Xbox One and PlayStation 4: A Resolution Controversy?

As [PCMag] slowly chugs forward toward the release dates for Microsoft's Xbox One and Sony's PlayStation 4, there's a bit of a controversy brewing about each console's suggested capabilities.
Or maybe, if you ask sites like Forbes, there's no controversy whatsoever.

[The_Ozymandias]

I don't know why people keep downplaying the disparities in resolution. Resolution is a factor, surely not the only one, and not nearly the most important one, but it matters.

Resolution is a great indicator not only of overall game quality, but the console build quality in terms of power and efficiency, and overall longevity of the hardware.

Maybe it's people justifying their pre-orders for a marginally inferior console, maybe it's just denial, or maybe a good 65% of the global gaming community exited the graphics-whore phase and actually matured a bit overnight.

For some reason, the latter seems the tiniest bit unlikely. But I am sure of one thing: if Sony and Microsoft switched places on this issue, I'd bet every cent that people would be tearing Sony the biggest asshole.

[Majin-vegeta]

It mattered last gen and now all of a sudden it doesnt matter??Lol people just cant accept that the PS4 is the better console period.

Like you said if roles were swithced people would hella be ragging on Sony.

[Angels3785]

Ps4 has the most 1080p games so far (by a great margin) as well as 60 fps. Its clear Xbox one is having some sort of trouble.

[The_Ozymandias]

@Majin-vegeta

Exactly. I just don't get why people rally behind that mindset though...when Microsoft has, time and time again, shown that they couldn't give a quarter of a fuck about their loyal fans.

Fanboyism aside, at some point it should just be about supporting the console that offers the best GAMING experience, and I don't care how many robots you can climb into in Titanfall, it takes away from the game when you feel like you're running it on last-gen's hardware.

[NewMonday]

if resolution didn't matter then why did MS try to hide the facts for so long?

[zeee]

If resolution didn't matter MS wouldn't be using PC footage for Xbox 360 ads. That's deceiving your customers who are going to drop $500 on your product believing in your ads and marketing. And I am talking about the ones who really don't do their research and no, you can't blame them for that either. They are spending that much money because they are loyal to MS and they trust them to deliver on their words. When you start using PC footage for your console game ads, that's when you KNOW that something smells fishy.

Lastly, I do not understand how come, all of a sudden, resolution doesn't matter?

I remember how there were COUNTLESS articles and comparisons on sites like Digital Foundry, IGN, Joystiq, Kotaku etc when PS3 was lagging behind in terms of software quality?

I still remember MAFIA II comparison. I remember how they were complaining that one of the scenes in the game had GRASS in 360 version and there was no or little grass in that particular scene on PS3.

How come the SAME game on Xbox 360 and PS3 was rated differently? Look up metacritic and you'll see what I am talking about.

Fact is that I own both 360 and PS3. Fact is that I like to see FAIR comparisons and fact is that PS3 got the short end of the stick for many years. One that was completely uncalled for.

And I hope that people don't do the same with MS this time around. Two wrongs don't make one right but it's always good to have a little perspective.

[Cupid_Viper_3]

In my honest opinion, the main problem here is not really the resolution or graphics, or etc.

The main problem is simply the fact that non of the guys from the Xbox camp ever admits defeat. As in they simply move the goal post. And all that does it that it simply builds resentment and get the other side losing respect for you.

Nothing is uglier than a person who can't admit they're wrong, even in the face of pure evidence. It's a nasty trait to be honest, and it's prevalent in all fanboys I guess, regardless of sides.

The Xbox camp from 2006 claimed that the PS3 would never outsell the 360. Well it did, out of the gate on a yearly basis, and right away the goal shifted to the PS3 had no games. Once the PS3 got the games rolling in 08, it all of sudden shifted to difference in multiplats, then it shifted to "exlusives don't matter". Then it shifted to exclusives do matter, and it simply never stops.

More recently, the xbox camp defended against all the negatives rumors surrounding the 720p issues. Everyone swore that they were false and called Neogaff Sony fanboys, etc. And keep in mind that this is after almost EVERY SINGLE NEGATIVE RUMOR about MS was proven true, dating back in March too. So the truth came out that CBOAT and crew were spot on about all of their predictions. Yet I have yet to read a single comment from the XBox camp saying that they were horribly blinded by their devotion and were in denial.

Instead what you see is a constant attempt to try and bring the competition down with them. Like I said, a nasty trait.

