PS4 VS. XBOX One: Console Experience

From social connectivity to entertainment apps, next-gen goes way beyond games. Which console is best for you?

[rela82me]

I wish I liked the PS4 UI better... I just don't...

[JoGam]

Dude relax. No one is dying because of it.

[GameNameFame]

social features.

Not to mention best first party studio as shown in PS3 exclusive games.

Also, digital game download as you play and etc are on PS4 as well.. Sony started doing this on PS3 actually.

As IGN mentions, it seems like Kinect voice function is still not working since Kinect 1.

[Loki86]

Everyone has reported the Kinect success rate of around 88%. IGN was using an older build, when the newer build has been used it has been flawless from the preview videos I watched. Try harder.

[Riderz1337]

@Loki where the hell did you find this number from lmfao.

Guys this just in, the Kinect works 60% of the time, every time.

-.-

[GameNameFame]

Try Harder?

"IGN is using older build..." thats not why it does not work?

Your statement is the definition of Try Harder.

Voice Recog tech not been working properly since Kinect 1. There has been no major break through since.

Either way, it is something Sony is patching in more and more. It really isn't what separate X1 over PS4.

but as you said, you need to try harder.

[Loki86]

Trying to downplay how well the voice recognition on the X1 is, isn't going to make the PS4 camera any better.

[jgrigs09]

actually GameNameFame it does work. So you're getting your sources from just IGN. While other sites, linked via N4G has said it work perfectly fine, they said at one point they did have to say the same thing 4 times, but other then that. It was rocking. It's better than the Kinect 1. Stop trolling buddy

[Jaqen_Hghar]

speak for yourself. A man is putting his name down.

[eatmoremango]

Just wait. After the PS4 is released UI related deaths will be commonplace.

[UltimateMaster]

@GameNameFame
You've butthurt fanboys stating facts that the PS4 has 1080p games, has social media and stuff like that.

[Prime157]

People, voice technology is a slow curve, but we all want it. Siri and Google mess up a lot, but apparently you think the Mic 6 or more feet away from you will do better than your phone at ideal distance of ~6 inches?

I haven't given up on the Kinect's ability, but I'm still very skeptical.

[mikeslemonade]

SMH at the zealots trying to justify the Kinect because they were forced to buy it. Don't have to take your anger on us who didn't buy a camera.

Yea I admit the UI is a bit flashier and smoother on the X1 but that's just semantics. That's almost like saying the PS4 is a sleeker looking console. And just like the PS3, the PS4 UI will get better through updates all on a $10 cheaper yearly subscription while PS+ has a better library of free to play games.

It's a fair trade off and either side can make a good argument. It's a stalemate no matter how you try to spin it; one side can always counter.

[Gekko36]

@GameNameFame OK, I've just seen the video for both Xbox and PS4 UI

First thoughts are I could see new features without having to look around on X1, the UI is instictive.

PS4 it isn't that intuitive across the board like X1, the features are there but there is no uniformity and for UI design you need uniformity.

X1's UI looks like a signular UI where as PS4 looks like 2 or possible 3 UI's connected together. It's the cluinky moves from section to section that suck.

Both systems are great:

Base specs goes to: PS4
Media vote goes to: PS4
Performance is a Tie
New features go to : X1
UI design goes to: X1

[Muerte2494]

They kinda downplay the significance of the paywall or lack thereof

[malokevi]

Probably because the only people who care about it have no intention of actually buying the console.

[Hicken]

Or maybe people have no intention of buying the console because they care about it?

It's funny how the MS fanboys always dismiss any criticisms as "You weren't getting one, anyway."

Well, no, not after all the crap they pulled, tried to pull, and continue to pull. But there was a time when I was interested in the XB1. Unfortunately, that time ended pretty much right at the reveal.

[malokevi]

Exactly. So to expect a respected gaming news site like IGN to bring up something to complain about because you "care" doesn't make much sense. They aren't there to provoke needless controversy or feed the trolls. It's not like the topic is censored... they bring it up all the time. It's just not worth dwelling on, because it's not a big deal and it isn't their job to drone on about something so trivial.

