Why the games industry needs to stop talking about next-gen specs

We’re now a scant month away from the dawn of the PlayStation 4/Xbox One era, and both the journalistic and consumer sides of gaming have already begun to swell with anticipation.

[NewMonday]

specs are fundamental in technology products

they only reason to stop talking about specs is because it makes a certain crowd uncomfortable.

for gamers it is decisive to know 3rd party games will run better on the PS4 and that 1st party games are 1080p as a standard.

[GameNameFame]

Spec is basics which game is built upon.

How do you expect anyone to make well informed decison without spec of the product?.

It just sound they want to hide some truth and actually hide the huge difference between two console.

As for people who says spec don't matter
Killer instinct 720p
Dead Rising "dynamic" res meaning not full 1080p
Ryse 900p

forza is full of static and pre bake effects.

[ambientFLIER]

Huge difference? Lol...smh. Give me a break with that bs. The PS4 is more powerful, sure. Hugely so? No...

[GameNameFame]

I consider 56 percent quite huge. This is GPU alone. So I am assuming this depressing fact is why you don't anyone else informed.

X1 GPU: 1.18 TF GPU (12 CUs) for games
768 Shaders 48 Texture units
16 ROPS
2 ACE/ 16 queues
PS4 GPU: 1.84TF GPU ( 18 CUs) for games + 56%
1152 Shaders +50%
72 Texture units +50%
32 ROPS + 100%
8 ACE/64 queues +400%

[slampunk]

@GameNAmeFame

Please stop, you're making yourself look silly. So the PS4 doesn't use even 1% of the GPU for other tasks? I'm getting both (PS4 & XB1) and have a PC with far better specs, so no fanboy here.... The XB1 also has better audio processing and arguably higher clocked CPU.....

The PS4 on paper is slightly more powerful.... If you believe 56% real world performance difference, you're delusional.

[UltimateMaster]

@slampunk

"The XB1 also has better audio processing..." /stopped there.

If you actually think anyone beats Sony on audio, "particularly Microsoft who's audio always been surpassed by MACs" then you're deceiving yourself in that statement alone.

Ever wondered why iTunes was an Epic Success while Zune was a Colossal Failure?

Think before you post nonsense.

And you're right about one thing, looking at specs on a piece of paper doesn't equal actual gaming performance.
I just let my eyes do the talking:

http://www.youtube.com/watc...
http://www.youtube.com/watc...
http://www.youtube.com/watc...
http://www.youtube.com/watc...

[GameNameFame]

@Slampunk
PS4 has a legitimate secondary processor for handling other applications.

Do you remember the X1 super secret sauce second procesor? it turned out to be false for X1, but PS4 has it.

You must be delusional with audio chip as well. As if PS4 doesn't have one.

I find it funny how you talk about few percent upclock on X1 while downplaying 56 percent difference on GPU.

Again, your definition of "slight" is 56 percent in your fanboy world.

I already listed result of weaker GPU. Go look at the resolutions. Even with devout fanboyism like yours, you cant dodge that.

[trenso1]

"I'm getting both (PS4 & XB1) and have a PC with far better specs, so no fanboy here...."

I love reading these comments, like saying that makes you look any less of a fanboy.

[AndrewLB]

You guys keep ignoring a very important factor and it's not hardware related.

The Operating System.

Don't you guys realize how much faster games run on Windows 7 PC's when compared to Mac OSX, while running identical hardware specs as a MacPro?

There are some great comparison videos on youtube comparing DirectX and OpenGL rendering (Xbone=directx, ps4=opengl variant), and the DirectX video is clearly the winner for image quality AND performance.

[heliumhead2030]

@gamenamefame 50% more powerful is such an over statement. Your using specs of a graphics card that you know nothing about. You don't know how these systems are set up and you don't know their true power

[fossilfern]

But it doesn't necessarily mean games will be better because of it ,if all of this about the performance discrepancy is to be believed. The PS1 and PS2 were the weakest in terms of horse power to its competitors and look at the quality games that came out for both machines.

[NewMonday]

better specs means the console has a higher upper limit for developers to exploit.

and even on the 1st party front MS are behind Nintendo and Sony, MS will need years to build up the talent, that is if they are willing to start.

[fossilfern]

I'm not denying your point if there is such a large hardware discrepancy between the PS4 and XB1 it wouldn't matter if the games are average.

Hardware does help of course but the PS2 and PS1 compared to its competitors at the time were the weaker consoles and the games on the PS1 and 2 were really good.