You guys are like the typical bad guys you see in movies. Where they're so bitter, and angry, and so illogical that even after they're clearly beaten, they still want to try and attempt that last stupid move that always ends up with them dying, right before the credits roll.

It's not nice to keep on beating on a dead horse, but when that mofo is still twiching and sh!t, it's best to make sure it's really dead.

[Gazondaily]

It is important and whilst some are allegdly downplaying it, most will agree that is is an important win for PS4 and a big problem for the X1.

@Cupid

"The main problem is simply the fact that non of the guys from the Xbox camp ever admits defeat. As in they simply move the goal post. And all that does it that it simply builds resentment and get the other side losing respect for you"

What?? Respect from the 'other side'? As if that side is somewhat noble or that they are somehow deserving of respect? We've seen the behaviour an element of the other side which has been completely toxic; going into Xbox One related videos and downvoting them on purpose, instigating arguments by posting fanboyish comments over and over again.

Look at this site and its comment section (and even this article) for proof. Its always the usual suspects, very quick to chime in and chat nonsense.

Lol at your description of Xbox fanboys. It is so painfully obvious that many of the Sony camp are jumping for joy at the announcement that the Xbox One is suffering the way it has. It is sheer fanboyism and its deeply rooted, way before the whole DRM fiasco before anyone even tries to argue that.

Sony fanboys need to sort their superiority complex out. If they are so sure that their console of choice is so much more superior then there's an idea- stop religiously going into Xbox One articles and spouting your agenda everywhere and be content with what's in store for you.

And those Xbox fanboys downplaying resolution disparity need to wake up. Its a BIG BIG factor and one that will be instrumental in the decision for many regarding which console they purchase, and rightly so. Ultimately it is always about the games but still, resolution DOES matter, especially when you're talking about NEXT-GEN experiences.

[Kryptix]

1080p native will always be better than 720p native, there's nothing that should be said to convince otherwise.

By that logic, if a console can output a higher resolution then that also supports the fact that the console has better hardware.

It's important to know because it depicts which console is more powerful and will show better graphics during the long run.

The resolution difference are early signs of knowing which console will show more growth and stability during the years. If one console suffers to meet a standard resolution commonly used on TVs, then later on, that console might suffer from many more problems. One example was Skyrim on the PS3 being broken because it was more difficult to design games for it. Imagine if the Xbox One suffers a similar problem in the future where the PS4 will run a game at 1080p 30fps but the Xbox One only half of that with the same graphics settings or lower?

Even though I poke fun of fanboy denials, I do look past that and set my eyes on the bigger picture. If you get a PS4, you're good for the future. It's the people only buying an Xbox One that has to make a sacrifice. As Sony are known to pump out exclusives, it's up to Microsoft to keep their promises but hiding facts all the time puts me in the position that I'm never going to buy one and settle for the Steam console soon alongside the PS4. I don't trust promises made by people that show their contradictions left and right. And this "resolution war" has shown a deceitful side of Microsoft once again. Even after Don Mattrick left, it still shows that it wasn't just him spewing bullshit all the time.

[NewMonday]

@Septic

MS can't admit the truth, trying hard to hide important facts from the consumer, constantly spinning, if they are confident about the XB1 then give the relevant information to the public and let the gamer make his choice.

didn't you see MS he other day trying to deceive a dedicated XBox fan about 1080p, to his credit the guy didn't like being treated like an idiot.

[Rhythmattic]

Septic

Most "Balanced" (pun intended) post Ive seen you make.

You really gave it to both....

As for the last paragraph uppercut.. I Agree.... Props to you.

[Gazondaily]

@newmonday

MS get critiqued whatever they do. They give you more disclosure and people have the gall to moan at them about it. Hoe many times have you read on here "Lol, always clarifying etc etc". Its pathetic.

MS made mistakes but they have tried to rectify them. I commend them for their efforts. Yes, there are still issues outstanding but they are definitely trying and they are also trying to be more transparent.

"didn't you see MS he other day trying to deceive a dedicated XBox fan about 1080p, to his credit the guy didn't like being treated like an idiot."

Actually, I didn't see any deception. He was right although should have been more specific. Games will be upscaled to 1080p. We all knew what he meant but many on here and GAF started crying out loud instantly.

This overbearing conflict approach to everything MS does is getting tiresome. However, like I said before, the Sony fanboys behaviour has been particularly shameful these past few months.