I happily pay for LIVE, and so do millions of other people! There are always alternatives for anybody who happens to not like it... But it seems to me like the number of people on this page who won't be paying for either PSN or XBL in the coming generation is close to, if not equal to, the number that is officially and hereby to be known as zero. That being the case, it's best to choose a service by merit or matter of preference.

free games, or teh cludz.... hmmmmmmmmmmm!

[UltimateMaster]

Since when gaming media informs people?
XD

[Muerte2494]

@Malokevi,

Why would someone buy a system that a $100 with most of their features locked behind a paywall? I mean why even lock streaming behind a paywall? Same can be said for Hulu, Netflix, or anything else for that matter.
I have had both Xbox LIVE and PSN (obviously), and there was never any real benefit to playing games on Xbox LIVE over PSN. Halo 4 was a lagfest and Gears of War 3 (not so much though). I'm tired propaganda being put out there as if Xbox LIVE is better (connection wise) than PSN, when it's not. People just go where their friends are, plain and simple.

[H0RSE]

@Muerte2494

"Why would someone buy a system that a $100 with most of their features locked behind a paywall?"

- Because most players, at least in the core audience, are going to have LIVE anyway, so essentially it's a non-issue.

That being said, if you think they downplayed the paywall aspect of XBL, then it would be equally fair to exclaim that they downplayed PS+ by not mentioning that a lot of the free games you have access to, can only be accessed as long as you are a paying member. The free games aspect of PS+, is essentially like having a Gamefly account - one you stop paying, yo stop playing.

"I have had both Xbox LIVE and PSN (obviously), and there was never any real benefit to playing games on Xbox LIVE over PSN....I'm tired propaganda being put out there as if Xbox LIVE is better (connection wise) than PSN, when it's not. People just go where their friends are, plain and simple. "

- Well you are not everybody. Probably one of the most significant aspects that XBL had over PSN, was cross-game chat - they even mention this in the video. I have friends who tried PS3 and found out this feature was absent on PSN, and they haven't went back since. I mean, what good is "going where your friends are," if you can't even talk to them?

[VENOMACR1227]

No one buys a $400 or $500 system to watch movies on or access Skype. You buy a $400 or $500 system for video games. All the other stuff is just a bonus. That stuff has always been part of gold. And according to the amount of Live users, it's not a big deal. Sony fans just want anything to grab on to.

Theres 2 way's of looking at: 1. PS+, your paying $50 just to play online. 2. Xbox Live, your paying $50 for online and a bunch of other features. So, which is the better value? $50 for 1 or 2 components, or $50 for a multitude of things? And yes, both online's give you free games.

Now I agree, Netflix, Skype, and other apps should be free, you shouldn't have to buy Live in order to use those features. But I buy Live to play online, not to use apps. So the fact those items are included in Xbox Live Gold is fine by me, because playing online is what matters to me.

[malokevi]

"Why would someone buy a system that a $100 with most of their features locked behind a paywall?"

See, here we go. Rant time. Don't care. As I said, millions of people happily do it. It's not as bad as you make it out to be. An Xbox One is essentially useless without a XBL subscription, without Kinect, without all the things you probably hate anyways, so why bother ranting about it? Nobody is interested in your senseless objection. Are you or are you not paying for one of the two online console gaming services for the duration of this generation?

Or are you here to fight other people's battles? Because I promise you there are people in this world who need your support much more than some gamers who don't own an Xbox and don't like the Xbox Live subscription model. You may want to aim your philanthropic concerns at sub Sahara Africa.

[TheFutureIsBlue]

The only thing I don't like, at least I think how it works judging by all the ui overviews, is that you have to scroll through ALL your games left to right. Why don't they just have a game dropdown like in ps3? Sorry if I missed something and this isn't correct.

Other than that it looks sleek and sexy as hell! I think it's a good improvements for both consoles and it will get better for both over time.

