosaurs
Plastic Games - Linger in Shadows, Datura
Ovosonico

With exception of a few they're all still there.

[MariaHelFutura]

Some of the ones I listed are 2nd party.

[Saigon]

@Jek_Porkins

I understand what you are trying to say but I cannot agree with it when MS is involved. Not because they are MS, its how MS has applied their mantra to the gaming world. MS pretty much said, this is how it should be and you accept it and some people are taking it like it doesn't hurt. Their concepts has changed the gaming world for the good but some of their tactics are bad.

The sad part about that last statement is that Some Individuals say Sony is bad for the gaming industry but yet MS blind sided these same individuals with all these bad tactics and no one sees it or complains about it. MS is always getting a free pass.

To me it makes no sense to pay for a service you already receive. Last I checked, the internet is paid via my cable provider, so why do I have to pay additional money to pay for simple tactics I can get on another console with no fee. If I want additional content or features, I will pay for it.

I am not taking any sides because I own both systems, but seriously, come on man!

Also the gaming studios you listed, granted these are provided on Wikipedia but my problem lies in whats being produced from these studios. First I counted 16 studios. I know MS has one major studio as you showed but they are under the same entity not split out to 3. Similar to how Sony Japan Studios has several other companies under in different areas in Japan but they all report under one entity, SCE Japan Studios.

To move forward, look at the games being produced by these divisions. Most of it is Kinect shovel-ware. This is obvious based on the type of game being produced. I doubt an aerobics game will be played via the controller.

All I am trying to say is that sometimes it is quality over quantity. Also the other thing that people forget, Sony loves Indie developers. As you can see from the list that @MariaHelFutura applied, the 'Second Party' developers are working or worked on projects for Sony. This is how Sony finds most of its talent.

[Shuyin]

Half of which are Kinect titles. Lmfao.

Buddy you just can't make up for the lack of proper exclusive titles on MS' site. Quality > quantity. Also, if your camp trys to catch up with Sony, it'll still be quite some time before you get there. Sit down for now, though.

P.S: njoi Kinect 2.0

[LoveOfTheGame]

@Shuyin
Exactly it's Quality > Quantity, never understood why Sony fanboys/girls(MariaHelFutura) make the argument Sony is better because of the amount of exclusives.

Edit: Not dissing Sony just saying the argument itself is invalid, quality is mostly an opinion.

[MariaHelFutura]

I never said what is better, I just listed them. People can come to their own conclusions, for all I care. I own all the current gen systems. I'm just not very fond of Microsoft's business practices in the industry.

[MysticStrummer]

I like how your list has more spaces and still manages to look shorter than Maria's. To each their own I guess.

[Narutone66]

Most of those titles you listed Jek_Porkins, my children will probably like to play them. But I already have a Wii, I won't be buying the next console from MS.

As for the score, Metacritic aggregates those score from mostly MS owned or sponsored news media. You connect the dots, if you're smart enough you can see the light.

[Shuyin]

@LoveOfTheGame

Yep, exactly. You seem to misunderstand it, though.
Sony has quantity in quality, mate. :s

[trouble_bubble]

@jek

That studio list and their "projects" is pretty atrocious tbh.

Majority of no- name studios with nothing to their name but "untitled family game, sports project, kinect sesame street, something mobile, next gen fitness project" and a couple awful southpark games below 50 on metacritic.

Absolutely nothing to be proud of. List only has 3 studios worth mentioning, and that's including lionhead and their fable series who's last 2 bombed hard. Nothing "impressive" about 20 when their output is 3. Rare's contribution to this gen has been negligible. Only reason the 2012 avg is higher is cuz of new halo and forza titles where sony santa monica had no output save for a couple move titles and a casual fighter.

[AngelicIceDiamond]

"Reading this article makes me think Microsoft will focus even less on games and turn the next X-Box into a big smartphone."

Just about every single person on this sites says the same thing over and over again. Your gonna sit there and listen to an opinion piece?

And truly convince yourself into thinking MS won't have anything to show at the Xbox event or at E3?

What is wrong with you people honestly? Is it extreme fanboyism, stupidity what is it? What about Alan Wake 2, Black Tusks 4 new Ip's, Rares multiple projects, PGR5, new Forza, Fable MMO(or new MMO Ip), Respawns new game, Ryse, new Zombie based Ip, r? And all of the multiplats such as Thief, Watchdogs, Witcher, COD, BF. And other unannounced new Ip's?

please help me understand. Why do people keep parroting the same stuff over and over?