The PS4 is going to be my main console of choice, but honestly, I actually cringe at the thought of being part of this 'community'. It is so childish and obnoxious at times. It imports the worst elements of PC elitism and then takes it to a whole new level. However, I pray that this is just a case of a few ruining it for the many and that the substantive community, the community that actually plays games and enjoys them and doesn't feel the overwhelming desire to berate others for their choice outnumbers the fanboys.

@Rythmattic- Oh gosh...after you posted that I go on a rant against Sony fanboys lol. But I say it from the heart and I always, ALWAYS try to be as balanced as I can.

Ouya for life!

[NewMonday]

@Septic

sorry but no

a mistake is something done unintentionally, what MS do is outright lying, repeatedly, you cant defend that.

taking a look at different online communities XBox fans are starting to wake up, they are the main victims of the deception, others saw this coming a long time ago.

[Rhythmattic]

Septic.

All good...

At least you have the ability to write a cohesive sentence explaining your thoughts, instead of a quick graffiti'd , "I Was here" with a Sharpie...

Just like I did now....... ;)

[Ju]

Sorry, Septic, I disagree. You can't have it both ways. Which one is it now? Looks like you are a "bubble whore" (C). ;)

[Gazondaily]

@newmonday

When did I say he made a mistake? I said he should have been more specific.

"what MS do is outright lying, repeatedly, you cant defend that. "

I can and will until you provide me with concrete evidence to support your statement.

"taking a look at different online communities XBox fans are starting to wake up, they are the main victims of the deception, others saw this coming a long time ago."

Stop sensationalising everything; its not deception. Many Xbox fans are just not happy with some of the X1's shortcomings, that is all. There is no feeling of deception or betrayal, contrary to what Sony fans keep blabbering on about.

"You can't have it both ways. Which one is it now? Looks like you are a "bubble whore" (C). ;)"

I can't have what both ways? What are you on about? And if I really a "bubble whore", I'd do what everyone here does and quickly post dismissive anti-MS sentiments in in topics to the joy of the Sony community on here.

I'm a gamer, I play games. I don't go around dampening other people's fun or choice by constantly spouting the same old vitriol over and over again.

[Angels3785]

Its Clear PS4 can do more 1080p games

[Maxor]

Resolution is only a factor if it's higher than the Xbox One. I don't see any of the Sony fanboys being disappointed about the PS4 inability to hit 1080p 60 FPS in BF 4, which is a huge red flag in terms of nextgen viability. I mean if the PS4 can't hit 1080p in BF4 then how will it handle BF 5?

Yet all I'm seeing how the PS4 is a 1080p console while the Xbox One can only do 720p. Last I checked 900p isn't 1080p, which is the resolution I expected my nextgen console to be locked into at all times.

Its the year 2013, either you bring to market a 1080p 60 fps console or you GTFO. This goes to both Sony and MS. Stop saddling gamers with outdated underpowered tech while you're raking in millions in profits.

[Caffo01]

Dice can tell you what they want, bf4 is the same as ac4 and fifa, it's a title developed for current gen and next gen together, i bet the next one will be 1080p, the are not going to tell you that the game is not optimized at its best.

[InTheLab]

Be prepared to pay the price for 1080p. I think most are happy with $400 for 900p on a frostbite 3 game.

[Ju]

The issue I have with BF4 is that I am certain this game could hit 1080 if more time would have been spent on implementation and optimization. With that said, I hope the next iteration of Frostbite will support full 1080 rendering (on the PS4 - don't care about the other One).

For the metric fans, it does it's job for Sony. BF4 beats the competition on both, resolution and framerate - important for Faceoff "recommendations" I suppose. I personally could have lived with a minor 3-5fps drop and full 1080 instead - especially in the campaign.

[2cents]

Ok,

the PS4 has more power and will be able to achieve better resolutions with less optimization.

The Xbox is weaker in power but has custom tools to help with the overall quality of the games.

The PS4 has a clear advantage and early lead on quality of games due to its easier development platform.

The Xbox is an unknown just like the Cell was on PS3's launch. MS clearly have rushed to market to compete but have not got their house in order, resulting in early development issues that are not present on the PS platform.

Once the tools are complete and dev are able to offload processes to the custom pipelines then there will be more power available for raw compute, this may bring the games to the magic 1080p 60fps.

Sony will sail through the learning curve due to its immense raw power. Xbox will take some getting used to.