[mcstorm]

I agree and have been saying the same thing on here for long time. The specs are not what sells a console its the software. Look back at the ps2 PSX and Wii. Also look at how the 3ds was doing before it got its big name games. The psv is a beast of a console but is lacking in the games and again poor sales. The wiiu had the same issue too.

For me I decided to pre order the Xbox one before the ps4 as I wanted Forza 5 and ki over any other games on both consoles but I have pre ordered and wanted more games on the wiiu from September until the 1st quarter of next year than on the ps4 and Xbox one.

For me its about the games the gamer wants not what specs the console is and also how the games and hardware are shown off to the customer.

[ZHZ90]

If the specs don't matter then what is the point of buying next gen console just go stick to Wii or even stick to PS1 or SNES.

And combination of "spec don't matter" and "Wii's success", just go look at the WiiU.

Btw if you guys think we, PS4 buyers, are buying the PS4 for the specs you would be wrong, because we are buying PS4 for its great exclusive games including that will be made by The Talent of Sony's owned 1st/2nd party studios like ND, SSM, MM, Quantic Dreams, Team ICO, Sucker Punch, GG etc.

The power spec of PS4 and PS4 being cheaper are bonus to us, the PS4 buyers.

[jgrigs09]

I know some of yall aren't. I have mad respect for the reasons are because of games. But there are some PS4 fans who are just about specs and not about the games.

[LonDonE]

Agreed, its all about the games!! i have my ps4 paid off, just waiting for launch date, i also bought a wii u day 1, just for those classic nintendo gems! i would have most likely bought a xbox1 at launch too, but having a bad experience with xbox 360 with regards to red ring of death has made me loose confidence in Microsoft big time!

For me, its going to be PS4,WII U,and my Gaming PC till next year Christmas, and if the xbox1 proves to be reliable i will pick one up next fall! gamers who bang on about trivial things are the ones who don't own and game on all platforms! this is fact, or else they would see the pro's and con's of all platforms instead of constantly putting the other platforms down simply because they cant afford to buy all of them.

Which is fine, not all of us are in a position to buy everything, but constantly bickering about specs, games etc is pointless! THEY ARE PIECES OF PLASTIC!!! LMAO!
But i tell you microsoft tried to pull some major B.S, and then couldn't and so was forced to change policy, any xbox fan boy who thinks they changed it for the good of gamers is delusional! its because PS4 pre orders were destroying them, plain and simple!

I find it difficult to trust them now in any way shape or form, and if by next fall i don't hear good things then Microsoft are history for me!! Sony,Nintendo and my PC will do just fine!

[Kleptic]

also...i wouldn't say that any of us are interested in the 'wii's success'...a perfect example of a company making piles of money, and having no clue how to make consumers happy...

I mean selling 10's of millions of consoles in just a few short years is great...but when 98% of those end up in a grandmother's closet, only to be brought out for holiday weekends a few times a year...is not the kind of success any person who plays video games is after...at least, one would think so...

[Godmars290]

"specs are fundamental in technology products"

And they don't mean jack if all that's ever made from them are FPS.

[NewMonday]

I wouldn't be excited if I wasn't confident of the PS4 delivering a wide variety of games, for sure we are getting the next games from Quantic Dreams, Media Molecule and SSM , also games Like Rime, Everybody's Gone to the Rapture, Shadow of the Beast and Helldivers

[Godmars290]

@newmonday:
You don;t understand my use of "FPS". Its how everything is just about a first person perspective in real time. There is little to no surrealism in games now.

[rainhell77]

Xbox 360 has out sold PS3 in the states with less specs and no blue ray! Stupid fan boys!

[thehitman]

With a year head start and a much lower price tag.

[Funantic1]

MS had a year head start with the 360, but the Xbox brand started way after Playstation and manage to dig into Sony's profit and marketshare. MS did a great job of making Xbox PS's number one competition. Xbox isn't going away.

[NeoTribe]

Lol I love how you just say the states like its all that matters. Ps3 outsold xbo. Worldwide, and now just outsold xbox in the states. They won the console war even comming in late and charging 599 at launch... do you understand the spanking microsoft is going to recieve in the next few months? Bad time to be a xbot...

[elmaton98]

Hell yeah. Spesc were not important 10 years ago but they matter now since most people are becoming aware of it and so they base their purchase on it(and price of course).