[Xsilver]

Guys prepare to see allot of changes in the UI in the coming months or years that's a guarantee but for Now i give it to MS when it comes to software they did a stellar job even tho i can't stand windows 8 layout but its still feature packed which is a Plus, But Sony also created a awesome UI this time in their UI its fast as hell Simple and gets to the point and more will be added to both UI's in the future(I'm still waiting for PS4 dynamic themes to comeback)

[dale_denton]

i wished i liked your arm tattoo..... i just... don't....

[its_JEFF]

I'm liking what I'm seeing from the PS4 UI but as a designer I've seen my fair share of UI designs. And I've gotta say, you can really tell that MS is a software company. Sony improved their UI a lot, but right now I think the XBox One UI is simpler/easier to use (I'm not counting Kinect, I don't like it personally)

No, I'm not hating on the PS4. I'm getting a PS4 day one and currently have no plans to pick up a X-1, just making an unbiased observation on UI.

[princejb134]

I guess I'm one of the few people out there that prefers the ps4 ui over the xbone.
I can't stand windows 8 tiles it bothers my eyes

[strickers]

You are not alone. The logical look at the purpose of UI and its usage, not impractical novelty and messy visuals.

[HammerKong]

no worries it not that bad ,i've got my my ps4 and ui works better than xb360 ui,but xb1 ui with kinect also looks amazing ,i'am also getting xb1.

[UltimateMaster]

Maybe you should buy a Windows 8.

[Ps4Console]

For me it's all about the games .

[hellvaguy]

Said the parot.

[ovnipc]

If I can party chat and play great games with great visuals idgaf about the ui I won't spend much time on it I care about games and ps4will deliver great games like tlou 2. My only worry its the issue with the hdmi port having problems I'm getting mine tomorrow hope does not have that problem. And the ui looks way better than the ps3 ui.

[mightyhokie]

@Riderz

72.8% of all statistics are made up 42.93% of the time. Every time. =P

[swishersweets20031]

i don't play UIs.. i play games.

[LOGICWINS]

LOL...then go play games. Why waste your time here? Leave the UI conversation to people who actually care.

[Riderz1337]

Can't play games when PS4 isn't out ^^.

Loving the PS4 UI. Simple, fast and easy to use. Pop in and out of the UI from the game in milliseconds. That is what it's about baby.

Edit - Are you actually that dull? Is this not a thread about PS4/Xbox One?

Oh my, Logic doesn't win here I guess.

[LOGICWINS]

"Can't play games when PS4 isn't out"

Playing games requires a PS4? Hmph, I must have imagined playing all those PS3, PS2, Dreamcast, and Xbox games for the past ten years.

[malokevi]

In all likelihood you've imagined your entire life as part of some wacked out simulation being generated in a giant supercomputer by evil robots.

Follow the white rabbit...

[LOGICWINS]

"Are you actually that dull? Is this not a thread about PS4/Xbox One?"

Another person on N4G that lacks basic reading comprehension. Surprise. Surprise.

Where in my comment did I specify "PS4" games? Please tell me, I'll wait.

EDIT: No disrespect to the mods. I'm sure you guys have better things to do on a Wednesday night than regulate the petty conversations that occur on here, but how is swishersweet20031 not bubbled down for trolling?

Dudes ADMITTING that he doesn't care for the topic at hand lol. Thats textbook troll. Read what the description says on the top right of his profile.

[XB1_PS4]

WOOOW, you guys are dense. You are unbelievably stubborn.

Can't play games when PS4 isn't out
THAT GETS AGREES?

[Hicken]

Article title: PS4 vs. XB1 console experience

Commenter A: I play games, not UIs.

Commenter B: Then go play games.

Commenter C: How can he play on consoles not released?

COmmenter B: I didn't say PS4 or XB1.

Commenter D: Trololololol.

Commenter E: I missed the point.

Commenter F: Look at these fools.

Edit: By the way, Logic(failing again), the POINT is that this article is about the PS4 and XB1, which Riderz says that swisher can't go play- as you suggested- because those systems haven't been released yet.

It's really not that freakin hard to get.

[araman]

N4G is a gaming site, not a UI design site.