So many love to dramatize the situation. Lets not forget that from the launch games there are some examples of the potential power of the xbox.

Ryse at 900p looks beautiful for a launch game
Forza is 1080p @ 60fps and also looks stunning. So for 'gamers' this is a good sign of things to come.
It's just sad that peole have to find fault. With the two positive examples of games I have given there are a hundred negatives that fanboys throw back.

its a QTE fest, its a downgrade, its too shiny, the lighting is baked in, blah blah blah.

My Xbox One and PS4 are just weeks away from being under my TV and I personally have never been so excited to be a gamer since the birth of gaming. We have an amazing variety of experiences coming our way yet all people are focusing on are the things that take all the fun out of it.

Resolution, Framerate, bloody compute units and data throughput numbers... BOOOORING!!!

[LeCreuset]

"The Xbox is an unknown just like the Cell was on PS3's launch."

I'm sorry to call your comment out on this, because I've seen it elsewhere, too, but it is not an unknown like the Cell. People just need to stop with that. The Xbone has issues and is harder to develop for because the focus was on ENTERTAINMENT when they designed their GAMING console. It is a design flaw. The Cell was hard to develop for, but produced better results than the 360 once a developer overcame the learning curve. Just look at Naughty Dog's games. There was a pot at the end of the rainbow with the Cell. There is no payoff with the design flaws of the Xbone.

[2cents]

Well, I have to disagree with your opinion because your clearly offended that the Xbox can do dedicated entertainment better than the PS4.

It was designed with the same amount of importance as gaming to be a multimedia device with seamless operation and integration to the user experience.

They have heavily customised the pipelines with tools to help reduce bottlenecks to attain a balanced performance.

If these tools are not utilised and the processing is not offloaded to the correct pipelines then there will be issues with resources having to be shared thus not sharing the load equally. This is a major issue currently due to the fact that SDK's Drivers and Tools are very late to the game, especially for games that are about to hit the store shelves in a few weeks.

You started very politely with your post, but it then seems to descend into madness. With CAPS shouting, xbone'ing and unjustified ultimatums. The bit I enjoy the most is your praise for the cell after years of tough times, yet the Xbox isn’t even out yet and you already claim you know it all and that the Xbox will fail. For a moment I thought you were going to give me an intelligent response, but unfortunately you have already decided the fate of the Xbox without even giving it a chance.

I can’t reason with that as you give no room for optimism.

[LeCreuset]

Calm yourself down. I put two words in caps to emphasize the distinction between ENTERTAINMENT and GAMING. If that offends your delicate sensibilities too much, maybe next time I'll put them in quotation marks instead—or maybe not, as that is such a petty, childish, thing to whine over.

You have to disagree with my opinion because I'm offended that the Xbox can do dedicated entertainment better than the PS4? Okay. For a second I thought you might find some legitimate reason to disagree with the opinion, instead of the false motive (Xbox does "dedicated entertainment"? You gotta love marketing buzzwords for irrelevant features and things your tv and cable box already do.) you feel are behind said opinion. That's become the way with Xbox supporters lately. Can't defeat an argument? Just say the person making it is biased.

As for your silly comment about an ultimatum, all I can say is that you should hit the dictionary before using words you don't know the definition of.

Here you go. Maybe this will help you understand the situation.

http://www.redgamingtech.co...

All of that stuff you are talking about will only help but so much. There is no payoff in the end. Developers will always be trying to catch up on the Xbone, no matter what tricks they try, because this is not the same as the Cell on PS3. The Cell enabled the PS3 to produce better games than the 360, because it was a better piece of tech, but the problem was that it had a steep learning curve. The Xbone is hard to develop for AND its architecture is the worse tech compared to PS4. This is because the Xbone was designed with a focus on its entertainment features. The Xbone's design has nothing to do with whether I agree with it or not. It is the way that it is. You are not going to get something out of it that isn't there. You had the nerve to imply that I lack intelligence while you sit there arguing against the numbers, that are out there and available for you to take a look at, with fantasy speculation of Xbone being able to make up for the difference in hardware once the drivers and tools get out there.

[2cents]

I was calm, I'm still calm. You chose to reply to my comment so naturally I'm going to read it and give my answer.

My very first point was that the PS4 is more powerful, my second point was that the Xbox is a weaker console. ??? Did you read that part?

I'm saying that things will get better on the Xbox platform. Not that it will magically become more powerful than the PS4. Please, think before you type. I've got nothing against you personally, and I'm not questioning your intelligence but your reasoning.