[pete007]

Talk to pc gamers, or myself. Ps4 is outdated before launch, xbox also is, bt have à clever architecture. Silly fanboyz, when pc crowd speaks you all shut up and specs no longer matter

[Mikeyy]

Hows the PC version of Red Dead? I havent tried it?

[pete007]

@elmaton98
most pc exclusiv games on consoles?? maybe a shitty port that only carries the same name, but none of the core experience, just to make money out of you. there are maybe nat most 10 exclusive games that make people like me buy a console, and i mention a hole generation, all multi plats on pc. some mworthy exclusives on copnsoles.
hardware wise, you get what you pay for. just like i said before, you guyz cry loud for a minimal difference btwn consoles power but when it comes to pc´s 5 times more powerful than your toys you start insulting people.
you´re just an ignorant, just like thousands here at N4G

[elmaton98]

Look buddy maybe you don't understand, but different games have different built for different platforms and and not only for for PC( like I said before, I have a gaming PC but it won't take me away from what I enjoy most) So please whatever you say ain't valid since I own a ps3 and a gaming PC.

[Mister-fantastic]

This is stupid yes spec matter. I wish PS4 had better spec . I do under stand why SONY went with a balance system good spec good price point. I would have liked a better GPU 2.5 -3 tfolps $500 PS4. Xbone dropped the ball on xbone system weak GPU weak memory system no graphics ram. KINCET is a waste and a gimmick. MicroSCAM could have drop kincet and add a real GPU. Graphics effective game play in games .frame rates and high resolution improve game play. You can see distance better with better resolution better textures make it easier to see in game. This is a b.s article on graphics are not every thing but its still very needed.

[elmaton98]

Base on what I think you said I agree i guess.

[FanOfRootBeer]

You're actively telling consoles to be gaming PCs. Consoles are designed as an intermediate between performance and affordability. Consumers and developers who want that extra power make the jump to PC gaming; that's one of the reasons it continues to exist as a platform.

Graphics do not affect gameplay. Design affects gameplay. Graphics affect the way a medium (in this case, a video game) is conveyed. However, frame rate and other factors that directly impact how reliably a game is conveyed do affect the experience of the gamer.

Resolution (and similarly extraneous factors) is a different beast. For starters, draw distance (the area visible at a given time within a game) is not affected by resolution; that lies solely with game engines. More importantly, as the article points out, the issue isn't with the ability of consoles. If 1080p TVs aren't dominant, studios have no reason to dedicate resources to optimizing for higher resolutions.

This article isn't about graphics. This is about the irrelevance of site-unseen specifications.

[ambientFLIER]

"for gamers it is decisive to know 3rd party games will run better on the PS4"

what??

[Mister-fantastic]

Big stop smooth * are you a grammar school teacher. That shows clearly you can't debate deboo's comments. So you are mada butt hurt and go grade school English teacher on him. Weak sauce but typical xboned fan

[corvusmd]

So then why do certain fans ONLY focus on the areas where one system has a slight advantage that hasn't shown itself on the screen, and then completely dismiss proven advantages for the other system simply because they don't want to believe them? Not to mention that the argument over 1080p or not to use 1080p so far has always been proven to be a design choice. True, 1080p AND 60fps is idea all the time if it can be done...but when it can't XB1 choses no load times and/or higher frame rates over resolution (then upscale to 1080p...which still looks fantastic), whereas PS4 has made the choice to use higher resolution with lower frame rates and more load times...saying one is better than the other is completely opinion based...my opinion is that the XB1 approach is better because most gamers can't even tell the difference between up scaled and native 1080p anyway...if so? Why do you keep pausing the game to stare at it instead of play it? Not to mention that the common list of games going around that has PS4/XB1 confirmed 1080p games is kinda misleading...most of those games are 3rd party and the same on both systems. The only PS4 game that is constant 1080p AND 60fps at all times is a little nothing arcade style game. All these games look amazing anyway, so the crying about numbers is simply nothing more than fanboy flame-baiting....

Also, not to mention by that logic, Wii U is the most powerful system of all three being that it has the most native 1080p games of all the systems

[elmaton98]

Well maybe because some don't want to buy the xbone(is that simple) even more so before and after the 180 Microsoft is trying to pull on us gamers and if you can't see that well I'm sorry to say but you're just an idiot bro.

