Is the PlayStation 4 More Popular Just Because it's Cheaper?

The author considers the reasons for the PS4's early lead this generation, and concludes that price may indeed be the determining factor.

[Abash]

It's mainly because the PS4 is more appealing and it seems like a more promising product than the other new consoles out.

[Muerte2494]

It's plain and simple. More power for a cheaper price. When you have game of the year franchises like Uncharted/LBP/Last of US, it's very appealing to core gamers.

[ArchangelMike]

I think this holiday season will be interest to watch for games. I think the battle of the exclusives will be hard fought this holiday, and will push more console sales.

I think though that pre-orders for multiplats like Destiny and Watchdogs, are tracking higher on PS4.

[DOOMZ]

True but lets see what happens after E3!

[Kingthrash360]

more power for a cheaper price, is spot on. but the way they handled the ps4 is also almost flawless.
minimal paywalls, ps+, and developer praise is also a factor in the ps4 success.
ms had a hand in the ps4 appeal also...the policies, forced kinect and lies sent alot of xbox guys to ps4. yes they did a 180 on the policies but the trust is still gone.

[AngelicIceDiamond]

Yeah.

The price, the games and most importantly the message. Sony was clear right from the get go and wasn't confusing ppl with flip flops and backtracking.

I think its more than price. To be honest its overall customer integrity. And that will take you a long way.

[WrAiTh Sp3cTr3]

It's because it's cheaper. If they were the same price, people would walk in the store and see that the XB1 has more games to buy.

[georgeenoob]

Pretty much. Titanfall along with the other half a dozen AAAs that drastically outnumber PS4s just goes to show how a cheaper price goes a long way.

[NatureOfLogic_]

@ Doomz

Dat goalposts.

http://officiallyscrewed.co...

OT: Imo PS4 is better in almost every way and It's cheaper. It's a better deal than a weaker console that struggles to reach 1080p and cost more. It's that simple. PS4 is better.

[pornflakes]

The topic here is PS4 not the PS3...

Uncharted/ LBP/ Last of us are PS3 titels.. and as for right now none of these IPS were announced for the PS4... well LAST of us but only as a remake.

Play and simple is: You get a next gen console for 100 bucks less.

More Power? On the paper, yeah.... the difference in games is not that big and the resolution difference will disappear by the end of this year.

BUT EVEN IS GAMES WILL HAVE THE SAME RSOLUTION, PS4 fanboys will have just another excuse which will be that MS is paying devs to make the games loiking the same xD... this was also the fact last gen where the PS3 was 40% more powerful compared to the 360.

[gaffyh]

I'd say it is the main reason, but not the only reason. I think it matters early on in a generation, and less so later one when you have the bigger exclusives. I mean look at PS3, it 's exclusive line up is fantastic and has allowed it to pass the 360 worldwide, despite the year (and in some places year and a half) head start, and it has always been the more expensive console.

So yes price matters initially, but so does supporting the console with great games. Sadly, MS gave up on the 360 4 years ago, yet Sony still released some games for PS3 this year.

[DigitalRaptor]

@ WrAiTh Sp3cTr3

Hate to break it to you, but PS4 has more games than Xbone.

[UltimateMaster]

No. Price help but it isn't what sells the console alone.
The Wii U is cheaper and the price cuts aren't helping it.

[WrAiTh Sp3cTr3]

More retail games? I said walk in a store...

[ProjectVulcan]

It's about the same price in the UK. Well actually now Xbox One has really been cheaper in terms of better deals and bundles.

Xbox One + Titanfall + £10 XBL credit is going for £341.99 on shopto ebay. I don't think you can get a new PS4 for much less than £330 without a game.

Don't think it actually changed sales trends much though. It's been a massive massive price cut since launch but I don't think it's selling as well as they might like.

Sony just haven't felt the need to do loads of deals or bundles yet to respond. Says a lot really.

[gamer7804]

Actually currently the xbox is cheaper, providing you want one of the games on offer, titan fall/forza. its hovers around 450-467$ with a 50-60$ game and a year of xbox live.