I'm being rational with my points, I even called MS on their rush job to get to market, so I dont see how I'm blindly following them.

The entertainment comment is true, it's a very clear focus of theirs and it does an awful lot for the multimedia user through a single interface, why do you have to sully that? What's the reason? The Xbox is a very capable machine when taken at face value. It's a less capable gaming console when compaired to the PS4. They are different machines. Im not pissing in your punch because you prefer the PS4, I have no doubts why someone would choose Sony over MS. It's crystal clear to me. Why can't you extend the same grace? Your going out of your way to make someone who want an Xbox feel bad for their choice, why?

Your very good at taking things out of context and focusing on crumbs instead of the whole cake. The entertainment aspect is but one facet of my answer to you.

I'm lucky that I can afford both because I work hard to sustain my hobby, I'm looking forward to the benefits of both. If I was 10 years younger the PS4 would be my perfect fit, the way my family and home life operate now, the Xbox is the more suitable console for my families needs, but I'm still going to get both.

I don't need you to want or like the Xbox but if your going to rely to me with Sony tinted glasses then I'm afraid I'll call it as I see it. Bottom line, I'll have a greater, more diverse, more enjoyable experience than you as I will be enjoying the best that both consoles have to offer. I don't need to get hung up on the fanboy way of thinking. There is space in the market for both.

Just to end...

Ultimatum:- a final demand or statement of terms, the rejection of which will result in retaliation or a breakdown in relations.

Your statement: 'there is no payoff with the design flaws of the xbone' results in a breakdown of relations. As there is no further discussion to your closed statement.
Don't try to call me on my understanding of language.

[LeCreuset]

You say you're not questioning my intelligence, but then you come with insults like "please think before you type" and "for a moment I thought you were going to give me an intelligent response." You accuse me of taking this personally, when I didn't say anything harsh toward you. I simply gave you an opinion as to why the Xbone is not like the Cell and you got offended on behalf of MS and responded with insults.

As for the ultimatum, you have no idea what an ultimatum is, even when looking at the definition. There was no demand, nor a STATEMENT OF TERMS, in my post. Did you see how I did the caps thing again? That's to emphasize a distinction. A statement is not an ultimatum just because you either don't like it, or simply don't have the slightest grasp on what an ultimatum is. Admit you misused the word, or I just won't take anything you have to say seriously from here on out. That is an example of an ultimatum. The demand/statement-of-terms is that you learn what an ultimatum is, with the retaliation/breakdown-in-relat ions for failing to do so being that I won't take you seriously. Got it now? By your backward understanding, any statement could be construed as an ultimatum. If you want to know why, look up the definition of "statement."

Onto the main argument. You waste a lot of time typing nothing of value as you mischaracterize the disagreement. Did you see me call you out for wanting an Xbone? No, you didn't. What did I challenge you on? I challenged your claim that the Xbone's problem is similar to the Cell. It is not. You are trying to equate two situations that have little in common based off of one common feature: that both involve architecture that is hard to develop for. Let me break it down for you as an equation.

Numbers represent a specific situation. Letters represent a feature of that situation.

The logic I'm getting from your argument is that 1A = 2A : 1 = 2. Put into words, you think that the situation with the Cell involved a difficult learning curve for developers (1A) and it is equivalent to the Xbone having a steep learning curve for developers (2A) therefore the situation with the Cell is equal to the situation with the Xbone.

What I'm saying is that you are looking at one common factor, of many, and using that to make an invalid comparison. For example, let's plug some other situations into that logic and see how it works. 1A = 2A : 1 = 2. In this case 1 = "a cell phone," 2 = "a PS3," and A = "is made in a factory." Are we to say that a cell phone is made in a factory (1A) which is equivalent to a PS3 being made in a factory therefore a cell phone is equival to a PS3?

If that's not your logic, let me know, but it seems to be what you are arguing when you make the argument you did, and then persist in your argument when I point out that the Cell is different than the Xbone besides sharing that they are both hard to develop on.

[2cents]

Yes, I am referring to the simple commonality that the Cell was new hardware architecture to develop for. Just like the Xbox One & the PS4. Difference is though, ports of current gen game code are up and running very easily on the PS4 architecture, not so easy for the Xbox One. There have been so many Dev posts and sources claiming that the tools and drivers for the One are a mess, if they are to be believed then it makes even more sense why the current gen cookie cutters (Cod / BF4) are running 720p, it won’t surprise me if we see this in more of the launch window games for the Xbox.