[marcofdeath]

Yes, they need to stop talking about specs, because most of these idiots like New Monday and GamenameFame, have no idea what they are talking about or they are just repeating what they hear from other uneducated idiots. I'm not a know it all but at least I go and look at the details to try to understand what someone else is repeating to me, but most don't. the fact that you make a statement that the hardware inside is 50% or even 400% shows me how much of an idiot you are.
Sony's own architect stated that PS4 was the easiest system to make games for, so why is a machine that is 50% to 400% outperforming you in every single category? yes, PS4 can do 1080p with less detail, They don't look better than a 900p game, hello.
For instance GDDR5 is 256 bits wide that is total system, Xbox one has a combined memory bandwidth system total of more than 1270 bits wide, but Sony tells these idiots that it's GDDR5 and its 176GB/s and these idiots think that there memory system is the fastest when there is only one lane that provides 256 bits at 176GB/S. Xbox one can provide 256 bits on eight lanes. This is what we see from the Xbox one games.
Quantic Dreams real-time demo had 1 million polygons per character and that's without any physics calculations, world base calculations, and player input calculations, it is about as close to a CG movie as you can get computational wise, And it still could not outperform a in game real-time model of 85,000 polygons. That's why I say specs and fanboys don't go to together well.

[ballsohard2013]

but will the online run smoother? So far the UI on sony has failed to impress. The exclusives are lacking at this moment. Thats two areas i think MS is doing decent.

Im gonna buy both consoles cause i love gaming, but im selling my reserve and just gonna wait til the consoles exclusives start rolling like uncharted or socom hit ps4. X1 at release with nba 2k14, bf4 and cod to hold me down til titanfall, destiny, watchdog and division come out.

meanwhile gta5 (ps3) isholding me down til nov 22nd.

[DEEBO]

if the x1 specs were the better of the two MS would say it every chance they get but since the ps4 is the stronger of the two it doesn't matter.the wii remote was the game changer last gen and plus it's Nintendo.

[maniacmayhem]

Actually since the PS4 specs are better now Sony is saying it every chance they get.

Their fans are also doing a great job reminding everyone every chance they get too.

Specs are nice but it's all about gameplay and design. As some said above we have seen some amazing games on the simplest of hardware due to developers creativity, skills and imagination with what they had to work with.

Even with all the arguments of some devs claiming both systems needed more RAM or this or that, I am sure if the PS4/X1 wasn't announced we would have still seen some excellent new with gorgeous graphics.

I just hope with these supposed better specs that developers take time to create some very deep and intriguing games.

[Hicken]

"Their fans are also doing a great job reminding everyone every chance they get too."

I'm just guessing, but that probably has to do with how Microsoft fans keep saying they're not better, or latching onto rumors about secret components, or saying it doesn't matter. Remember 12GB of RAM and dGPU? Remember how the cloud was supposed to triple the XB1's power?

We're always gonna see some great stuff, even with the limitations of a given console generation. And then the next generation rolls around, and the specs are much improved, and then we see something else amazing, and there's no doubt it wouldn't have been possible on the last set of consoles.

Sure, specs aren't everything, and I think on PC elitists ever actually argue that the are. But they ARE still important. And as long as they are, they should be talked about.

[maniacmayhem]

@Hicken

"Remember 12GB of RAM and dGPU? Remember how the cloud was supposed to triple the XB1's power?"

Remember 8 gigs of RAM dedicated to games? Remember X1 couldn't do hUMA? Remember MS's E3 would be nothing but Kinect games? And why must you counter every Sony criticism with a MS one? Like I care about MS.

Sony fans are just as guilty as any other fan, so giving excuses on what Sony fans say to counter Xbox fans is a very poor excuse for ignorance.

Specs are important but they are not the end all be all of discussions. All the specs in the world won't help if you have crap games or games that don't appeal to anyone.

For example, if all we are going to get are FPS games with just a shinier coat of paint then what good are the upgraded specs?

We already know about the specs for the system. Now lets talk about the games.

[Hicken]

Yep, I remember all those things. And I know one thing in particular about them that makes them all irrelevant to this: they didn't change the power structure. The PS4 stayed stronger by a significant amount. (The E3 games part is irrelevant, but I guess you ran out of spec-related arguments.)

Apparently, to you, Sony fans just do all this stuff for no reason, hmm? I'm certain you'd find- although I know you wouldn't bother- that there are more instances of Xbox fans spewing BS than Sony fans doing the same. I'm certain you'd find that there were less Sony fans spewing BS about a particular rumor after it had been debunked than MS fans doing the same.

