Xbox One vs PS4 – Do Specs Really Matter?

Microsoft’s product planning manager Albert Penello riled up the gaming community when he said that the Xbox One vs PS4 Specs comparison was “meaningless”.

Could he be right?

[dedicatedtogamers]

Were the differences between Xbox Live and PSN meaningless? Clearly not if tens of milllions of people were willing to pay for Live instead of using the free service.

Were the differences in graphics meaningless when comparing the Wii version and PS3/360 versions of Call of Duty? Clearly not if CoD routinely sold 20+ million on the HD Twins yet barely made a blip on the Wii.

Hardware power always, always matters. It's not the only factor, but it does indeed matter.

[mp1289]

I think the vast majority of people do know which one has the better hardware, especially now that internet is so easily accessible. Obviously last gen it was a bit more confusing because the ps3 was so hard to develop for, but this time i think average joe will be able to figure it out before purchasing.

[I_am_Batman]

Last time it wasn't that much of a competition right away because the Xbox 360 came out a year earlier. A lot of people just didn't want to wait a year for the PS3 especially with all the bad media it got before launch.

However this time around both consoles will release pretty much simultaniously. It'll be much more of a fight for consumers this time I think.

[demonddel]

@batman quit using that excuse about Xbox came out a year early so did the Dreamcast Microsort came with a gameplan to slow Sony down so did Nintendo

[YNWA96]

Of course specs matter... Its all I have.... What else would I whine on about, I would have no chance with the ladies if I could not talk about terraflops and gddr.... So please keep it relevant, I need them...

[YNWA96]

@ demonddel, tell me... Your dream night, 1; night out with a supermodel, who is gagging for you, or 2; sony....

[S2Killinit]

@demonddel
no it was just that M$ had really deep pockets. They basically muscled their way into the market.

[mewhy32]

Wow, it sounds like Micro$oft is taking a page from Nintendo's playbook ROFL. Sure specs don't matter when you're 50% less powerful than the competition LOL.

[GameSpawn]

OK hardware matters, but more to the point what matters most is consumer trust. Right now the PlayStation brand has gained so much consumer trust that the PS4 has become a no brainer for many. Microsoft has lost so much consumer trust with their Xbox One that its launch is looking very dismal.

I expect both consoles will inevitably sell out for the first couple months as soon as any stock arrives in stores. This is how every major console launch has been. However, unless Microsoft can regain some consumer trust I expect the Xbox One to "plateau" after 6 months. I definitely don't expect them to move as many systems as the PS4 is already being forecast. Sony already has a manufacturing edge on Microsoft and can produce to keep up with demand and Microsoft's system has already been shown to have some limitations (certain components are bottle-necking the process) that prevent them from having the level of manufacturing ability that the PS4 will have.

We'll all see what happens in the coming months. Microsoft's down, but not out completely. It up to them as to what they can do to appease people for pulling the wool over their heads and reassure them they won't do something similar again in the future.

[jeffgoldwin]

If hardware mattered that much, I'd say buy a pc. You buy a console because graphics take a back seat to exclusives and price.

[HammadTheBeast]

But the price has to be worth it. Better graphics for better price seems like a win to me. And better exclusives come from better specs.

[dedicatedtogamers]

I have a PC, but there are a ton of games on consoles that never come to PC.

Not to mention I can spend $400 to get a PS4 which is fairly close to my 2-year-old PC in terms of power. Why wouldn't anyone take that choice? PC isn't the be-all-end-all, not even for a lot of PC gamers.

[Hicken]

Define "that much." Cuz if hardware was didn't matter at all, we'd still be playing on Commodore 64.

[ShwankyShpanky]

I'd say graphics take a back seat to convenience and price.

[TheHierarchy]

@dedicatedtogamers

"Were the differences in graphics meaningless when comparing the Wii version and PS3/360 versions of Call of Duty? Clearly not if CoD routinely sold 20+ million on the HD Twins yet barely made a blip on the Wii. "

yeah but, were the differences in graphics meaningless when PC kicked all of their asses regardless for decades now? the answer is yes, because people still bought games based on whatever console they owned. and if i remembered it still the same.