[HaydenJameSmith]

Once you get the media on your side everything becomes more appealing...

Its easy to praise something that is doing better and bash something that is slightly under performing... that's why there is so much articles fueling this console war mentality...

[ShinMaster]

The PlayStation brand is more popular than Xbox. Period.

If a $400 Xbox 360 with a popularity spike couldn't beat a $600 PS3. What makes people think the Xbox One is going to beat the PS4.

[CYCLEGAMER]

Guys, we have to think about the masses here, not just our own little gaming world. The average person knows nothing about the "power" GDDR5 4, 3, 2 or whatever.

IMO...it is more so due to
1.) A cheaper price
2.) Because of public perception/PR
Everything else like power, (upcoming) games, ps plus, VR...etc kind of falls in after those things.

Half of the people I know that bought ps4's at launch don't even know why and are extremely bored with it. Now I am not saying that the ps4 has sold so well because of PR, hype and price alone, but those things played a HUGE part in Sony's current success.

Myself being into marketing, this is amazing to see the things we talk about, happening in real life. It's actually pretty cool to witness.

[Lawboy2]

I concur...

[ArchangelMike]

Melman26,

The informed consumer looking to buy a next-gen games console will most likely walk out of the retail store with a PS4 rather than an XbOne.

It's cheaper and more powerful. Kinect is no more a selling point for the XbOne, as it doesn't justify the higher price of the XbOne.

In terms of PR, MS shot themselves in the foot and lost alot of customer due to their bad PR.

[CYCLEGAMER]

@ArchangelMike
That's the thing, the majority of consumers are misinformed and buy things because they are hot, not because the need them.

I.E. I sold a ps4 to a woman, she knew nothing about it, all she new is that her son told her that all of his friends are getting them and he wants to play games with them.

Also what you are saying is opinion based, I think an informed gamer should do their best get all three consoles, however I would also tell them to wait a little bit on the ps4 due to their not being very many exclusive next gen games for it.

But again, that is just my "informed" opinion.

[darthv72]

so melman you are attributing the popularity of the Ps4 to the ..."tickle me elmo" effect? that could be a fair assessment considering that most PS4's i saw were not in stores but on sites like craigslist and ebay, etc.

People buying them up to resell for profit. i am now seeing less and less on craigslist and more in stores so the newness and demand (in my area of california at least) is starting to wear off.

those who wanted one got one either by 2nd hand or from the stores. those who want one will get one when they feel the time is right.

[maniacmayhem]

I agree, the cheaper price and the name PlayStation is definitely the reason for the success.

MS was insane to launch a console right next to the release of the PS4 for a 100 dollars more. Even if it came with a camera, joe consumer and little joey's parents will still see the PS4 as a better deal.

MS should have at least released the Xbox One at 450 bux. Even with a 50 bux difference most people will stop and ponder at the purchase.

[No_Limit]

@Melman26,

I agreed with everything you said. PS4 is a global brand and it should sell more regardless. The XB1 won't overtake the PS4 and I expect the margin to be way bigger than what the X360 vs PS4 is. MS still have a slight chance in winning the US and UK still if the price is right and have Halo and Gears in the near future as those are the 2 market that MS is concentrating on but thew PS4 is just rolling now and I don't see how it can be stop. At the end it really doesn't matter as I see both doing great and will get tons of exclusives and games.

[CYCLEGAMER]

@darthv72
Ummmm....yes and no! If I were to compare any gaming console to the Tickle me Elmo, it would be the original Wii.

The ps4 is not quite at that level and I am pretty confident the no other console ever will be, but at this point it is the closest thing to it.

Sony has done an awesome job, MS has an awesome product with one of the best launch windows of all time but did a poor job in the PR department, also there is a cheaper option available in the ps4. I like both systems though.

Thats just my 2 cents!

[miyamoto]

I disagree with your comment because they are flawed.

You seem to not see the whole picture.