And I'm certain you'd find that, while you claim not to care about Microsoft, you spend far more time attacking those who- rightfully or not- attack Microsoft than you do attacking those who take shots at Sony.

[thrust]

I care more about the games!

They can have the specs.

[Belking]

Ms doesn't have anything to worry about when it comes to specs. As we are finding out raw power doesn't means your games will be better and there will still be the same bottlenecks and other issues. Its all about giving devs the best tools to do the job and MS is once again outdoing the competition. You will notice that sony hasn't really spoken much about raw power. That's because it doesn't mean much if you can't exploit it. Just look at who's games are being delayed.

@strickers below
it's not BS. Raw power isn't jack when you can't exploit it. Games are being delayed and raw power has nothing to do with it. It because of the same issues devs have this gen. On paper specs doesn't equal to performance. You guys are gonna be so heartbroken this gen because you one of these console makers is mastering the art of smoke.

[strickers]

You had one thing to say .........and you chose bullshit. Sad

[Kayant]

"You will notice that sony hasn't really spoken much about raw power. That's because it doesn't mean much if you can exploit it."
Am sure announcing that PS4 is the most powerful console ever built is saying something and KZ:SF SP ---> http://www.youtube.com/watc... The Order:1886 & I:SS.

"Just look at who's games are being delayed." Ohhh is that right... ---> http://uk.ign.com/articles/...

Yh both sides have one game delayed each. Expect you want to now class Watch dogs & the crew as PS4 exclusives :p

But yes I agree specs on consoles is a small part of console decision making.

[DEEBO]

one game oh no gameover man,gameover! lol.watchdogs is not from sony and check the new gameinformer for the best looking game on new console's.and infamous,deep down,killzone all look to be putting out some great looking graphics.and why are most games we see are on ps4 hardware?only ones I see trying to shaft gamers are MS.i wish they would have left the x1 like it was before trying to be like the ps4 so sony could crush them.is ryse even 1080p? I know killzone is and it has more preorders then all the x1 games put together.only smoke and mirrors I see is ms fanboys thinking they won a console war.xbox 3rd,360 3rd and x1 looking to maybe get 2nd this time.

[BigShotSmoov007]

Honestly Deebo you really need to learn to write your sentences a little better. Your comments are just words jumbled up with each other and I don't know where you sentence ends and and new one begins. Seriously man, work on this.

[stuna1]

"You guys are gonna be so heartbroken this gen because you one of these console makers is mastering the art of smoke." Oooh oooh, I know the answer to that! And it's definitely not who you believe. My bet is that it's Microsoft! Just because there's the true fanatical fanboy who just can't come to terms with reality, changes nothing.

Microsoft sorded past is littered with the stench of smoke, and where there's smoke there's fire! The last 4 years of E3's have been nothing more than smoke & mirrors, filled with empty promises! What's crazy is there'll be someone replying to my comment asking what smoke & mirrors, what empty promises! The reason they'll ask should then become as obvious as the nose on their faces. Microsoft is a very powerful and influential business, but that doesn't necessarily mean that that power and influence is servicing the consumers best interest! If that were so we never would have had the RROD dabacle, and I'm not talking about after the facts came out.

The games shown off to be what they're not has been a staple in the Xbox 360 camp from day one! Even to the point that people tried to pull Sony into the fiasco we know as the infamous Killzone 2 demo, but we know how that turned out don't we!? You want to talk about a company mastering the art of smoke, and mirrors, Microsoft invented practical use for it business wise.

[PFFT]

RYSE just took a giant shit all over that which the POS4 has to offer. So far NONE of those POS4 titles look better than RYSE! NONE!

[Stuntz]

I really cannot wait for both consoles to launch so all this fanboy speculation on specs can be over. This has been the most ridiculous launch ever X1 is better no PS4 is better blah blah blah. Fact of the matter is we DO NOT KNOW what is better. On paper PS4 is better but is there really a difference between 360 and PS3 and yes PS3 is better on paper than 360. You guys seem to forget software plays a major factor and that i think everyone can agree Microsoft has down. The end of the day we all have to wait to find out im sure whatever anyone is buying will be amazing cant we all just get along?

[robotgargoyle]

Don't know if it'll end on launch day. May just be beginning. Launch titles only give a slight glimpse at what to expect.

Fanboys will paint a picture regardless. They will always say their system is better than yours. They splice in facts with their opinions stated as facts and expect it to be gospel.

No one will know until it's over.

[redcar121]

Sony keep running their mouths about specs but I can't see a difference

[thrust]

Yeah look at ryse it looks great.

