Is Xbox One now a better deal than PS4 for casual gamers?

With retailers slashing the price of the Xbox One versus the PS4 which is still being offered at the same price as when it launched, is the Xbox One now a better deal than the PS4 for those who don't care about console power?

[mochachino]

Well, not really because you can't use any multimedia apps on Xone without paying for Live.

For someone that plays games casually PS4 offers F2P games, access to Netflix and other apps without going through a paywall, and if they did want to pay to play online, they'd get a lot of free games as well, many of which would appe to casual gamers.

[Cloudyday71]

I 100% agree with the article by Robert Cram that the XB one is much better for casual gamers than the PS4 because it offers broader entertainment and doesn't focus on the hardcore gamer. There is too much Microsoft hate on N4G so it makes a refreshing change to see a website like Cramgaming.com championing the Xbone and this brilliant bundle. I will definitely be visiting the site again as it takes a positive editorial angle towards the Xbox.

[Brazz]

can you name 3 of these "broader entertainment",that is exclusive for X-1 and you can't find in tablets, smart tvs or Ps4?
i'm realy interested....

[darren_poolies]

That is one of the most fanboish things I've ever read. Do you work for that website?

[zippycup]

you do now that technicaly speaking they calling the xbone the new wii microsoft is going to hate that web site for calling xbone for casual gamers

[Gozer]

@Brazz
Well for one you can use the X1 as an all in one device for your entertainment center and your tablets and smartphones. That's a compeling media feature. That brings together
all the devices you mentioned into one device. It makes sense to want all your devices connected.

Video chat is another media feature that could be of interest to a consumer. I video chat with my son who lives in another county. Its a media feature I like and use.

Then there is Twitch. Both consoles support Twitch, but you have to buy the camera for the ps4 to have video commentary. Its a small media feature that could appeal to anyone looking to get involved in the social media scene. It makes your Twitch broadcasts look better, but like I said you can buy the camera for the ps4 and get the same features. So that's only a half crediable feature.

Of course American football fans could probably argue that the NFL app on the X1 is a nice media feature. But that's only for the U.S.

[johndoe11211]

@Gozer

Please look up the meaning of the term "all in one device". I see people like you throwing that term around all willy nilly and i'm confused. An all in one device DOES NOT need other devices connected to it in order to perform the functions of those devices. It does it natively.

[Deividas12]

@Gozer

You just named features that are more for a "casual multimedia user" not "casual gamer" only twitch would apply to a casual gamer feature. Skyping with family has nothing to do with what a gamer is.

[Remy_S]

Shill if I've ever seen one.

[Docknoss]

My Buddy just surprised me yesterday by buying an Xbox One. He already bought a PS4 and I didn't see him buying a X1. He absolutely loves it more than the PS4. Bc of the Twitch and Video streaming is so much better on the X1. His words not mine. Peoples minds are a changing.

[StoneyYoshi]

@Docknoss

You better let your friend know he better find another reason to love it more because the ps4's next update will include improved twitch streaming. It will finally be in 720p just like the Xbone. Does the Xbone have interavtive streaming where people can control certain situations in the streamers game?

[MeLoveRamen]

So cloudyday its refreshing to see an article that basically says that the xbone is a casual console? So that is what it has come to these days. The bone couldn't compete with the ps4, hell looking at the resolution of its games, it can barely compete with the WiiU, now the xbox fanboys will go down this route and argue which console has better entertainment apps for casuals. Shit makes me laugh.

[miyamoto]

If Xbox One is made for casual gamers then M$ aimed for the wrong market this generation just like Nintendo did with the Wii U.

[ARESWARLORD]

The Ps4 is quite a bit of money just for netflix. PS3 can run that for much less

[IcicleTrepan]

Or just buy a Roku

[mochachino]

Totally agree, if you want some casual gaming and multimedia ps3 is your best bet.

But between ps4 and Xone. Xone with mandatory Live Gold is probably the most expensive multimedia device out there. Even with a price cut. And you can get much better functionality for a third of the price.

And it's HUGE with a power brick too.

[FarEastOrient]

Also Xbox Gold on the Xbox One hasn't produced any free games yet. Gold is still needed to play Titanfall anyway so it needs to be considered as part of the price.