When I said 'please think before you type' that was the most polite way I could say that you've got me wrong, and your saying things that I’m not provoking you to, in turn, making me explain a very simple post to the Nth degree causing this stupid string of comments.

"For a moment I thought you were going to give me an intelligent response, but unfortunately you have already decided the fate of the Xbox without even giving it a chance." is the FULL sentence, read it slowly and understand the words. Am I calling YOU unintelligent, or your final comment?

"A statement is not an ultimatum just because you either don't like it, or simply don't have the slightest grasp on what an ultimatum is. Admit you misused the word, or I just won't take anything you have to say seriously from here on out." - Your whole energy towards me is an ultimatum. Either accept what you say as the truth or be labelled a MS Supporter, which repeats in each and every one of your comments. Ultimatum, Ultimatum ULTIMATUM!!! Your making out I have something to gain from your attention, based on our interaction so far, I think I can do without, thank you.

Your language is persistently insinuating that I’m in attack mode when that’s far from the truth. Then you belittle me with your unbelievably insulting but amusing equation.

"nothing of value " is how you describe everything I have said, Nice.

Here’s my logic for you.
A=Xbox1 &
B=PS4
And
1= Gamer (Me)
2= PS Fanboy (You)

If
A=1 B=1 AB=1
&
B=2
Which is greater? 1 or 2.

Greatness Awaits Indeed.

Fire away your last bubble sir, if you feel the need… as I’m all outta ammo. It’s been… interesting.

[Lykon]

lol Oh god can you imagine if xb one was the better console? It would be like the first two years of ps3/360 but 10 times worse. mind you... MS can compete only on one level now and that's games... if they chuck enough money at game development xbots might actually end up with a really good experience.

[LeCreuset]

Even that strategy, of just throwing money at third parties for exclusives, is not without problems.

For starters, they did that and Sony still beat them on quality exclusives last gen. This gen it is going to cost MS more to reproduce a losing strategy. There is no year head start and associated larger install base this time around for them. The headache of the Cell architecture is not there to discourage developers away from Sony's machine and make that MS money all the more appealing. From all indications, MS will be working with the smaller install base. That means that when they go to buyout an exclusive, they will have to offer enough money to convince publishers that it is worth the money the game AND any DLC will miss out on from the larger PS4 install base, and any indifference or animosity that may come from the larger PS4 fanbase for doing so.

Then there's the problem of the weaker hardware. This is significant. We all know about the resolution issues with Xbone. If a 3rd party developer goes exclusive to Xbone, they will have to make an inferior version of their game. At the same time, their competitors will be producing better looking games on the PS4. This can hurt a developers reputation and future earning ability. I think that's why Respawn was blindsided by the Titanfall deal that their publisher made for permanent exclusivity, and made sure to mention that they would be working on PS4.

[Agent1]

Before you guys downvote me and bubble me down to non existence I ask you read my post with an open mind about my "thought" of the resolution of X1. Keep in mind that I'm just posting the research I've personally done, and you guys can disagree or not but I come from a respectful place and I am getting both consoles.

A lot of these articles are to push False Facts around, and not explain the truth. The Xbox One is MORE then capable of pushing games out at 1080p. Look at the Wii U right now? They have more games at 1080p 60fps then both PS4 and X1 right now, with hardware that is not even close to X1 and PS4. The truth lies with the Game Devs, however, These are the early stages and game devs have a learning curve to understand how to work with the hardware as we go.

1) What people are forgetting:
Microsoft doesn't require game devs to run games in native 1080p

Why you ask? Here is why:

"A lower resolution generally means that there can be more quality per pixel. With a high quality scaler and anti-aliasing and render resolutions such as 720p or '900p', some games look better with more GPU processing going to each pixel than to the number of pixels; others look better at 1080p with less GPU processing per pixel."

http://www.oxm.co.uk/63388/...

Awesome example is the IGN BF4 Graphics Comparison here:

http://youtu.be/lspjyu31Joo

2) Sony aiming for 1080p and 60 FPS with all PlayStation 4 games

http://ps4daily.com/2013/05...

With good common sense you can understand where this is going, but just incase your having a hard time, this is not leaving the Game Devs the same freedom. This is why BF4 on PS4 is 900p, and not 1080p. When we all know the PS4 is more then capable of running games at 1080p.