EDIT: Seriously I want a response. Do people not want MS to have games? Am I right, wrong in what I said or what?

[Play_4_Fun]

Look at what site you are on, and what the majority of the of the user's bias are. Fanbois (as in all fanbois) are loyal to their company but fail to see that competition is good for business. This site is just dominated by the Sony kind.

[MysticStrummer]

"Just about every single person on this sites says the same thing over and over again."

The impression probably originated because of multiple rumors from multiple sources.

Probably.

"Your gonna sit there and listen to an opinion piece?"

FIrst of all, if that's all there is to go on, then yes people will take it and run with it. MS could easily remedy that by saying something about the rumors. They could do that and not announce their next console. Secondly, I've seen you agreeing with opinion pieces as long as they are positive about 720.

[SpinalRemains138]

No you're not wrong. Microsoft has put out some exclusives on its platform. Almost all of them are available for PC as well, but for the sake of argument, they have some exclusives.

The thing is, we are all seeing a clear move, on Microsoft's part, to move away from core gaming, and toward novelty shovelware and gimmicky add ons. This is not debatable. 360 in its last 3 years has all but abandoned actual games in favor of dancing Han Solos and Justin Beibers games or petting baby zebras. This is just a fact.

Now while the 720 will also have some exclusives, the clear choice for any rational thinking gamer is going to be the PS4.
-Why? Because PS4 is going to focus on the core game. The PS4 is going to be chock full of existing exclusives as well as new ones. Its what SONY does. Couple that with the fact that players can game online for free and you can clearly see what we're talking about.

720 looks to be a solid gaming machine from what we know. The machine itself is not the downside. The downside is the lack of exclusives because there are only a bare minimum, and the fact players must pay twice for their internet. Anything other than contempt for that fact is simply blind delusion. All the Alan Wakes in the world cannot make up for the fact that Microsoft gamers are nickled and dimed for less core games.

Fact

[xDHAV0K24x]

Will there be move 2.0 or ps home 2.0? Those were amazing innovations?

[stage88]

Hopefully, I'm really excited for what PS Home can turn into.

[xDHAV0K24x]

Sarcasm was missed

[Ju]

Well, Move 2.0...since a new dual camera with 2x720p@60fps are included, I'd call that Move 2.0 (supports current Move controllers). Sarcasm or not. I'd hope we'll see more Move support. I quite liked it. For 'Home' I can't care less...

[ATi_Elite]

MS has been looking for ways to conquer the Living room for years and the Xbox is their weapon of choice.

It makes perfect sense for MS to make the Next Box an entertainment hub to combat Apple TV.

[Play_4_Fun]

How has Sony innovated? Much of Sony's exclusives titles are sequels and let's not mention the shovelware that was released with move. Neither is that different from the other; with a few exceptions. They both want your money and are doing what they think will get it.

[Lifebanisher]

How has xbox innovated? last time i checked for the ps3 and xbox360 sony was the first one into multimedia in the living room space to have it for consoles (netflix, blu ray), and then now sony for next gen is the first one again to let you play while still downloading your digital game, will xbox have that? and then sony will let you spectate other players when your tired playing your own games, will xbox have that? guess not...

the only thing xbox innovated for the last gen is kinect, which is a flop to the harcore community.

unless you want to call watching tv shows on a console innovation, while majority of the gamers don't give a damn about their tv shows..

all i know is it will be a pain to wait for your digital games downloading on xbox next gen, while sony innovates it to the next level, and then you need to go watch other random players on live streams on pc cause xbox doesn't have a spectating feature, but on sony's platform you can watch your friends not random people without buying 100$ of stuff to set it up.

so it would be interesting to see what microsoft will come up with on may 21st let's see online drm, cannot play used games hmmm what else? oh yes cable tv, kinect titles, illumiroom hmm prolly 4 new ip's that won't matter and 4 3rd party announcements that is exclusive which i wont give a damn about..

[P_Bomb]

@Play_4_Fun
You say "much of Sony's exclusive titles are sequels", yet this year alone is bearing new fruit from the likes of:
Ni No Kuni
The Last of Us
Beyond: Two Souls
The Puppeteer
Until Dawn
Guacamelee
Rain
Dust 514

That's in addition to other standalone IP like:
ModNation Racers
3D Dot Game Heroes
MAG
Playstation All Stars
Heavenly Sword
Heavy Rain
Demons Souls
Valkyria Chronicles
DC Universe
Fat Princess
Journey
Flower
Folklore
Dead Nation

LittleBigPlanet, Uncharted, inFamous, Motorstorm, Resistance, White Knight Chronicles all have sequels, but they all launched this gen as well. Hard to complain about output on the new IP front.