[MRMagoo123]

I have a gaming PC i work at a pc repair shop i love using a pc for certain games but you cant get the sony exclusives on PC so it doesnt matter if i have gtx 780s in sli or 32g of ram or an OC i7 it still wont play uncharted. By the looks of it the pc wont be kicking any arse this time round at least for a while.

[DoomeDx]

Awesome! Article #453 about this subject.

[hkgamer]

The differences between Live and PSN? Not really sure, I didn;t bother getting Live because I don't play online that much or even touch my 360.

Graphics? to a certain extent graphics will matter, but I think fps and screen tearing matter more. Think most multi-plats did run better on the 360 which was probably why no one ever saw the reason to get a PS3 which was more expensive.

PS4 vs Xbone? Now that the DRM from xbone is gone I guess it will be an even competition. The similar architecture and specs will probably mean that there won't be much difference graphically. I mean the multi-plats this gen always looked better for the console it was designed for and the port always lacked a little but with the way it could be port I guess it should almost be identical.

[MRMagoo123]

They arent similar specs , they are similar architecture but thats it the ps4 will be getting better fps and better resolutions along with better graphics on multiplats in the long run, if you knew anything about specs which im guessing you dont you would know that.

[hkgamer]

@MRMagoo
the specs are pretty similar. same amount of RAM but Xbone uses more for OS.
similar clock speeds, same amount of cores.
etc...

cant be bothered naming every spec. But they are similar.

[Godmars290]

We'll find out.

[Automatic79]

I guess time will tell re specs. Right now it should be about the games.

[fsfsxii]

Which MS hasn't provided since the past 3 years

[chestnut1122]

Microsoft - So You're telling us Specs doesn't matter but Your Price for X BOX One is more expensive than PS4 which beats You on that Specs Category?

[wishingW3L]

pretty much. It's obviously just a cheap desperate spin.

[creatchee]

Maybe Microsoft feels that they are offering more than just specs to justify their cost? I mean, you might not find it worth the extra 100 bucks, but other people will.

[Death]

Too much thought is going into the specs. Both machines are x86 based. Both machines use an AMD CPU/GPU combo chip. Both have 8 gigs of ram and a blu-ray player. Games will look incredibly similar especially from third party devs. Microsoft is placing their bet on the gaming experience from the moment you enter the room even before you sit down to the second you get up. They also believe that social interaction is an important part of the gaming experience.

If as a manufacturer they believe the two consoles to be very similar, the question is what sets them apart? Obviously exclusives make a big difference, but if they are confident with their library, what else is there to focus on? Microsoft has been working to make playing online as seemless as possible with Live. Sony has decided to do the same with their paid service. What is next? That is the question both companies ask. If Sony's plans are what you want, buy the PS4. If you like Microsofts vision, then the Xbox one is for you.

[Mighty Boom]

Yes, they do. Fanboys can perform all the mental gymnastics they want, it does not change reality.

With that said, I'm getting both consoles, but I'm more excited about the PS4 because it has MORE horsepower under the hood.

Disagree me, now.

[thekhurg]

Yes.

[GreenRanger]

Specs matter to whoever has the better ones.

Specs don't matter to whoever has the weaker ones.

[jeffgoldwin]

So then specs only matter to pc gamers is what your saying?

[MRMagoo123]

we are talking about consoles, bringing up pcs doesnt negate the fact that sony has the more powerful console by a far margin nor does it change the fact the ps4 is out preordering the xbone world wide by a giant massive gap.

[jeffgoldwin]

@Mrmagoo

So you proceed to get defensive about going off topic about pc graphics, then in this thread over console graphics, you go off topic and say sony is winning in pre-orders. Hypocrite much?