The main reason why the PS4 is doing good is just the BEST choice for many gamers around the world.

1. If you are saying cheaper price then why is the Wii U not selling like the PS4? Both of them are cheaper than the Xbox One but the Wii U being the cheapest, is doing miserably compared to the two.

But talking about price, the Wii U just like Xbox One are perceived as over priced but under powered themselves compared to the PS4 which is PRICED JUST RIGHT.

This is where specifications and power steps in. Many gamers do not have the or care about the full details of how powerful the PS4 is but as long as they "know" its more powerful then that is good enough for them.

2. That good public/PR of the PS4 is brought in by how M$ brought the "Xbox One Hate" upon themselves. So many gamers hated all the bad stuff Xbox One had at launch even the loyal (but sensible) Xbox gamers were pissed off at M$. In Youtube alone you see Angry Joe, El Pressador, etc. went for the PS4.
Sony did not even have to lift a finger with PR. Just look at how simple their advertising are.

This is the era of the Informed Gamer so overall specifications matter very very much like price. With the help of the internet social media gamers know the details.

You forgot how "Word of Mouth" plays a huge role in the success of electronic products nowadays. Saw how the Galaxy S gave the iPhone a run for its money? The same thing is happening with the PS4 vs the Wii U & Xbox One.

So the reason why the PS4 doing very well is the Complete Package of positivity, price, power, progress, promise, prestige, perception.

POSITIVITY to consumers & customer means the gamers get what they want and do what they want in good will like used games, trade in, rent, borrow,
PRICE means the PS4 is priced just right,
POWER means gamers get true next generation technology,
PROGRESS means PS4 in jam packed with new features and advanced technology, true full hd gaming experience,
PROMISE means more and more ground breaking games,
PRESTIGE means highly coveted award winning games are possible for the PS4 given the PS2 & PS3's track record,
PERCEPTION that the PS4 is made by gamers for the gamers, and that is what matters most.

[GameSpawn]

@MELMAN26

"...I think an informed gamer should do their best get all three console..."

I'm an informed gamer and I do not see myself ever getting an Xbox One in the near future.

1) I do not have the expendable income right now to justify getting an Xbox One (or WiiU for that matter)
2) I do not have interest in anything game-wise on the Xbox One now to justify such a purchase (again same for the WiiU)
3) I never bought a 360 or plan to get the Xbox One out of principle concerning Microsoft's business practices (if those change I'll reconsider) - this is basically lack of consumer trust

A couple gens back I had (and still have) a PS2, Gamecube, and Xbox (acquired in that order) and enjoyed all three. Next generation I got a PS3 (due to the games I knew I would get) and a Wii (out of sheer impulse, but also for Mario and Metorid - I'm a die hard Metroid fan and also had tons of fun with Paper Mario). I never got a 360 because again, the PS3 had games that satisfied me, and what I could only get on the 360 did not interest me enough to overlook Microsoft's shortcomings (back to principle).

Am I telling everyone they should NOT get an Xbox One?

NO. These are MY opinions and MY reasons. Forcibly telling someone what they should or should not get makes you come off as a fanboy, or at least a jackass.

If a console has the games and features to make you happy without ANY further justification, then you are in the right for your purchase without coming off as a fanboy.

Also, it isn't a requirement to own every console. It's actually more important for you to look toward owning what makes you happy. If that is 1, 2, or all 3 consoles, then so be it, just don't buy all three "just because" or you will have the worst case of buyer's remorse ever.

[nix]

@miyamoto

you sound like one of those spiritually agressive bullet point guy but you are right.

[aceitman]

wow just wow,now that the ps4 is 2.9 million ahead of x1 , u see all these articles giving lame excuse's of why its selling more than x1 . how about leaving it at that, a better product and people know that and will get it for that , it has more muscle for a cheaper price, how hard is that to figure out.

[Silly gameAr]

Yeah, this is like the third article that I have seen just this morning that seems like damage control.

[CYCLEGAMER]

@aceitman
Was the Wii, a better product than the ps3 and 360?