And as far as "THE POWER OF THE CLOUD" which A LOT of people don't understand or know about. I am hope that my post here will help you understand fully more of what the cloud is up too.

So in a short explanation:

The Cloud Service will give Xbox One 3X TIMES the performance. Some of you might find this hard to believe, but the Cloud Service is the equivalent of 3 Xbox One's at the same time for game devs to use in the "future", here is a link you should read to understand this further..

http://www.gamespot.com/art...

Thank you for not killing me!

[MasterCornholio]

So the Xbox One is going to rely on the cloud to produce 1080P games.

Good luck with that but I prefer to rely on physical hardware than Microsoft's cloud.

Nexus 7 2013

[Hicken]

This Resolutionary War was over before it began.

The problem with what you're saying is that there aren't more features or effects being pushed in the XB1 versions of these games. Take the very same game- say, Battlefield- and run it at 1080p and 60fps. Without a doubt, the PS4 version will be capable of handling more graphical effects, more characters on screen, etc. The XB1 would be next, followed by the Wii U. That's based just on the raw power of each console.

Now, as to this completely asinine assertion that the cloud will be capable of ANYTHING like what you say: LMAO.

Maybe you should do a little more research, but the XB1 will receive no such boost due primarily to the condition of the world's internet infrastructure. In simple terms, it's just not fast enough. Specifically, not fast enough to synchronize local computations with cloud-offloaded computations at a rate that would cause no latency. Furthermore, even if it WERE possible, it would also be possible for the PS4(and Wii U), meaning that "advantage" would be nullified.

Perhaps you still live, but that argument of yours was stillborn.

[LordDhampire]

You made a hood point until you brought the cloud into, yes you can have higher graphics setting at a lower resolution more detail, the xb1 is more than capable at running 1080p...its just companys dont want a difference betweens console grapbics such as higher detail on one console, for the xbox to run a demanding game with 1080p the graphics would have to be downgraded from the ps4 to match the fps.

Or you could reduce the resolution something 75 percent of console gamers won't notice because they aren't as extreme as some gamers who go on sites like n4g and care enough to comment on something out of there control.

[GarrusVakarian]

People are still using the IGN and DF BF4 comparisons? Jackfrags has footage from both consoles on his YouTube page and they clearly show the PS4 version to be the better looking/running. Ive also downloaded 60fps direct feed footage from both the ps4 and X1 and again the PS4 looks better.

I have NO idea why the PS4 version looked so washed out in those other comparisons because on Jackfrags videos the colours are fine.

1600x900p is better than 1280x720p no matter which angle you look at it.

[Sarcasm]

"A lower resolution generally means that there can be more quality per pixel. With a high quality scaler and anti-aliasing and render resolutions such as 720p or '900p', some games look better with more GPU processing going to each pixel than to the number of pixels; others look better at 1080p with less GPU processing per pixel."

Here's the problem with that statement. While that may be true for the X1 itself, the same quality, anti-aliasing, processing to each pixel is ALSO done on the PS4 at the higher resolution.

So all this mumbo jumbo about having more effects and stuff is moot if its available on the PS4 ON TOP of the resolution difference.

It's not like BF4 was running on "low" settings at 900p on the PS4 and "Ultra" at 720p on the X1. No... They are both running at "High" but with the PS4 with the higher resolution. To even put more icing on the cake, the PS4 runs at a more stable 60fps frame rate and in some cases is 15fps higher than the X1.

"Power of the cloud" isn't going to make the graphics any better or the resolution any higher. That would require the title to be completely "online only" and we know how that went with SimCity and Diablo 3 on the PC.

[Godoftheweek]

"And as far as "THE POWER OF THE CLOUD" which A LOT of people don't understand or know about. I am hope that my post here will help you understand fully more of what the cloud is up too. So in a short explanation: The Cloud Service will give Xbox One 3X TIMES the performance. Some of you might find this hard to believe, but the Cloud Service is the equivalent of 3 Xbox One's at the same time for game devs to use in the "future", here is a link you should read to understand this further.."

And yet Xboner apologists wonder why and complain when others make fun of "teh powerz of teh cloudz."

Here is a suggestion, stop beLIEving the ridiculous nonsense MS is spewing about "cloud power" and then maybe, just maybe others won't make fun of it.

[urwifeminder]

Not a factor for me will enjoy my green machine regardless.