[Stuntz]

My opinion it is the best looking game, light years ahead of everything else.

[Sayai jin]

On topic...Theres nothing wrong with a company advertising their console specs...whether it's MS or Sony.

Off toic... Both consoles have impressive specs and many people argue which one is best. It's funny because 2 gens ago the original xbox had better specs than the PS2...but many preached that it was not about specs rather it was about games and sales. Then last gen the PS3 had better specs than the 360 and then it was about the specs while others said it was about sales. All this flip flopping...people calm down...no need to go on defense over a piece of plastic. These companies are not paying you to do it.

[scott182]

I don't think it will make a big difference for either console, both will make great looking games.

And when did you hear Sony running their mouths about specs? It seems to me the trend has been that devs are the ones speaking about sony's specs and Microsoft tries to counter what they say. Sony isn't getting involved.... good for them.

[NegativeCreep427]

You don't see a difference? Are you being serious?

Well nonetheless, as the old saying goes: "There are non so blind as those who will not see"

And the Xbox Fanboy camp have learned to turn a blind eye to console sales numbers as well as the good old "Teh Salez" arguments. Hmmm...I really wonder why???

[thrust]

So you see a difference?

And I guess you think the internet polls are correct a?

[kingduqc]

"Why should consumer stop caring about what they buy"

Okay... You do that and buy what ever is the best advertise and I'll keep looking what's the best for me.

[ape007]

gameplay, game design, environment, atmosphere etc...>>> pure technology

specs push the gameplay boundaries of course with the right team but giving all attention to gfx is wrong, a talented team is the best thing that can happen to gamers

so my motto is, graphics does matter to a certain extent, no where near as what people make of it today

[scott182]

That's why starfox 64, chrono trigger, goldeneye, ect.... are still some of my favorite games I have played. That's why I loved The Last of Us so much, it wasn't just a graphics show, it was a great game.

[ape007]

i play Donkey Kong Country on wii all the time, i must get weekly dose or I'll suffer from withdrawals, i also play the DCK returns on wii, such amazing work Retro has done

[MidnytRain]

People seem to think that the only advantage to superior specifications are graphical effects.

[gamer2013]

Only insecure brand humping kids care about such pettiness. Games, online and functionality are the only 3 things that should matter above all else.

[AKR]

The only time you should really care about 'specs' is when your buying a PC. THAT'S when specs become important.

Consoles are closed systems; they cannot be upgraded. They remain virtually the same until their successor is released. PCs are open. They can be upgraded at any time. You can add more RAM, put in a new processor, install a new GPU, etc.

People don't buy consoles for specs. If they did, then why have the weakest consoles been selling the most for the past 5 generations?

Master System < NES (3rd-Gen)
Neo Geo < SNES (4th-Gen)
N64 < PSX (5th-Gen)
XBOX < PS2 (6th-Gen)
PS3 < Wii (7th-Gen)
PSP < DS (7th-Gen)

You can even look at 3DS and Vita and call it a day.

Software > Hardware.

[Convas]

Everybody loves talking about specs!

Until the PC guys show up. Then it's "elitism" and " technical arrogance."

[cyhm3112]

people don't understand that multiplatorm games are the norms nowadays, whereas in the eras of nes, snes, ps, ps2, they are totally different stories. And also it now takes much more time to create a game, especially a new ip, MS isn't focused on the games department for xbone from the beginnings. I guess it is too late for them to win this next gen. People will soon realize that buying a more expensive console with inferior graphics is not so rational. They will be lucky if they can do as well as the xbox original.

[4logpc]

The reason specs are being talked about so much is because its all we have to go on besides trailers and gameplay.

Once the consoles hit, and people can get them in their own hands, the talk will die down quite a bit.

There will always be that group that thinks because the PS4 is better on paper, it will simply be better in every way than Xbox One.

It comes down to software. Always has, always will.

[Rageanitus]

It's funny how before a console gets launched it's all ABOUT specs because no one in the public knows the true potential of the machine until its released with a bunch of games.

It is rather amusing cuz it happens EVERY generation, it's funny how console only players all of a sudden revert back to IT's all about gameplay vs graphics argument when the PC games start popping up.

Yet when its a console exclusive game they start nit picking about graphics vs each console.... HYPROCRITES imo.

This fanboy fanwars are ridiculous, it does not even stem down to gameplay or graphics, but also comparison of completly different styles of games. I remember Xbox fanboys were trying to compare motorstorm to a DIRT game. Or Heavy Rain VS Alan wake etc etc.