My point is that SALES does not equal a better product. A ps4 being better than an xb1 is subjective.

Edit - In my opinion after owning both consoles, and as a GAMER...the xbox one has provided me with the better gaming experience.

So RIGHT NOW I would say that the xbox one is the better product because it fits more of my needs as a gamer. My ps4 has collected dust, not because I don't like it, but because of its lack of new NEXT GEN video games.

[aceitman]

@melman26 but the product is worth more than its price tag having gddr5 instead of 3 will tell u that alone . and sony is known for having a quality product. and in the gamers eyes the sales show its a better product.

[Revolver_X_]

Ps4 is factually better then the X1. Software is subjective. Smh

[KwietStorm_BLM]

Yea it's really tired now. This love hate relationship in the industry/community is stale. Everyone and their mother had a PS2 and loved it. Sony had some missteps with PS3, so when the 360 got off to that lead, people went out hunting for mud to throw at the PlayStation brand. Now that it's at least initially back to the PS2 level of respect/recognition/dominance/ whatever, I see these articles every month, trying to find reason for it, as if the PS4 doesn't or cannot deserve the sales numbers. "Is Sony really winning? Why these numbers mean nothing. Does Sony's lead really matter?" It's kinda pathetic. Like the guy said on the E3 stage with Killer Instinct, just let it happen.

[Mankey]

Japan has a very ethnocentric culture which has made it very difficult for many American products to enter into the Japanese market.

More over, the Japanese consoles get much more support with Japanese developers compounding the issue.

If you were a Japanese consumer what you would pick?

[randomass171]

The PS4 is clearly a new console in the Playstation lineup and it's cheaper than the Xbox. There's also no controversy surrounding its culmination and that's a big plus for it.

[GasTankKiller]

And price does help. Look how many people started to buy the Xbox One when it was $50 cheaper. A large majority of consumers are drawn to price point. A $100 less spent on the system means more add-ons. Its all about getting the best value at the lowest price.

[MeLoveRamen]

I believe its a combination of things, yea the competition has a price tag of a hundred dollars more, the ps4 is more powerful then the more expensive X1 and the fact that Microsoft ruined their reputation with the reveal of the x1 being only about TV and the whole DRM fiasco. The early year or two adaptors are mostly always hardcore gamers and they all saw Microsoft mess up their first impressions with the x1, and the first impressions are the best impressions and in the case of the X1 it was its worst.

[k2d]

Definetly. Numerous Xb sales and bundles still haven't made the console competative against the PS4.

[Drithe]

No. it is price point. The ps3 bombed when it first came out because of that 600 price tag. It wasn't until the last few years that the PS3 hit it's stride and that is because of the 250 price point.

The ps3 showed one thing. You can have the most powerful gaming machine in the planet. But if the price is too high for the gaming masses, it just isn't going to sell. This has been shown quite a few times.

Price is the SINGLE REASON why the Wii did so good. Sure Nintendo may say other wise, but when you got the choice of 600, 500, or 250 gaming machines. Most NORMAL people are gonna get the 250 machine.

The ps4 had the WORST GAMING INTRO IN HISTORY with it's buggy games(couldn't play BF 4 for the 1st month after you bought it!) and lack of games. But the price made it acceptable to many.

[Majin-vegeta]

*(couldn't play BF 4 for the 1st month after you bought it!

You mean like all the other systems kid??

[MehmetAlperTR]

More power more 1080P games in PS4. Other than that Xbone have 100$ more and 720P games... naaah.. I prefer PS4 by myself.

[Beastforlifenoob]

It's because PS brand has a PROVEN track record.

PS1 blew the N64 to smitherines like it was Christmas in terms of sales and also had the BEST games.

PS2- First console with dvd player, destroyed the Gamecube+XBX to hell (in terms of sale) and offerd the perfect balance of 1st and 3rd party development.