[Play_4_Fun]

@ Lifebanisher - Netflix was on Xbox 360 at least a year before it even showed up on PS3. Funny how some people downplayed Netflix so much when it first appeared on Xbox and now it is something of a feature on the PS. Blu-ray? Xbox had HD-DVD, even though it lost the format wars. Why don't you wait for May 21st before you start proclaiming things as fact? There was also a rumor going on before the PS announcements about not being able to play used games.

@ P-Bomb The first half of the statement was just a rebuttal to the first post. He leaves out a lot of Xbox games and just claims that there are only 2-3 exclusives, which are just sequels. Just making the same silly statement he did; basically to call out his ignorance.

[ALLWRONG]

I have never seen so much fear over a console release. The next Xbox scares the crap out of Sony fans here, that much is obvious.

[xHeavYx]

I don't know what scares me more. The focus on kinect, their lack of exclusive games, the always online rumor, the fact that you have to pay to play online. ..

[trancefreak]

LOL how do you paint yourself in a corner by focusing on games games and more games. It is a darn gaming console Forbes Geez. I want games if it gets painted into a gaming corner i will be there.

Sony will have a ton of new features and so will Microsoft so I don't mind to distinguished consoles if they are making games and using their own methods to deliver content. I am down for both.

[GalacticEmpire]

It's smart to market your games console as a GAMES console in the early years because the early adopters are nearly always the tech savvy core gamers.

PS4 will have just as much streaming, entertainment and media funtions as Xbox 3 just look at all the apps available on PS3 right now. Also isn't PS3 the number one device for Netflix use? Sony also owns (or has a big share of) content creating music and movie studios, if they wanted, they could have a LOT of exclusive content relatively cheap.

Basically, both consoles will be similar feature for feature in the eyes of the mainstream casuals but only one will have core gamers interests at heart.

[Hercules189]

If were going by this generation, than the 720 would be the go to console for core gaming.How many exclusive ps3 games are made for multiplayer, only killzone,mag and socom, about the same as 360 so dont make any excuses like sonys got more games cus most of their games are singleplayer games. If you want to make Ps4 a go to console for the hardcores tell sony to start advertising it, cus theyve got great games, but theyre boring when theres noone to play with.

[Minato-Namikaze]

From the games you listed are you saying core gamers only play online and online shooters? Single player games by far gave me a better experience this gen (Not to say MP was boring). I'm sorry but your view of a core gamer is misguided.

[OC_MurphysLaw]

The differences indeed are definitely showing....

One console has a name (PS4) and official specs along with games announced.

The other (next xbox whatever they call it) does not.

[zebramocha]

Specs of the ps4 leaked before the official announcement in February,we have a rough idea on what may be in side of the next box, just no confirmation if all that was reported is true.

[Knight_Crawler]

LOL...holding on to rumors with dare life.

I think some people will jump out of windows when MS announces the opposite to these 1 million rumors ;)

PS Loyalist: What no always on-line :( dam you N4G.

[TheTwelve]

I do hope they are as different from another as possible.

[jay2]

They were better from the day they hit being HD.

[FrigidDARKNESS]

The article is totally fanboyish to me and really doesn't add anything.
Word from the under world "next xbox is bettet" to the person above whose bragging about the record button on the ps4 . It dwont be used as much because there is no editing and voice overs gamers will go to youtube and use that which is better.

[MariaHelFutura]

"Word from the under world "next xbox is bettet"

Please don't reference your imagination as the under world

[Edward75]

This article was written with positives and negatives for both consoles. If anyone reads the full article it is not leaning twards any of the two systems. A great article just giving a base direction that is seeming to unfold for both next gen consoles. This was the most "non fanboy" article I have read recently.

[KrisButtar]

Well Said +

[Clarence]

Sony wont paint itself into a corner. The PS3 is the complete entertainment console. The PS4 will continue to provide games as well as other media. M$ is trying to copy Sonys, Apple, and Google.