It's sad, I prefer to PS universe over the Xbox universe just because it has more exclusives that cater to ME.
But It's bad and somewhat pathetic that the PS crowd is getting so worked up on specs vs the Xone.

[cunnilumpkin]

if you really care about specs, go pc

"next gen" consoles are both super weak

1080p 60 is a pipe dream

ps4 cannot even run bf4 in 1080p at medium-low settings

[ssj27]

PS4 can do 1080p 60fps on games that look like KZSF.. who care about what Dice can do? They are all about money.. their dlc is a $50 ripoff .. they are know trying to please PC fans after they give the middle finger to them when they made bad company exclusive to consoles.

You wish your PC is as powerful as the PS4! That can play DS at max setting on 1080p eveb high end PC struggle to do that plus high end PC owners only are %5 of the PC community ..

They will make their games pkay in the minimum requirements so if you have a super expensive PC all you can get from it is more fps and resolution .. maybe some visuals improvement thabks to mods but a monkey's on a suit is still a monkey no meter what.

PS4 will do fine and have great games! 1080p 60fps is amazingly good enoug for now.

If it was for ne I wish to be gaming on 8k 1000fps on photorealistic visuals but we live in a monetary system that make technology progress very slow.

[DEEBO]

well if it's not specs then what is it?why does the ps4 have more preorders then x1?if the x1 has all these great games why are the preorder numbers lower then killzone?when will the x1 ryse up and show us those 900p great graphics.how about snapping the ps4 to the x1 so you can see a real next gen system.

[Consoles4kidz]

http://gamingbolt.com/xbox-...

According to this article x1 is selling preorders as well as ps4.

[DEEBO]

lol really? when has MS ever been shy about numbers? only when their numbers are low.do you think he's going to say sony is kicking their butts? he would get fired just like don.and why is killzone shadow fall beating all the x1 games put together? 32-12=20 more spots the ps4 will be on sale.nov 15 the takeover starts!

[Consoles4kidz]

The insider said Microsoft has a lot off work load gfx caculations done off the GPU and CPU. He said some of the off work load include voxel ray tracing! He said lighting and shadowing takes big performance hits from GPU and CPU!So Microsoft took the workload of GPU to special processors,and caculations on CPU. He said the special processors take the place of GFX Cores. Microsoft couldn't use multiple GPUs because of bandwidth restrictions. So the special processors work as GPU cores without being one.
So I ask I that the DDR3 and ESRAM made the bandwidth equal or higher then PS4! HE responded yes,but Microsoft has a bigger vision. He said Microsoft wants prt and mega texture caches. That will use harddrive and ram so it lowers the bandwidth,but when it's all put together a native 900p game upscaled will look better then a native 1080p game. He said that is an example.He would go more in detail with me at a later time. So this brings me to the rumore VI tech in Xbox One!Volcanic Island tech is not in Xbox One,but it kinda of is.....

Microsoft couldn't afford to put a $400.00 plus GPU in Xbox One because they would lose to much money! Microsoft has entered the realm of Nintendo where they will not lose money on a console at launch or ever! So with the bad news out of the way lets get to the REAL GOOD news and TRUTH?Microsoft couldn't afford all the souped up new Volcanic Island tech so they compromised. They help AMD with research money towards it and helped them with audio processing! For that Microsoft received Bonaire GPU,but upgraded CU that are hybrid from VI tech!Amd's VI tech with mantle can run at 9 x's the efficiency per CU. Microsofts CUs can run at perfect efficiency in the perfect optimazition at 4x's the efficiency! There is not a Xbox One game running over 1.5 efficiency per core at the moment!There is a couple pushing things and I know you can figure them out yourself.

Now we will begin to cover PRT,tile resources and Mega caches! This article and my post earlier cover the importance of this!Yes the PS4 has it also,but not at the same level or importance as Xbox One!If did it by percentage per say the PS4 would be about 40% efficiency and XBox One would be at 140% efficiency! That is a big difference!The reason why is because Microsoft built this PRT and Tile resource into the system design and APIs! That is why you have to install games to harddrive on Xbox One!Sony can do it,but the system it's self not built for this in mind. Remeber Microsoft and AMD believe coding and game design are changing,This is one way both companies feel the future is head for examples from AMD Amd RAM disk and mantle! Microsoft has made this the basis of Direct X 11.2 up! I think with Ninjas and Mister X's article we have covered this enough lets move to the next topic!