[kneon]

Most casual gamers aren't going to pay to play online. So for such people a ps3 is a better deal as you can play online and access all those services that are behind a paywall on Xbox. Or for a couple of hundred more they get a ps4. They can't play online without paying but they can access the other services without PS+

[scotmacb]

Your just a bunch of tight arseholes always wanting something for nothing trust me titanfall is worth the extra charge xbox one is awesome

[StoneyYoshi]

@scotmacb

I have Titanfall on the PC and i can proudly say that that game is NOT worth the price tag of the Xbox.

Yeah sure its a fun game. But its not that amazing considering the sequels will most likely be on the ps4 as well soo i really think it was stupid for them to hope for this game to be a system seller.

A friend of mine with a 300 dollar laptop can run titanfall just as good as the xbox. (inconsistent framerate and screen tears galore, just like the xbox.)

[Kiwi66]

Yet to play online multiplayer games on ps4 you need ps+

[DragonKnight]

@MrKrispy: Then how come Warframe, Final Fantasy XIV, DCUO, and other upcoming (like Planetside 2) online only, multiplayer games do NOT require PS+ to play online?

[Clover904]

Honestly, the paywall has got to go. I was briefly entertaining the idea of picking up a Xbox Titanfall bundle before I remembered that I'd have to pay for Xbox live if I want to be able to do anything besides playing solo games. I can understand paying for multiplayer, sure, but multimedia apps? Is there any other device that does this? Ps4, PC, Apple TV, roku, smart TVs... They all let me watch Netflix and Hulu without any additional charge.

The bad part is that without the paywall, I'd more than likely have a Xbox One, enjoy it, and CHOOSE to subscribe to Xbox Live. Microsoft needs to stops forcing Xbox Live via paywall.

[DJustinUNCHAIND]

So you were going to buy a console with an online only game which requires a subscription, but you didn't because the apps on the console require that very same subscription?

[Alsybub]

I'm sorry but I don't understand. Why would you think about buying an online only bundle, that would require Xbox Live, and then decide not to because those other services are behind the paywall that you would have already bought in to in order to play the game that you bought the system for?

A strange protest.

The other services are an additional benefit which no one in their right mind would buy the One for, solely. If someone only wants those features they could buy an Android Dongle for less than the cost of a game. How many people are actually going to buy a system that is so online-centric and not have a Gold account, after spending that kind of money?

So many people use that argument but what percentage of people does that actually apply to? If those people own a PS4 do they not have a Plus account? I feel that those without the paid account are an exception to the rule. Not the rule.

The fact that most people have a paid subscription on their desired platform makes the point fairly moot.

One last thing, everyone was deriding xbox for being for casual gamers and that PS4 was focusing directly on the hardcore gamers and was therefore the obvious choice for that group. Now lots of people in this thread are saying the opposite.

[GodGinrai]

"So you were going to buy a console with an online only game which requires a subscription, but you didn't because the apps on the console require that very same subscription?"

Well said DJustinUNCHAIND.

I can understand If its a casual gamer, who maybe has no interest in playing online ( and even they pay to play COD/madden etc. online) But to hear a gamer who goes on forums act like the reason they dont pay for XBLG is because netflix is behind a paywall, even though they damn well know they( of all people) buy a console to play online games, just baffles me.

[MysticStrummer]

@Justin,Alsybub, and realness - You guys are assuming Clover plays a lot of online games, but it sounds to me like solo games are more interesting for him/her. If your main focus is solo games, then why should you pay for Gold to use apps that are free on other devices? Why is that so hard to understand? More than half the 360s/PS3s sold last gen weren't used for online gaming, so overall more people would agree with Clover than with you.

[kneon]

In practice it really makes no difference, if you want to play Titanfall you will need xb live anyway.

But the whole idea of charging to access services that are available without restriction on every other device is just wrong.