[josephayal]

nothing more than a rumor

[TemplarDante]

Always On is
1)Draconian
2)Anti-Consumer
3)Controling what I do with something I own.
4)asking for a lawsuit that would prove number 3

[baodeus]

@templar

let say u made a software (ex: game), and I bought that software for $50, now based on your argument, it means that I now own the IP (not you), and i can do whatever i want with it, like making copies of it and just sell them off (because like you said, i OWN it) at half the price making millions, or just giving them out for free. You, the creator, on the other hand get $50 for your hard 4 years of sweat and blood and your family deserve to go hungry because surely, $50 won't even buy you a full tank of gas that you need to get to work.

So what you gonna u do, use always On on me? You are just asking for a lawsuit from me because it is draconian, anti-consumer, and you are controlling what I own, that's right because i BOUGHT IT, shame on you.

So read that over again and again and see if what you just wrote make any sense if at all. Talks about Draconian, you are a funny guy.

@mysticStrummer

Even if it is true, do you think they have the right to do it? Why developers, including Sony, start implementing DRM, online pass, etc....? Why?

People on here really think they own everything don't they. Until you actually work on something, put all your sweat and blood into something, then may be, and I do mean BIG maybe based on the mind sets here on n4g, you will understand.

[DivineAssault]

i just want to see what MS is doing with the nx box.. That way theres no more rumors & speculation.. If they choose to focus 50/50 on media entertainment & games, i prolly wont buy one.. Seems like sony is going 90/10 on games/media which is more my style

[BLKxSEPTEMBER]

I didn't know MS confirmed always online! I must of missed that /s

[Godmars290]

Always Online at this point likely means that the system itself, as a medium for a cable box, means that even in sleep mode it will still be on.

If it means anything else we'll just have to wait and see.

[metalgod88]

I think this article does a good job of not leaning toward one side or the other and helps me realize a great point.

In the past, the consoles have always been about the games. Games have never been about being social, but quite the opposite. And now that we've reached a point in history where social media and gaming has become a popular thing, Microsoft and Sony have realized that finally, are making changes to the way they present both.

And what I'm seeing so far is Microsoft embracing this change more than Sony at the moment. I'm not saying this bad nor good, but I think finally, people get to actually decide what they want more. Do they want something that's focused on games with a little social media and tv(netflix/hulu/amazon) on the side, or something that is all around an enjoyable hub with equal focus on social, tv, and games.

[LoveOfTheGame]

I like the fact that both are going different routes, makes owning multiple consoles even better when you can get different experiences from them.

This way, if Xbox works with cable and all that, I will have the Xbox in my living room while the PS4 is in my game room. Oh who am I kidding, they both will be in my game room cause I never leave it anyway.

[metalgod88]

Yeah, exactly my point and I like the idea of both taking different routes as well. We might actually have a choice as to what type of experience we want out of our consoles.

I'll probably end up picking up both, of course depending on what Microsoft shows off at E3.

People who were dedicated to one company over the other may have to take a step back and really look at what each console offers. So those types of people may not like these changes both companies are making, but hey, there's always the pc!

[inFAMOUS_KRATOS]

then you can pay 90 dollars year for xbox live plus your cable and 20 dollar ontop of your cable bill for renting the cable boxes your service provider gave u//

good move my friend.. people like you are the reason why we get a new iphone every 6 months.

[LoveOfTheGame]

*Looks at name*
I don't know, something makes me feel like your biased towards xbox. Can't quite put my finger on it but I know it's there.

[metalgod88]

Lol people like me? I buy consoles because I'm a developer myself and like to keep up with what others are doing. Sure, I could read about about these games or watch videos about them, but I like to feel the emotions the developers are trying to portray towards the player and you just don't get that from reading or watching.

And what that has to do with Apple is beyond me. Also, do you really care that I pay X amount of dollars for these things? If I can pay for them, then what's it to you?

[Godmars290]

The only difference I'm seeing is that MS will be heavily relying on entertainment to a point where it might effect games while Sony's media will remain somewhat the same. They'll invest in games as always while being second to MS in getting apps.

[Krosis]

Games are what people want, with the best graphics possible at a reasonable price. If you have a primary focus on anything else, your at a disadvantage. However, as always, I'll withhold my judgements until the reveal as discerning fact from rumor is nothing but wasted time. ..time i'd rather spend gaming.

[yesmynameissumo]

Sony is a making a game console. Microsoft is making an entertainment device that plays games. Are Netflix and other functionality welcomed from either camp? Of course it is. However, when those apps and functionality become the primary focus, games suffer overall.