[FullmetalAlchemist]

PS4 ui or windows 8? ......hmmmm

[LordDhampire]

Exactly, windows 8 might be garbage for normal computers, but I think the tiles are wonderful on a console since its so simplified.

[Prime157]

I'm not so sure that a joystick integration VS a mouse integration are so different in these circumstances.

[M-M]

The PS4's UI looks fine, and it will only get better after launch since the engineering team has a lot more room to work with. The "snappiness" of both system UIs are fine as well, it just comes down to what you want in a system.

[Kayant]

After watching gamespot's live stream I would XB1's UI takes the cake here it's just a much more organised/less cluttered UI surprisingly. Also XB1 wins with the voice commands as they are a lot more streamlined & easier to carry out/use if you like voice controls.

Overall both are great & snappy so you can't go wrong with either system at this point. But IMO XB1 UI > PS4 UI, PS4 games > XB1 games. Online edge to MS because dedicated for all MP games is huge & great.

I probably won't get another MS system after my X360 because of the same BS things MS are still doing that I disapprove of & I have no massive interest so far in XB1 exclusives which will probably stay like that throughout this gen.

[ChipdiddyChip]

In terms of software and features, the Xbox One wins. PS4 wins on hardware in my opinion.

[Magicite]

PS4 wins people.

[Skip_Bayless]

Kinda like the Mac has the better UI but the PC has the better software. And the PC has the bigger install base.

You can't win everything but you can win in the things that really matter.

[strickers]

XB wins on gimmicks for the less logical and easily impressed magpies. Voice and waves controls are often illogical and not satisfying.

[user7402931]

ps4 because everything

[Nujabes_]

Microsoft is miles ahead in terms of software, and it shows. The Xbox One UI looks so much better in both terms of style and ease-of-use.

Hardware wise is a whole different story. Sony easily wins in that regard.

[NukaCola]

UI they did well...but current 360 UI was gross.

Software and hardware aren't MS strong suit these last few years

[KiLLUMiNATi_89]

Ps4 ui looks pretty good and very fast and Expected since the ps4 has more ram... But it's not even close tho the x1 ui is hands down more superior without question.... A fair comparison Would be Xbox 360 ui vs ps4 ui....

[Riderz1337]

What is so superior about the Xbox One UI?

[Riderz1337]

@Timotim, you say Xbox One UI is more approachable, but isn't it just the Windows 8 UI? I thought people hated Windows 8 because it WASN'T approachable. I have Windows 8.1 and I don't mind it at all, but many people have been complaining because it is confusing.

Also, the opening screen of the PS4 UI is the thing that is most important, the GAMES. If you want to open other things you can use the XMB. Now, I don't know about you, but the first thing I want to see when I turn on my console is my games. Also, I'm pretty sure the PS4 UI will let you organize your games the way you want, so you can have specific games show up while the ones you rarely play are all stacked in one specific file.

Lastly, the PS Store is a HUGE improvement on the PS4. Not only is it much more functional but it is also SUPER quick. I mean it literally takes milliseconds to open things. Very easy to use in my opinion. Anyways, I don't think it'll matter. As long as both the X1 and PS4 UI's are fast then they will both be fine, at least for me. I just want the UI to be fast and the games to be good =)

Edit - Also, that music on the PS4 UI is so soothing! Nice little touch Sony added.

[strickers]

Not true. Rev 3 games did a preview and all you last games etc are prioritised on your main page.

[Prime157]

The way I view it is... bare with me trying to explain... let's take the dpad. The way I view it is the amount of dpad clicks (steps) to get to you ultimately want most while ultimately looking at less.

The way I perceive it is that x1 has a lot of tiles to traverse on a two d scale. Ps4 is a sliding line graph. Simple.

Keep in mind I view it with this mind: Voice commands are on both systems, however I'm not actually involving that argument. A lot of people in this discussion are.

[HappyWithOneBubble]

Did anyone see South Park tonight?

LOL

[Riderz1337]

0.0 No what happened? Something related to next gen consoles?

[HappyWithOneBubble]

Yeah it was about Black Friday and PS4 vs XB1. It was too funny.