[Kingthrash360]

i think he means he wants the freedom to choose. he doesn't like to be forced to pay for apps or free to play games. things like that are supposed to be free. i can understand that. its the principle, the disrespect of having to pay twice for a subscription...and STILL have ads even. thats one of my things too. i look at the benefits of a service along with other things when i buy a console. i'm no casual gamer...true but a casual game wont like to pay a sub for anything...not even online play. ps4 and wiiu offers this blacklight is totally free2p no ps+ needed, so is warframe...so are all apps, so is streaming...i can go on. its cheaper..this temporary price cut is something hardcore gamers know about, not casuals...i never seen a ad on tv about the cut. i've only seen it on gaming sites and youtube gaming channels...places casuals dont go...smh i understand that some dont understand the power of choice...but its a huge factor. almost everthimg about the x1 is forced...live, kinect, ads, battery pack, headphone thingy, and ALMOST a drm policy with a mandatory 24hr check in. i just feel locked away when thinking about it...hardcor and casuals alike dont want that.

[Clover904]

Sorry for not explaining myself better. I understand Titanfall is an online only game. I have no problem paying for online gaming as long as I'm using it. I'm talking about a year from purchase, when it's time to renew my subscription I want to have a choice. I'm dying to play Quantum Break, and my girlfriend wants Below, both single player exclusives.

All I'm saying is that if I chose to go on without Live (which I probably would do on and off), the Xbox would hold MORE VALUE if I could still watch netflix and hulu. I'm not flame baiting, agree or disagree it's my opinion. I already have another console that is use to play online, so a Xbox one purchase would be for casual gaming and exclusives. $450 for solo xbox exclusives is a little much... $450 for solo exclusives AND an entertainment hub is a better value.

[RiPPn]

@mochachino: nailed it, intelligent bubble for you. Also don't forget indie games seem to have a great casual gamer appeal and Sony is killing it in this area.

My wife is a casual gamer and to this point the only game on the bone she has any interest in is Peggle 2, and she hasn't touched that since January.

[sonarus]

Well I don't consider myself a casual gamer and probably never will so it's hard for me to agree. I do believe a key factor to the casual gamer is price point. Not many casual gamers are willing to spend 500 bucks to game casually when there are so many cheaper options particularly on the iPhone. Without some major innovation it will be hard for sony or Microsoft to seriously get into that casual market like the wii did. Especially not at it's current price. Just too many cheap competitors on android and iPhone. I believe the smarter strategy for now will be to focus on the hardcore until the prices can fall within the casual range

[killzone619]

is a paywall such a big deal?

people who own a ps4 have already signed up to a years subscription on PS+. CoD ghost and BF4 have driven them to do so...

[Clunkyd]

Does this mean that Xbox One is for poor people now?
Judging by Xbots logic...

[ArchangelMike]

Neither.. for a casual game a smart phone is all they need, or a tablet. Face facts, if you even consider buying a PS4 or XbOne, you are not a casual gamer!

[Psychotica]

Or a just a plain jane PC..

[ARESWARLORD]

Would be fine if they dropped in a mid range $200 Video Card

[T2]

these days you are absolutely right, my gf plays like 2 hours a day games on her tablet... they are all sooooo lame I can't even.... but hey, think about it, that's where the money is these days. That's where wii money went.

as consoles go though, ps4 is still the best deal, you get a plain old top of the line console for 399. period. adding a bunch of crap people may or may not want doesn't add value to everyone. Also ps4 is still more future proof, and that means a lot.

so ask me again when xbox is 349. don't care what it includes.

[chrissx]

Ps4 is a better deal for casual gamers than xbox

[scotmacb]

No xbox one has the better games right now and you get a camera for nothing

[KinjoTakemura]

That's not exactly true when you consider the fact that the xbox1 camera is useless unless you have xbox live.

On the ps4, ps plus isn't necessary in order to stream on twitch and Ustream.

[trenso1]

what better games? Titan fall? Cause thats all im hearing from xbox lately

[skydragoonity]

Seriously? lol. No its not. Ps4 is the casual/hardcore gamers console

[Negative77]

While slightly less powerful, the Xbox One is (right now) the more complete experience for ANY gamer, hardcore or casual.

Games, apps, better OS, camera, and controller. All you can ask for.

[voodoochild346]

Apps and games that are next to useless without live gold. Please, try harder.

[Eonjay]

Amazon TV is the new casual device and there are no paywalls. It also has more streaming app than either. And its only $99 or under $150 with a controller which makes it the best deal for casual gamers.