[Urusernamesucks]

What differences are starting to emerge?

last i checked its still not may 21s.

[Gamer Muzz]

All this talk about the Next Xbox being always on. Get real people it's not gonna happen.
Sure it'll be required to be on for all it's app and media functionality. But to play games it'll be just like any other Game console. No internet connection "Required" to play games.
If games that require online in order to function come out, that will be up to the developer.
It's far more likely that EA would release an always on game than it is that the new xbox will require internet connectivity 100% of the time for 100% of it's functionality.

[inFAMOUS_KRATOS]

i laugh at you people who say microsoft wins in entertainment part.

we havent even seen the full interface for the ps4, all we saw was the profile section you really think the system will load into that big o blue screen? doubt it.

netflix is number one on PLAYSTATION®3.

THE ONLY REASON MICROSOFT has the upperhand in that department is because sony couldnt give flying f.k

[FunkMacNasty]

inFAMOUS_KRATOS,

Your name says it all. No one here is taking you seriously, bro.

Time to stop trolling and get busy playing all those Sony exclusives!! there's no time for trolling--you got all the exclusives! Hurry up and go play 'em.. QUICK before another one comes out!! (you don't wanna be backlogged do you?)

[Condemnedman]

Those who mock are scared of the truth. All I can say is I have two ps3's and two 360's and who has won the majority of my money and time? It's not Sony but I'm open to next gen hoping to maybe trade one ps3 for a ps4 and one xbox for the 72o depending on the show ms do.

[SoapShoes]

I think it's more 360 fans that are scared because of how MS has treated it for the last few years. They're scared their next box will be lacking like the 360 has lately. I think they'll keep their diehard fans but will they win hardcore gamers? Who knows.

[Condemnedman]

That's why every story that comes along about ms is populated by the sdf throwing wild speculation and abuse about some things they don't have any concrete proof about. Maybe ms will mess up next gen maybe not but I will make that decision, not some snotty nosed jerk with an agenda because they don't like ms.

[SoapShoes]

I think it's equal on both sides but it's good to make that decision for yourself. Too many sheeple now days only buy what is "popular" or what their friends buy. It's sad.

[FunkMacNasty]

"Xbox wont focus on games because they are going to focus on having entertainment apps" -- This has to be the most LUDICROUS argument to troll Microsoft that I've EVER heard! (and you Sony fanboys cook up some real farfetched stuff from time to time)

Here are the shocking facts:

............ Brace yourself.....

Both consoles will have THE SAME entertainment apps and functions, just like they do NOW. Neither console will lose focus on game development, especially since GAME DEVLOPERS DONT SIT IN EXECUTIVE BOARDROOMS TRYING TO WORK OUT DEALS WITH NETFLIX, HULU, ESPN, CNN, ETC.

Game development studios make GAMES. Not APPS. 343 Studios is NOT going to design a TV watching app. Turn 10 is not going to spend all their time creating a Web Browser app. Whoever buys the Next Xbox is not gonna say "Shit, I wish I could play Watchdogs and Battlefield 4 on this thing, but i guess it just plays TV and video apps."

Once again, This is the most rediculous argument ive heard. You wanna troll MS, theres plenty to poke fun of.. Kinect, XBL subscription, few exclusive IP's.. but THIS argument is really laughable.

[hardcorehippiez]

ill get both like i did this gen but if xbox craps out on me like the 360 did i wont be replacing it. i will also be reluctant to invest heavily in games for it until i see how reliable it is .

[SDF Repellent]

Lets put it this way, Xbox will have 99% of every third party games support. Rumors of new exclusives like Respawn's new IP and MS own Black Tusk studio are just the beginning adding to highly acclaim exclusives like Halo, Gears, and Forza with many other unannounced exclusives to follow.

So in another word, why is it so bad that the Next box has more added non-gaming features when in fact it is a bonus for us gamers and will also consolidate all your living room devices, from cable box, media streamer, Blu Ray/DVD player, skype for social chatting, and etc. Lets put it this way, isn't it better that your smartphone also have internet, a media player, a GPS device, a calendar, a watch?

The only people seems to not like bonuses are Sony executives and Sony supporters, opps, I go there, but for the rest of the population, the more the merrier I say. Now, if the Next box also have BC with the X360, which it might have, then it is a win win situation for alot of current X360 owners.

[Hicken]

You really like to play the fool, don't you?