[Consoles4kidz]

Let's talk about MCU,Spp and off GPU workload processors!I have discussed before what my insiders have said about them!The Xbox One GPU is 1.31tf clocked at 853mhz in old world standards!The Xbox One GPU can clock up to 950mhz in Microsofts own testing,and in fact the first upclock to the GPU was going to be 900mhz.Microsoft didn't go higher with clocks because developers and the API wasn't ready!Microsoft was trying to make API easy for developers to use audio,lighting & shadowing engine and the Mono driver for efficeny of CUs,Remeber we just covered them earlier!They was trying to get the band to run together as smooth and as easy as possible for the API and Devs!So let's cover other MCU and SPP!Some of the MCUs and SPP was added for cloud computing!They could retrieve and hold the data from servers till the CPU was ready for them.The other are for Kinnect and to help with multi tasking the User Interaface!

So my time is running short with insiders,but they took time to clear up some confusion!Some people might disagree with things about to be laid out before some will deny and some will instantly get these are the hardcore facts and TRUTHS!So shall we begin?

There is only one GPU in the Xbox One!The confusion comes from there is a micro like GPU in the Kinnect! There is only 12 CUs in the Xbox One GPU that is active,There is 2 reserved for backup! Now we will get into the Tflop numbers!There are serval numbers floating around,but they are not right or wrong!It is hard to get a solid number and it will be explained now!

Xbox One GPU 1.31tf
Lighting and shadowing estimated around 500 Gflops\
Shape 3d audio estimated between 300 to 500 Gflops\
That equals 2.31 with just these 3 things,now this is where it gets tricky!This is not including the scalers chipset which is light years more advance then average people understand!

[Kayant]

Ahhh I see lord mistermediax selective BS as spread. It's funny that he has had to back track almost every-single thing he said in the beginning once the VI series was finally unveiled and they were still under NDA until after the XB1 launches. It amazes me people still choose to people him. SMH.

[ALLWRONG]

People who list specs are insecure and don't really know what they even mean.

[Foxgod]

I prefer specs + games.
Which is why Pc + X1 is the way to go imho
.

[lifeisgamesok]

Well the best looking game is on the supposedly weaker console even some PC gamers say it has the best graphics

Ryse: SoR

[DEEBO]

Killzone,infamous,the order 1886(gameinformer says it's the best looking next gen game)and deep down all on ps4.

[Sadist3]

Most of you guys' comments are BS. For decades specs were never an issue, the games are what stand out. Consoles always had different specs, but that never had a deciding factor, and it never will. It's just most if you just jump on the bandwagon and make specs a big deal. Anyone know the difference of the Genesis and Super Nintendo when it came to specs? Of course not, and one system was technically superior to the other, but it didn't make a difference. Didn't make a difference the last two generations, won't make a difference now. It's always about games and preference.

[Kuse]

Specs only tell half the story, the other half is about the games which clearly PS4 forgot about...

And no I don't count Indies...

[MidnytRain]

What's wrong with indie games?

[hello12]

I wonder if its possible Microsoft is not telling the whole truth about what's inside the xb1. For a console meant to be 50% less powerful than the PS4. Most of the games do look next gen.

I heard Battlefield 4 on PS4 looked awful a few weeks back. On xb1 it looks great.

[ballsohard2013]

funny thing is... the power of this genration is by far more than needed to push the boundaries of anything a developer put on your ps4 or xbox.

Out of the hundreds of games released this generation... how many red dead redemptions, gta V's, Metal Gears, Uncharted's, Final Fantasy's, Crysis 3's or NBA 2k's or similar quality dis we get? Not too many. There's either a shortage of talent or a hesitation by studios to take risks. Im leaning more to say a shortage of talent because i look at alot of the indie games and its a ton of bullshit . If they even scratch the surface in 4-5 years if the ps4/x1 consider us to be lucky

[ghostrider32]

Most people bragging about 1080 don't even have a TV that's capable of running it. And they're basically mocking PC gamers.

[Donnywholovedbowling]

Dont talk specs? Thats part of the fun! Its a big part of the conversation when youre talking shop (gaming).

[Torgul]

If you want to compare the specs you should compare the APU with all stuff they made in silicon.

I will be very surprised if someone here got real spec from MS.

Do you understand console architecture? For sure you do;)

Assuming what you want it will not change that you have no idea about the real deal with all custom they did both on their apu.