[Funky Town_TX]

Let the games do the talking. I can't wait to play both next gen consoles.

[Jakens]

I buy only the games that speak to me. Specs speak too but games translate what the specs were trying to say.

DLC talks too much for my tastes.

[Fireseed]

Specs only matter when they get in the way of a designers vision. If a console isn't powerful to deliver the experience a developer wants then yes it matters. But if you're just trying to pump out more pixels just for the sake of it then well you're an idiot.

Aesthetics > Graphics

[PlayTheGameBro]

We'll see how they perform this holiday season. Then we could determine. I believe both consoles will perform well.

[brich233]

It does matter but since they have similar specs, it doesnt matter as much. It all comes down to the games now. Multi-platform games will usually look better on PC.

[Supermax]

Again and always if your a gamer you don't pick sides you play games,as many great games as you can.pc X1 ps4 iPad don't be a fanboy be a gamer.

[jmc8888]

Except it isn't being a fanboy to be against Kinect2.

It's called being against a company that pisses on the constitution. Not only that but won't allow it to be disconnected.

So if you buy an Xbox One you are either
a) oblivious to NSA spying with Kinect2
b) against all evidence and admissions don't believe it to be the case
c) are too much of a moron to understand how badly you can be screwed by the data (the whole: who wants to see me in my underwear argument)

Because anyone who isn't ignorant of reality and has even a bit of self discipline, self respect, and an appreciation for what millions died to give us then they simply cannot buy an Xbox One for just this one reason.

The mandatory Kinect2.

...and no there is no debate on this.

If you buy an Xbox One you are in one of those sad categories.

People can lie to themselves about it, they can try to lampoon others, but the facts are facts, everyone wants your data, legally and illegally. They want to exploit you to make money, serve some agenda, or both.

M$ is not a company you can trust, and all trust given to it concerning privacy they pissed away with their actions...ongoing actions I might add.

[vladec]

The US spying on people isnt just to spy on anyone its to spy on people that are possible threats to our country. At the end of the day I dont have anything to hide...knowing the government is trying to stay one step ahead of the next serious threat doesnt bother me. Its rather a good feeling the government is trying to use all its resources to find the next people that may possibly decide to fly some airplanes into buildings.

[ShwankyShpanky]

Vladec, serious question: do you think Mennonites are a possible threat to our country?

[ShwankyShpanky]

It's not simply about "picking sides," it's about not supporting anti-consumer behavior, whether that be forced DRM, forced peripherals (that do also happen to be good for spyware, whether for marketing or government), cut-corner hardware, bait-and-switch marketing, moneyhatting timed exclusivity, nickel-and-dime proprietary peripherals, participation in questionable surveillance programs, or just a general sense of condescension toward their current and potential customers. While "sides" may end up being chosen, they are not necessarily chosen arbitrarily, and can be based on something more substantive than "Halo is lame," or "PSN sucks." I don't picture Sony to be some happy-time altruistic company that makes video games out of the benevolent warmth of their hearts, but I do at least feel that they have a modicum of respect for their customer base, and are trying to be successful by making the best product for their customers, not heavy-handed schemes to subvert what gamers really want.

[squad]

I think it will be but not right now, maybe when the new gen starts becoming old that's when the systems will be push to it's limits and PS4 might shine more at that time.

[RetardedIceCream]

No, to a certain degree

[greenlantern2814]

Specs matter, if they didn't then none of the big 3 would but the time and effort and money into developing better more powerful consoles. The ps4 is also easier to develop for than the ps3 was.
But the ps3 was the most powerful system last time and when devs knew how to use all the tools it showed.
TLOU, uncharted 2, killzone 2, metal gear solid 4,
God of war 3, infamous and heavy rain all ps3 exclusives all amazing games. 3rd party games will likely be the same on both systems, however some have content specific to their respective boxes watchdogs for example has content for ps4, fifa has something Xbox1. But saying specs don't matter is like saying my car with with 160hp is as fast as your car with 300hp.