I say that not because I think you're a fool, but because you PLAY the part.

You, of all Xbox fans, should know full well that nobody's complaining simply because there are "bonuses" on Xbox. People take issue because those are the FOCUS.

By all means, add all the media deals you want, but don't forget to talk about games. Yet that's exactly what Microsoft has been doing: spending their time talking up TV deals and social apps, and limiting their gaming news to Halo, Gears, Forza, and Call of Duty.

People say it all the time, but it's like you suddenly go blind whenever they bring it up.

[SDF Repellent]

Hicken, my favorite stalker, nice to see you again, LOL.

[Grindlefly]

Ive been around games since the days of acorn electron and Spectrum 48k (horace goes skiing drove me mad as a kid), and ive seen many many launches. One thing that struck me on this gen was initially Sony marketed (in the uk anyway), the ps3 not only as a games machine but as a all round media centre and entertainment hub. From what I've seen over the past few years that was a mistake, hardcore console owners care about the games first and foremost - and not always multiplayer might I add. Give me a decent single player game with a gripping story and I much prefer this over online play.

To me it seems that MS are in danger of going the same route. Now don't get me wrong, I honestly want MS to succeed, even though I would say I am a Sony supporter, as healthy competition will only push both companies to do more - which in turn can only be a good thing for me the gamer, but I feel that early this gen Sony definitely took their eye off the ball, and It took them a while to realise that the core point of the product is to play games.

If anyone can pull it off then yea maybe MS can. One thing is for sure, its going to be a great build up to the launch of both consoles, I just hope the fanboys can keep it in check as ultimately we as the consumer will win. (reflects back on how far games have come since horace :))

[TheKayle1]

just this from the article

"For as big a company as Sony is, they’re not Microsoft.They know they don’t have the capability to be the ones to set up a connected network of PCs, TV, phones, etc, all running through the PlayStation. Microsoft, meanwhile, does have that infrastructure, and they plan to use it."

we will see what a real enxt gen console is with the new xbox...let sony paint the ps4 as is done to be in the kiddies room

to me the article is totally right

sony is doing again a giant mistake painting their console again in 2013 as "it can play only games"...coz real gamers know that this time is just a 1.8tf console.(this mean isnt a powerfull machine)..and maybe real hardcore gamers will opt for more high end tech (see pcs) seen that 95% of games nowdays r multiplat

if sony let dominate the living room by ms....it will be the last mistake sony will do

[Mikeyy]

We have yet to even see if the "720" has a Blu-Ray player..

Dominate the living room? Not so fast.

They also have to tackle the issue of Xbox Live Gold. If you need to pay for Gold to use Netflix then write Ms off as failed, because they will not dominate the livingroom with this approach. New Smart HDTV's allow you to stream Netflix directly to the TV now, How can Microsoft justify their "cut" to use all these services you already pay for?

Arent Gamers tired of getting nickle and dimmed? The 720 already looks like it'll be another "accessory" machine requiring the separate purchace of the Xbox Mini. You can also guarentee you will be foreced to pay for Overpriced Xbox branded HDD's if you wan't to upgrade your storage capacity.

This company is soo anti-consumer its gross.

[IQUITN4G]

You can definitely get a feel for the general age range on here at MS's supposed death next gen. Online only to play games would rule me out personally but MS would be aware of what they can push so I doubt it

Personally I'm not liking the idea of a system where I can only play games while having to authenticate my licence every time I play because of potentially 15 years down the line may mean say. There isn't really ever a guarantee with this sort of thing if system changes and games aren't films or books for example that we can watch no matter the system etc

I can't see that happening but who knows

[stglt]

2008

[molsen81]

I'm not sure that I'll ever be able to forgive Microsoft for 3 RRoDs.

[MadMen]

This is easy, if MS does push DRM, Hardcore will abandon them.

Which means the out of the gate install base will crash for MS.

Should this not be the case, it will be a lot like this gen neck and neck. Which is a shame because SONY owned those people who went FPS crazy over Xbox (myself being one of them)

PS3 was a joke, it started off wrong but ended on the right note but its too late to go back on that, PS1 attitude is where SONY started its what they need to get back to to gain back the market share lost.

I am still on the fence, should MS mutter DRM Im out, should it be false, I will give each system one year on the market and go from there.

Either way, Wait for May 21st people before getting all brand crazy, we are close to knowing the info needed to make a educated decision...