[andrewsqual]

That nobody will still buy :)
So its the best thing for people who are never going to buy it, makes sense?

[Eonjay]

Its about as causal as you can get though... without having an apple logo on the front...

[medman]

The correct answer to the question is no. No today. And no tomorrow.

[Mr_Luke]

No...

[Convas]

Why would a casual gamer spend $400 or even $500 on a console they won't be seriously using?

Makes no sense.

[ARESWARLORD]

For a casual gamer I would think a current gen would do the trick better then next gen. I see Wii minis at best buy for $80. PS3 with the 12 gig for 200 and 360 for 200. There are loads of games for $20 or less for those systems. You could buy all three for almost the same price as a PS4 or XONE. Even better pick up a used Dreamcast for next to nothing with Crazy Taxi and loads of others great games and have a blast for less then a case of beer and a pizza

[Whitey2k]

Better still ps4 will get h1z1 ans x1 doesnt

[jimbobbeers]

They'll just take the new State Of Decay MMO in the works for the last 3 years.

[ARESWARLORD]

Also the PS2 and original XBOX have great games and are super cheep. No need for a C gamer to drop next gen money.

[jimbobbeers]

Yes, for the disagrees. Haha.

[Shane Kim]

Casual gamers don't play these games and would never dish out 400-500 bucks on a gaming console and 60 bucks for games.

They play cut the rope 2 and candy crush saga on their phones.

[corroios]

Of course they dont. They play mobile games and not in 400 or 500 machines, that need FHD television...

[Mankey]

I was beat to it. The logic of this article is fairly sound except for one important piece.

Casuals don't have to pay to play F2P games or use Netflix on PS4, which they are more likely to do.

[incendy35]

Xbox One is a better deal for all gamers right now. They have the best games and features. Sony needs to start delivering.

[SharnOfTheDEAD]

Guess this is another one of those "Indies aren't real games" guys

[incendy35]

I love indies, Resogun is my favorite PS4 title. However, I have a very nice PC and most of those games come out on that platform first so I have already played them by the time they get to the PS4.

[WeAreLegion]

Resogun isn't an indie game. Just clarifying.

[Flutterby]

I think you forgot to add "in my opinion" because I don't think xbone is even close to the ps4 in good games, I have no interest in the xbone games even the free ones I get as a manager at ebgames I trade in for credit.

[Goku781]

If it had a casual price like 300.

[mark3214uk]

best choice is the most powerfull console of the 2

that will be the ps4!

[GodGinrai]

I thought the best choice was the one with the best games?

[Flamingweazel]

That would be ps4 also, third parties matter.

[Flutterby]

Yup still ps4 tho.

[Alsybub]

Let's imagine for a moment that the PS4 had no games at all, since your point is based 100% on spec and nothing else. Would it still be the better choice?

Think about it.

[tuglu_pati]

why are you getting disagrees is beyond my understanding are people so blind.

[GodGinrai]

So now ya`ll are arguing over which console is less hardcore, like thats a good thing?...N4G...you are a funny breed.

[Alsybub]

Couldn't agree more.

[Hicken]

No. A console being good for casuals doesn't mean it's less hardcore. Just means it's better all around for gaming.

[No_Limit]

How about the Wii U?

[MasterCornholio]

The problem with that is casuals are not very smart "gamers". What I mean by this is that they look at the Wii Us controller and think "I already have one of those". I'm not kidding I know people who didn't buy a Wii U because they think the IPAD is the same thing.

[Flamingweazel]

LOL No, casuals left the motion fad a few years agon, casual play madden, cod...............Ps4 is the best buy period.

[Meltic]

True BS. Microsoft will never come Close to ps4 if they dont push the games forward and let the multimedia aps go. Sony have already released a good title now and microsoft not. Only titanfall which was fun in the beginning but not more. Why not halo for launch ?. Why not work hard to deliever the game in time. The sale would be so high. But no you dont Think...

[Gozer]

It will be interesting what you say when sony starts adding features to the ps4. Will you like it or will you be mad about it?

[Flutterby]

They may add features in time but they went for gaming first on the ps4 and that's the thing it wasn't a TV hub it was a games console, why do you think it's selling better ?.