[kaozgamer]

lol yeah

[Ilovetheps5]

I saw that episode tonight. It was great. It was surprisingly accurate.

[psDrake]

I am getting a PS4 but I can't deny the fact that X-Box offers a great deal too.

As a gamer I wouldn't want Xbox to fail or any other console in this context. As gamers we need the variety of options which comes from the competition.

Competition will drive innovation and creativity like it always has. When you have a monopoly, there'd be no incentive to push boundaries.

Stop the childish war of arguing which one is better or worse. In the end, I am hoping every gamer can get what they want. Of course one console might do better than the other in terms of sales but I am optimistic both consoles will do well.

[Krosis]

This post is too mature for this site. Awaiting the disagrees...

[Riderz1337]

Agreed. I want all consoles to do well because gaming is at risk. I don't want a world where the only games I have to play are on my Iphone...Horrible. Plus if everyone does well then it brings out competition. Look at how Sony was getting their ass handed to them by MS and Nintendo in 2006-2008. Then 2009-2013 they have never looked back and had games like Uncharted 2+3 God of War 3 etc. Competition drives these companies to bring out great games. In the end, the games matter.

[Deltaguy]

Well it was a bad day for playstation fanboys....lol

[FunAndGun]

just another day passed until release!

[Rageanitus]

Honestly, its too early to say anything.

[DanielGearSolid]

Green just isnt a cool color

[Grave]

The fact that PS+ doesn't cost as much and it is such a great value because of the free game collection is a big one for me.

[kewlkat007]

Damn that PS4 UI is Windows Media Play 2011ish..

Also too much tree branching..

[JunioRS101]

1) I will choose to not say something inappropriate ;)

2) Just for LOLs, if you say "Xbox Stop Listening", and then wait a while, and then say "Xbox Start Listening", and the Kinect responds to your voice........ Ironyyy

[baodeus]

Ps4 UI should just stick to either tiles format or like the old xmb (but better). It seems they employing both which seem rather confusing(constant switching between the 2). If they want to give them as option, then let people customize their interface (contents wise, not just cosmetic).

But overall, im thinking Sony will get into more problems if they want to add more multitasking functions (later on if they do consider it) MS already built for multi function purpose so i dont see much of a hurdle on that front.

[blahblah123]

I don't think either of them are that great. I think the Xmedia bar was great because it was really simple and functional on the PS3. I picked up my 360 four years ago to see what the big fuss was about with their dashboard and even today after like a half dozen total redesigns I have the same reaction: A cluttered series of advertisements hiding entry to the content you actually own.

Remember to drink your Ovaltine.

[CoTton_MoUtH]

Loving Xbox Just For Show My EAGLESSS

[ironmonkey]

Like both ui but to much shit on the xbox screen and I know you can have the choice to add or remove it but it looks way to cluttered on the video.

[worldwidegaming]

New redesigned UI, Now with "Special Offers!"
O_o o_O
um, ok where are my games? More games and less looking at what my new cool bricks can do on my TV (smart TV that is.)
(My smartphone is more than enough, thanks!)

[g-nome]

Well i spend about 1 minute of a 2 hr gaming session on the user interface , so , not that important to me which one is better.

[jocomat9]

If there both good thats all that matters.

[ma1asiah]

I'm just going to leave this right here

http://www.frequency.com/vi...

http://www.ign.com/articles...

[strickers]

How many is that? 3?
How many electronic devices fail? 3-6% is average , I believe.Consoles will be higher sue to cheap manufacturing and high complexity. There must be a few 100 PS4s out there so expect more failures. Dozens even

[Lord_Frieza]

basically it comes down to whatever floats your boat

[PsychoSupaman]

Xbox has always had the better online experience and UI. Just one of the reasons I stand by my decision to stick with them. Plus, ps just has no games! The two or three they have I can honestly do without. Ps has always put quantity over quality, who really cares about resogun, flower and sound shapes or whatever it is? Played killzone last week and it absolutely does not compare to games like Gears of War.