[Jaqen_Hghar]

A man loves Mad Men (just starting Season 4).

A man will always choose Sony as long as their devs continue to make up most of a man's permanent library (a man sells most of his games back but keeps the 30 or so he knows he can go back and play through all the time and the vast majority are Sony exclusives).

[Mikeyy]

I just don't see where PS3 was a joke? i've owned one sice day one.

I have all the COD's, Played the hell out of them, so i got the map packs a month later, big flipping deal..

Food for thought, you've spent roughly an extra $400 over the last 8 years paying for Xbox live. I've been able to save all that money and my PS4 is payed for, no matter how much it costs.

[jeffgoldwin]

This is a sony dominated site, so your always gunna hear all the company Kool-Aid drinking phrases, focus on games, sony doesn't do it for profits, it's all about charity work for us gamer, rah, rah, rah.

Me, I'll wait and see what each has to offer, then make my choice. I'm not going to be a sheep using coin catch phrases by the brain washed sides.

[Jaqen_Hghar]

No one said charity. Sony just goes after your money the right way. They give me exclusive, immersive, unique, single player focused games. They offer great value through PS+ and give a man new IP each gen along with returning franchises that he loves. MS on the other hand charges for basic online play and recycles franchises they know will make the money. A man likes the former strategy.

[airforcex]

ipad, iphone, android devices, and even TIVOs are always on. I think you may be missing the big picture if you think this is an issue. As an owner of both 360 and PS3, I say let MS do its thing and SONY do its thing.

[zaz12]

I only watch TV for soccer

[Machiavellian]

It does seem silly to say that MS is not serious about games when MS in the last 3 years have hired a bunch of people to fill out studios.

They hired a brand new team for the Black Tusk, up Rare to 3 different divisions. Still hiring for other positions and filling out more teams.

From just the studios MS has created within the last 3 years you see that they do care about gaming and probably feel it is one of many things needed to make a successful console.

If MS open up the MS store for any developer to create games that can be played on a console well, you can say that MS would definitely be serious about gaming.

This probably would make the Nextbox the most game friendly console on the market especially can make it so that if you download a game on your Tablet or Phone, you get the same game on all of your devices, sharing save points, stats everything so that you can play everywhere. Start the game on your console, move to the bedroom and start that the place you left off, then if you take something like he train or sitting in a waiting room, you pull out your Windows phone and play from the point you left off on the tablet.

[PFFT]

Always online does not in no way or manner affect me therefore i can honestly tell you that i dont give a rats ass. BUT what indeed makes me lean more towards the Ps4 are the exclusive games.

[bunfighterii]

I'm open minded but so far sticking to Playstation. I like the gaming focus and all the stuff about ease of development to me seems as though there'll be some brilliant games.

Although with a compelling multimedia offering I'm not averse to a new Xbox either, and may end up with both. Problem basically is, with too many machines ultimately I don't have the time to split between them. iPad, iMac, iPhone and Vita already take away heaps of gaming time.

[taquito]

I hope the nextbox is way more powerful than the ps4

the ps4 cpu is really bad, the gpu is kinda bad and the ram is just great

I hope nextbox is twice as powerful as ps4, I want at least one console to be able to play exclusives somewhat close to my pc 2 years ago

[TemplarDante]

The comments on the Forbes site are dumb #Justsayin #DealwitIt

@Taquito ROFLMFAO!
Dude.. the rumored specs of Nextbox is half that of PS4...
I bet $1000 May 21 MSFT wont even mention specs. You're in for a HUGE surprize when sites do a teardown of Nextbox lol.

[revben]

I can tell console gamers know nothing about pcs. The PS4 and Next Box are different and none is more powerful. The Next Box will have dedicated CPU/GPU while PS4 will unified CPU/GPU. This means the Next Box will be good at all things, while the PS4 will be better at gaming. The spec of the Next Box tells only the CPU and not the GPU. Graphics DO NOT USE DDR3 nowadays.

[Mikeyy]

Revben I can tell you know nothing of Hardware also, because the PS4 has an extra CPU on the side for handling all the "otherthings" Recording, OS, Social Features, you name it.

Also the complaints about the Jaguar cores are meaningless and show you are not hardware enthusist. Because what runs crysis at 20 FPS in your computer, runs it at 60 FPS in a console, because the consonsol doesnt have the Bloat, and is specifically optimized for static hardware. The components in our PCs are VERY powerful, yet our PC games probably don't take advantage of half that power because specs are all over the place and very little optimization is done.