[Meltic]

Gozer

I will not be mad beacuse sony has already shown how good they are. What good games they release and what the future is. Xbox 1 is just dead. It hasnt even come to my country yet. Thats wierd.

[Predaking77]

Nah, PS4 is still the best deal. It will have the biggest library with a good variety of genres as Sony likes to invest in many games not just shooters as opposed to the xbone.

Plus, with the bright future ahead, PS Now and Morpheus, PS4 is the best place to invest casually or hardcore as its the most powerful console of this gen.

[Xavy]

Hell no

[johndoe11211]

No

[GDDR6_2014]

Casual gamers are not going to buy $400 consoles and $50 a year to play online

[KinjoTakemura]

You must have xbox live gold in order to do the following:

Everything that requires you to be signed into xbox live, that's pretty much everything except for playing single player games. (Don't quote me on that one)

On the other hand, you have the playstation 4 and ps plus.
You will not need playstation plus to do the following:

Accessing entertainment, film, and TV services

Sharing screen shots, uploading video to facebook or streaming on Twitch or Ustream

sending and receiving text messages

party chat

web browser

playstation apps

comparing trophy data

So if anyone thinks that xbox one is the cheaper option for the casual gamer then go ahead and get yourself an xbox one.

[redevildick]

Xbox fanboys, pls do me a favour. Do not argue with PS (people sh*t)fanboys anymore, u r wasting ur time. They're not honest and they're either disperate or caught mad cow disease. They're hungry to strike back or revenge 'cause 4 the 2 decades They've been strugling to gain moment over Xbox. Sony humiliated both Microsoft n Nintendo by showing the power of cell, a chip jst good 4 network apps n nothing else. Sony sticks its middle fingers to its followers to their a***s n hav them all supporting their lies n kiss their a***s! My dears let's celebrate the following: Viva DX12, vivaaa; viva cloud computing, vivaaa; viva the best line up of games, vivaa; viva kinect, vivaaa; viva Halo, vivaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! Hey Xbox fanboys, we must run a petition to MS to bring back ilumiroom, it's far better than Mortheaus. Last advice let us all meet ourselves at http://cramgaming.com/. THAT'S THE PLACE 4 US. Peace!

[greenlantern2814]

Wtf are you talking about struggling to gain momentum the PlayStation brand has been at the forefront of gaming since the ps1 came out. PS2 the best selling console in history, ps3 out sold the 360, despite a year long head start and lower price point and w ps4 almost doubled xb1 in sales already and passed wiiu which the xb1 hasn't. And just no to everything else you wrote.

[avengers1978]

I second the just NO to everything this XDF MORON has stated.
Go play TitanFall and STFU

[WeAreLegion]

You say that like Microsoft fanboys aren't just as bad as Sony fanboys.

[avengers1978]

Dude what the hell you smoking PS2 outsold every Xbox combined, your like completely wrong on your entire statement. First off PS1 sold over 100 million consoles compared to Xbox's first console witch sold less than 30 million... PS2 is the best selling video game console in history still to this date, PS3 out sold the 360 despite coming out 12-18 months later at a higher price point, and PS4 is out selling the XB1 by 2 to 1... WTF you even talking about.
Maybe you should just stop with your XDF BS.

[avengers1978]

Oh and Xbox ain't been around for 2 decades(20 years) Xbox came out in 2000, 360 in 2005, and XB1 in 2013

[D3ATH_DRIV3R_777]

Wow these articles are so hilarious, and no i'm not a casual gamer.

[welly300]

Depends what u want from ur console softy supported kinect unlike Sony and move. Rumble triggers add to the fun on shooters, servers for the x1 are the best in the business. So for casual and shooter fans I'd go x1

[quenomamen]

Casual gamers are pobably not the ones who will do the research so dont mind paying more for underpowered hardware. Hey if thats what you want go for it, but apparently the sales numbers show otherwise. You want to bet the success of your console on the casual gamer ? Then i guess you wont mind being behind in sales this generation.

[imahustla19]

i have both and and can honestly say i still think the PS4 is a better choice. mainly because since i got my Xbox One the Kinect had to be sent back to be fixed within 2 weeks. then just yesterday the whole system green screen of deathed on me. the quality just isn't there.