PS3- First console with Blu-ray player, did not rely on casuals and the red ring of death to get more sales it was neck ad neck with the other consoles. Even though it released a year later at MUCH higher costs. It also EASILY had the best 1st party and 3rd party support (cmon TLOU is the most awarded game in history)

PS4- Well, lets just look back at the PS2 and the PS4 is basically the new PS2

If you ask me anyone, ANYONE who bought an XBX360 is a pure sellout. You are NOT a sony fan. You are a traitor.

~Been loyal to sony since my Ps1~
~Bought PS2 at launch~
~bought PS3 at launch~
~Bought PS4 at launch but it arrived later~
~Loved every PS thing i have EVER bought~

[marloc_x]

you have a little Kaz on your chin noob..

[HurtfulTimez]

Exactly I would of got a ps4 over an xbone regardless of the price. if it was a higher price I would of still gone with the ps4 -why? Because of the better diversity of games and nothing else

[GamersHeaven]

Playstation brand is one of the most popular brands in console history for a number of reasons the name its simple and immediately recognizable.Number one main reason is PS brand have games that cater to every gamer this is why Sony has been so successful every generation and it all quality AAA greatness.PS4 is no different in that regard just Microsoft screwed them selfs by releasing a console 100$ more with a unnecessary add-on no one wanted or cared about add the fact Sony fixed all the mistakes from the PS3 redesigned controller,party chat etc.

[GeofferyPeterson]

Not only because it's cheaper but also because it's better then the competition in almost everyway

[ArchangelMike]

Exactly! All round it is a better machine. The consumers have voted with their wallets.

[DigitalRaptor]

Yep. Except we have people clinging on to a single attributing factor (price), when it's a multitude of reasons:

- It's cheaper
- It's stronger hardware
- Superior multiplats
- Game focused console
- Strong messaging
- PlayStation is a stronger global brand
- No setbacks comparable to last-gen
- They didn't try and screw over the gamer with anti-consumer policies and bad, industry-affecting decisions
- They're not reeling from said bad decisions
- They have better developer relations
- More and better first-party studios
- Thus, more games
- Thus, a more diverse lineup now and in the future
- Gaikai
- Better gaming-related features
- Far better value across the board
- More consumer trust
- The VR train building its momentum alongside PS4

[4logpc]

Its a big plus.

[Yuri_Rook]

Microsoft's horrid first unveiling, the DRM debacle which Sony strategically utilized to its advantage, bad press/word of mouth, AND the price point kinda helped sway consumers.

[ceedubya9]

Yep. All of those things made HUGE difference. Microsoft was sitting in a good position until all that stuff went down, and everything flipped after that.

[randomass171]

Bubble up. That pretty much sums up the entire story.

[D3ATH_DRIV3R_777]

Not only that, it has a far more opening category of games to, and remote play? bonus points for that to. That reminds me, i gotta get a vita.

[fonger08]

It definitely helps, plus the momentum the Playstation rode off of the Xbox reveal (and it's sub-subsequent online policies) have just snowed balled for them. Plus Sony has been pushing updates and new info on games that they have in development whenever possibly, I think a lot of people are waiting to what if anything appealing Microsoft has coming up before taking the Xbox plunge.

[rammstein91]

hell no!

[PS3and4_HAS_GAMES]

lol what kind of question is that? last gen the ps3 was very popular straight from the start and it was 600 bucks.

ps4 is popular because us Play station gamers know its the better and more powerful console with a diverse set of AAA games that deliver. Plain and simple.

[akaFullMetal]

If price is the factor as the author is saying, then why didn't xbox360 outsell ps3 when it was cheaper last gen?. Or in this case why isnt the wii u not selling alot more since that is the cheapest console out of the 3? In other words price isnt the determining factor and in this case of ps4 it helps to be cheaper than your main competitor but its not the major reason why it is selling.

[randomass171]

I thought the 360 DID outsell the PS3 for the most part last generation. PS3 just continues to sell now unlike 360. Does anyone have any clarification on that?