[madjedi]

Last specs had it at 2/3(1.2 tflops) verses the ps4(1.8 tflops), it is the same cpu but a slightly weaker gpu. Nothing is set in stone, till ms starts production.

Lol at all the idiots screaming sony fanboys, most of the people in here are biased towards a specific console(ms,sony,nintendo), which would make them a fanboy, given n4g's zealous over use of the word. That word means alot less than people actually think it does.

"I can tell console gamers know nothing about pcs." Stupid asshat generalisations for one. "The PS4 and Next Box are different and none(neither) is more powerful(than the other)."

I would be very surprised if the xbox has a dedicated separate cpu and a gpu chip, and the rumors have it at the cpu on par and the gpu slightly weaker, of course that is still subject to change.

@Taquito pcs will still kill both systems next gen in terms of absolute power(resolution framerates ect).

"I hope nextbox is twice as powerful as ps4" Have you been asleep the last 3-4 yrs, they don't need an absolute beast of a gaming console chasing after the wii's crowd.

If you had ms balancing it's core games with the casual orientated(kinect), like sony has done with move, the next box wouldn't be meet with as much cynicism as it currently has.

But hey this is just the opinion of a biased sony fanboy, i don't have the patience to pretend i am a "neutral" multiplatform owner/true gamer ect, whatever bullshit statement is popular atm.

[H3ADWOUND81]

@bganci Please tell me where you get your misguided info from? Why for the love of all that is holy would Sony charge it's core gamers to play online? Sony is not Microsoft, further more, this generation has proved Sony knows how to do business in the correct way.. Microsoft are a greedy bunch of businessmen who don't give a shit about anyone apart from their profit margin.. Just goes to show even when you treat a dog badly it still has a misguided sense of loyalty. Much like you and Microsoft..

[Veneno]

Don't get Scroogled!

[Bonerboy]

Difference? The only difference is on which side of the fence the dum-dum fanboy sits.

Moron 1: My Sony console is better cause....
Moron 2: My MS console is better cause....

Nobody cares what console you support and why....and if they do go back to "moron 1" and read again.

Same shit, different pile.

@ h3adwound81

Yeah, Sony arent in it to make money at all. C'mon Sony!? Profit margins? Who needs 'em? Utterly ridiculous business model if I've ever heard one. Profits...pfft. They do it all just for their pure love of gamers like yourself.
If you can manage to reach it, pull your head out of your ass. In fact do us all a favour and go throw yourself into traffic, idiot. Fuk me.

[Harpers_Ferry]

People can throw around the word "fanboy" all they want, but the fact remains that Microsoft dropped the ball toward the end of this generation with respect to exclusives. I'm not saying they didn't have great titles, but they seemed to shift all of their focus on the main 3, Gears, Halo, and Forza. Alan Wake was left with nothing but an XBLA title, which in my opinion, was a disappointment after the excellent first title. Fable was reduced to a Kinect title, and Crackdown got an average sequel and was quickly forgotten. Let's not forget that what they are doing with Rare is the equivalent of using top shelf ingredients to make spam.

Hopefully, they turn this shit around with their next console, but to act like there isn't a problem is just ridiculous. The reason people praise Sony for their exclusives this generation, is that while not every one is a hit (and many were left to die with regards to advertising), they offer variety, which is something that is sadly on the decline in gaming these days. The kids spouting shit about wanting Microsoft to die, sure, label them as fanboys, but don't let your loyalty to a brand blind you to it's faults.

[GoldPunch-TR]

Hi.

PS4 is better.

Good bye.

[Arai]

Give or take one more month and we should see some megatons.
Since both consoles are launching around the same time, time will tell who made the right/wrong moves.

For the first time in history the consoles will be near identical (parts used, architecture).
It's a gaming machine that I'll be buying, everything else is just an added bonus.

[etboy900]

Xbox 720?? Pfft... PS4 is going to skyrocket. sure people will buy the 720, but the PS4 has brilliant graphics, doesent freeze. If it freezes, then its your network. the Playstation Four will be THE NEXT BIG THING. If you have a ps3 then add me. my username is etboy900.
Later Guys

[RuleofOne343]

So in your warped mind the PS4 can do no wrong, mind you it does not exist but on paper. but if wrong does occur it's the person fault not the hardware. That is some delusional view , may I suggest u seek help right away.