[just-joe]

Specs meaning nothing if you have no games to play.

[jairusmonillas]

Specs means alot especially if the most powerful system is $100 cheaper than the weaker system.

And to add, Xbox One is not just about games, 50% of 360's lifetime was focus on Kinect. Hell, can you imagine how they are going to focus on Kinect now that its already in your Xbox One? that means the next E3 will be all about Kinect and Halo. This year will probably the last time Xbox One is featuring real games LOL

[FrigidDARKNESS]

Like i said before you can build a electronic product with superior specs and all but it comes down to engineering design and components used inside. So specs dont really matter at all.

[blanket14]

yeah but look at what sony does with soecs and hardware! ms focus is on games now but later who knows . sony is always about the games always delivers ms doesn't. ...... or maybe they will xhange their ways who knows lol

[FrigidDARKNESS]

Ps4 specs are rated at raw power but reading comments from well versed tech engineers in computer design the ps4 design isnt all that great.

[CaulkSlap]

It wouldn't matter as much if the price was equal. But so far you're paying $100 more for a significantly weaker system.

[vladec]

Significantly? try marginally....

[isarai]

Yes, they matter a SHITLOAD, just not nearly as much as the games themselves

[Melankolis]

Imagine, if only MS didn't release kinect back then, and now they offer kinect built-in Xbox One, i think it will make hype like Wii did.

Maybe we're gonna say PS4 is like conventional console and Xbox One is like console of the future...

[vladec]

Funny I pre-ordered both consoles. I've never been a Playstation fan....ps2 vs xbox (xbox dominated graphic wise & ONLINE GAMING) ps3 vs xbox 360 (xbox360 had the better titles, XBOX Live revlolutioned the online gaming community It also broke all the times I've owned 4 xbox360s so far....PS3 better graphics / superior components + reliability but sub-par online and lack of titles and some ridiculously long load times)......NOW Onto the topic that at hand the Xbone vs Ps4 (Xbone is the future it goes beyond gaming hands down... I like what it can do from a gaming and media prospective its IMPRESSIVE and any PS fanboy that says otherwise is a troll, I believe the whole used game thing is taken by people the wrong way completely. Im almost 30 I dont trade video games with friends and I rarely go over to my friends houses to play video games but IF I EVER DECIDE TO with my Xbone ill be able to log onto there console and play my games at there house! Another thing to address is the whole needing to be online ask yourself when arent you online? and who doesnt have access to it all the time? unless your in a 3rd world country of course..now the PS4...to me the PS4 is the superior console when it comes to gaming and playstation+ is what brought me on board with the PS4. This is history repeating itself with the PS3 vs the Xbox360 in a sense but this time around Sony learned a lot from its mistakes and what MS did with the 360. I do believe the this will be a tight race to the end with both consoles the only way Sony fails is it lacks in titles again and playstation+ bombs. Another thing people bring up is the Cloud service for the xbone....sure it can give it the power of "4 xbones put together"...I'll believe it when I see it. PS4 Galakai....well from what I read online its just going to be a service that you will stream games directly from and will HEAVILY depend on your internet connection which in my eyes is a big FAIL cause while everyone may have a connection faster then dial up I dont beleive everyone has a good enough connection to stream games...there will be some SERIOUS issues with lag or gameplay being incredibly downgraded. As far as all the MS fans boys and PS fan boys....lets hear all the bashing and stupid comparisons the last 10 people before you wrote :) I look forward to hooking up my PS4 to my Xbone :)

[dcortz2027]

Yes, they do actually. I want to get my moneys worth when I buy a next-gen console.

[S2Killinit]

umm yeah specs do matter. I'm just glad that the system I will be buying anyway, comes with more power to boot (:

[quenomamen]

Not if your hardware has a 30-50 % power deficit.

[Supermax]

The us spy's on you every day and that's with out you haveing kinect stop using it as a excuse.