[akaFullMetal]

PS3 outsold xbox360 about a year ago. Xbox had in its first year a 10 million lead, and now ps3 is about 83 mil to 81 on xbox360 I believe.

[fonger08]

Sort of, they went back and forth a few years, I believe PS3 outsold the 360 in 2008, 2010, 2011, and 2013. 360 won 2007, 2009, 2012.

[HappyWithOneBubble]

It has the best games too.

[ceedubya9]

Being cheaper helps, but I think a combination of a well-received early message along with Microsoft's questionable bumbling of policies, plus good word of mouth, superior multiplatform games are what has them in the driver's seat. I'm still baffled that Microsoft thought it was a good idea to introduce the (mostly)always online policies that they wanted to initially use. If not for that (and maybe equal pricing at 400 each, then I think things would possibly be a bit more even right now.

[ScareFactor]

Price is a big factor but so is Microsoft's debacle at e3 last year. People didn't trust Microsoft. Also all the hype that Sony caused at e3 and pre launch. They said all these features would be coming and most of them are still not here yet and I'm a bit disappointed (No youtube app, etc...). Gamers also seem to be very cheap and obviously the PS4 would appeal to them people because they give "free games."

The PS4 is a good console but lacks games imo. It is the more powerful console but you will not see that being a difference in graphics as we will see, I believe. I haven't touched my PS4 lately because I am not interested in any of the indies, and no I do not like Infamous. The titles so far on the Ps4 seem to be graphical masterpieces and the gameplay is pretty bad on some of the games.

The Xbox One has tons of features that are great. The thing I think that is holding the console back is the kinect, I don't have a huge problem with it but I can see why some would. I love all the Xbox titles I have played so far (Forza, Dead Rising, Titanfall, Ryse). I believe XBL is the superior online experience, I know PSN gives you more but it's stability is very shaky at times.

e3 is going to be Microsoft's time to show that they are going back to caring about gamers and the games first. I believe Phil Spencer will be a huge success as leader of Xbox

@Static

I respect your opinion, atleast someone isn't going to attack me for talking good about the Xbox One

I actually was completely against Ryse in the beginning and when I bought my Xbox one a couple weeks ago I thought I would try it and really enjoyed the story. I played Killzone and thought it was a step back from the others which I enjoyed, I might feel this way because I also had Cod and Battlefield as well. I am not a huge fan of the Kinect but the $100 extra isn't a big deal.

You got me with the anti consumer attitude and was against the Xbox One in the beginning because of it, but they have changed my mind recently. My favorite franchise are exclusives to Xbox so I knew I was getting on eventually (Gears of war and Halo). I think the Xbox lineup so far is a good start and understand if people diasgree. I am not interested in any PS4 exclusive except for Uncharted and who knows when that is coming, indies I have played most of them and don't keep my attention for very long

[staticdash22]

The thing about that is, that's a subjective opinion. I happen to think he xbox one lacks good games, you see how that works? Not interested in Ryse, the reviews showed me that, or dead rising when I checked out the digital foundry performance analysis. I already picked up Titanfall on 360, and I'm not interested in anything Kinect has to offer. Throw in the price, along with their pre launch ant consumer attitude and you got yourself and ant consumer console. That is a subjective opinion as well, don't state these opinions as if they are facts when infamous has been selling and killzone is already over 2 million sold. People are playing a variety of games, not a few game, o the userbase is spread out.

[staticdash22]

For me, it's the most appealing from a consumer standpoint. The price is right, and hearing all of the resolution talk did some convincing. For $400 I was going to get superior graphics, that's a steal. Then Naughty Dog played a huge part, who are one of my favorite developers. The additions of watch dogs, assassins creed, and Destiny exclusive/early content only helped make this decision easier. All of this is rolled up into a consumer friendly package.

[randomass171]

It's definitely one of the best new pieces of hardware on the market in a while. Plenty of new features, good hardware, improved controller and a large supply of upcoming content. PS4 had a lot of hype running on it and a lot of that has turned into word of mouth.

[tapmybuttons]

In my opinion its the price and the library of games. Personally I think Microsoft needs to broaden the genre of its exclusives and focus less on shooters and bringing different expereinces to Xbox One Users. In fact if they unlocked the dev kit in the retail units I would consider buying an Xbox One over the PS4.

[azricf]

Playstation platforms cater to their fans, and deliver very high quality products. Playstation consoles have very long life spans which maintain a high level of quality support. PS1,PS2,PS3(soon) have all received at least 10 years of support from sony. And no, not crap titles.. 7 years after being released, and despite PS4 releasing in the same year; Sony released Gran Turismo 6, The Last of Us, and Beyond two souls. No one but Sony does this. Microsoft pretty much has given up on AAA games for 360, and Wii was discontinued all together..

PS3 still has exclusives like Persona 5 coming out which is amazing..There are a lot of others. Again about support throughout history.. Look at the original Xbox. It was released at the very end of 2001, and was pretty much abandoned by microsoft when 360 released in 2005. PS2 went on far beyond that. It's the same thing for PS1 when compared to n64/saturn and even dreamcast.

So yes, it's no surprise that Sony is dominant, and that it continues with PS4. I know that buying a PS4 I will get tons of support, and a long life span for my product.. Regardless of a PS5 release. Fans picked up on this long ago, and I think the newer generation is definitely seeing it with the later PS3 years. I have so many friends who jumped ship from 360. They are simply tired of Microsofts policies.. As for Nintendo, I don't know what's left for them in the CONSOLE(not handheld) market. They are known for abandoning even extremely popular consoles like Wii(over 100m sold), and I am sure that has left a very bad taste in peoples mouths.

[KontryBoy706]

they could switch prices and I'd still by the PS4 at $100 more. It's just the overall mindset that Sony has with the console. Games first, gamers first, listening to our demands, responding through twitter and making changes.

[GasTankKiller]

I agree with the focus on gamers was a major plus for Sony from the beginning. It helped them in a big way. Got people (gamers) talking and thinking who they wanted to start out next-gen with.

I started with Sony this time around because they had a clear focus on the gamer, which is me. I buy gaming systems to game on first. All the other nongaming features are just an added bonus.

[dartmyth]

I think it is cause xbox1 is nothing more than a windows 8 computer for your tv in my eyes, and now xbox brand is under the os division of microsoft think your going to find more windows stuff in it as time goes on.

[KinjoTakemura]

Yes the 100 dollar difference is part of the reason behind the PS4's sales numbers, but there are other reasons to consider:

Reliability. The red ring of death has plagued xbox 360 owners, forcing some two shell out another 300 dollars for a new machine.

Diverse game library. While the xbox 360 did sell more consoles than the PS3, the playstation 3 library is in a class by itself. What ever type of gamer you are, with Playstation 3, you are definitely able to find games the fit into your niche. The xbox 360 was focused on the online multiplayer element of gaming, that's fine, but what about those who enjoy strategy, puzzlers, survival, and rpgs? Playstation has them all.

The hardware. There's not much in this category that hasn't been said already. So let's leave it at that.

And finally, Microsoft themselves. It was Microsoft who attempted to create a "set-top-box" that plays games, you know, like the device offered by Amazon for 99 bucks? How's that selling? LOL Gamers do not want a entertainment box that plays games. Gamers want a high performance, moderately priced, gaming machine with a wide variety of games to play. Microsoft's "unveiling" last year was more like shooting themselves in the foot in my opinion.

Thoughts anyone?

[Blackleg-sanji]

bubble for u

[Godz Kastro]

Yes

[jay2]

No, it's more popular because it's the better hardware producing the better results with the £150 cheaper OPTIONAL camera.

[corvusmd]

Being cheaper certainly helps, but I think it's more of a PR thing really. MS shooting itself in the foot and Sony taking advantage of that and convincing people that if they are true gamers, PS4 is their system. ...Really it's just about playing games no matter the system IMO. The fact that the Hardware is simpler and more powerful plays a factor too, but that effect is dwindling. All the people that REALLY REALLY care about that have already bought their console of choice (or have a PC), most casual gamers look and see that games look amazing on all Gen 8 consoles, and just go after what they like (although the $100 will be more important to them). As devs get better tuned with XB1 hardware, this issue will also dwindle amongst the "hardware hardcore". Also, being in more than 4xs more countires doesn't hurt overall.

[Blackleg-sanji]

damn i dont remember all the damage control articles back in 2005-2006 wen ps was losing

[KinjoTakemura]

Sony was too busy making games.

[WheatBread]

Yep plus it's more powerful and it looks better too.

[tgunzz]

Everyone knows that the casual shopper vastly out number any hardcore base. Price is ultimate king, second by influence. leveling the price (w/without kinect), and launching in more territories is key.

[hkgamer]

I think its more of a numbers game. Many people also use google to do research and with PS4 just having better numbers all around including price its not surprising that the PS4 sold more.

[DualWielding]

I think in the end most PS3 users would upgrade to PS4 and most 360 user would upgrade to XBONE, Sony has just gave PS3 users better incentives to make the jump earlier ($100 cheaper, Games at no extra cost if you already had a PS+ Subscription, Free upgraded versions of some indy titles like flower if you already had them for PS3)

In the case of Microsoft is not only the price but the fact that the price is clearly bumped by Kinect... some fanboys who would buy a XBONE even at $500 if it was more expensive just becaues it is are holding out because the think a Kinectless bundle could be announced any day saving them from paying $100 for something they don't want

[goldwyncq]

Cheaper AND more powerful.

[S2Killinit]

Not at all. Its because of the stellar support sony gives to each and every generation. The value in a playstation console is unmatched

[gpturbo81]

Hype can do strange things.

[Silly gameAr]

Sorry to be that guy but speaking of hype, have you seen Titanfall?

[1nsomniac]

The title seems to be missing the most important factor, MORE POWERFUL.

If the XBone had been more powerful then I would of been tempted for that although the DRM & monitoring shite had me dead set against it from the start!

I want the best my money can buy, it's that simple & I'm sure it's the same for most people.

[leemo19]

Price is one reason others reasons is PS+, hardware, camera sold separately, or exclusives. For me Ive always liked PS more than Xbox is cause I know Sony has always put out games of all different types.

[PaperMan]

Combination of price and hardware. Not to mention marketing, plays a huge part.

Maybe the PS brand helps a lot as well. Games are also good but both consoles will have these and at the moment there's not a must have for either console.

[Gore-Content]

No, you idiot.... *facepalm*

Where have you been in the last months. There are tons of evidence showcasing the graphical superiority of the PS4..... *facepalm*

[Gore-Content]

And stop writing articles about the PS4, you idiot!

[Geekman]

That's part of the reason, yes.

[DFresh]

There's a lot of reasons people have gravitated towards the PS4.

1.) Price point.

2.) Most powerful console on the market.

3.) PS+ offers a lot of value that XBL isn't currently matching like offering free games, discounts and betas on top of having Cross Game Chat.

4.) History of success with past consoles and game franchises.

5.) Controller is a huge improvement.

6.) M$ screwed over everyone with their original DRM Policies on the Xbox One.

Also great advertisements helps.

[mhunterjr]

It's not 'just' because it's cheaper... But being cheaper doesn't hurt...

[MegaDan]

If the PS4 was winning solely because of the price then shouldnt the WiiU be surpassing the PS4 since its cheaper? smh haters.

[GoodnessGreatness]

And even better with better games coming in the future. That's why it's more popular.

[tommygunzII]

Price has nothing to do with PS4's success. If the X1 was $300 it would still get trounced.

[Section8]

Then I guess that's the only argument you have why the x360 was more popular over the ps3. Either way, sony had and will always have better exclusives then ms.

[SpinalRemains138]

Yes, just like PS3 was more popular than 360 due to being cheaper.......??//