[Angeljuice]

It was a big factor for you a month or two ago when you were constantly mocking PS4 for having fewer 1080p titles and stating that there was no evidence of the 'supposed' hardware superiority.

[urwifeminder]

Um no you have me mixed up with someone else it has never been a factor for me I don't comment on sony articles unless they are on xbox page comparing to pc well that's another story.

[Angeljuice]

Then I apologise, I may have had you mixed up with one of the Xbox fanatics who were quite rampant here recently.

[urwifeminder]

Don't get me wrong I am a fanatic but I don't feel the need to comment on things I have no interest in.

[TheSaint]

It's like supporting your sports team, you do it blindly sometimes.

PS4 is the better gaming console, everyone who isn't biased understands that.

[DeadRabbits]

The one eyed dog three legged dog with mange down the bottom of my street knows that too!

[AilonTrusk]

I can't be the only to think that this resolution fiasco is more about performance than it is about image quality. Xbox fanboys keep saying there is no difference, well yeah there is. It's the fact that the ps4 can output at a higher resolution and still maintain same frame rate if not better. and frankly i don't want to pay more for a weaker system.

[tigertom53]

well I think a lot of people also care about games not just graphic quality. both system will be a step of from the current generation of consoles, it would be best to have both and this time around PS4 for 3rd party titles...

[Whitey2k]

its half and half is about games and more games but also its similar to current Gen ps3 and xbox was I think pretty much equal but the multiplatform games was better on the 360 due to being easier so the developers started to work on the ps3 first.. This is gonna be like current Gen all over again its obvious that x1 is pretty much weaker then ps4 and also harder to develop for but for multiplatform games ps4 will be first and down the line its gonna be x1 first then transferred to ps4

[Shad0wRunner]

Glad to see there are still some people out there, with some common sense, lol.

Usually, when I have the "resolution & graphics" debate with people...this is what I get:

"Graphics arent everything and if thats what you think, youre not a REAL gamer."

"I still enjoy my Mario, Zelda and Donkey Kong games at a lower resolution than these next gen games...and I still have fun."

"It's about the GAMES, not the graphics!"

"If all you care about is graphics and resolution, then you need a PC...not a gaming console."

I could list more...but you see my point. We have a LOT of idiots out there, who either dont understand that evolution is better...or are in complete denial and want to live in the past, with old tech.

To each their own...but Im going with PS4 for the next decade. ^_-

[Volkama]

A decade is along time man.

Hypothetical question: If MS or Nintendo were to give up on their respective consoles 3 years down the line, and put out a new box capable of 4k gaming at a canter would you switch allegiance?

[Shad0wRunner]

Hmm...well, that depends on a lot of other things the hypothetical console could or couldnt do, but if I could afford a 4K tv 3 years from now...sure, I'd jump ship. If im stuck with my 1080p HDTV 3 years from now, then no...it wouldnt make any sense.

[TheGrimReaper0011]

My biggest concern isnt the fact that xbox mostly runs on
720p. It's aboout whats in the future
1080p is more and more the standard and these consoles are supposed to last 10 years.
Technology always changes and new resolutions are higher each year. When the 4k tv's kick in (after their price drop), 1080p resolution will be the bare minimum.
If xbox already struggles with bringing 1080p, it might become a problem in the future.
Do the PS4 and XB1 support 4K? Which I mean, can it run games well on a 4K tv?
Because if they plan to strech out a 1080p resolution to fit the 4K tv resolution, that could lead to bad results

[GrandpaSnake]

I wanted to buy the xboxone but now im buying a 1080p tv with a ps4.

[SuperWeeb]

I think we all know the real issue lies with the eSRAM. Although as a previous article pointed out, developers will get used to that.

What they've also said is that the gap between the two will widen worse when the developers begin to compute on the consoles, as the eSRAM can't handle it.
What you see now? This is nothing to what it'll be worse as the generation goes on.

[Mordenov]

When specifically talking about multiplatform games I especially loathe the argument about how gameplay > graphics. Barring situations where all of your friends happen to play on one console exclusively over another, the only perceivable difference between the two versions of the game are going to be the graphics as the gameplay should be the same. I would say as the generation continues the graphical difference might become less relevant but for the point we're at right now when people's console choices are still up in the air, things like which console has better graphics is something that can surely break a tie over which one people get assuming they either have insufficient funds to acquire multiple or choose not to spend the extra money. Later in the generation, once most people have bought their console of choice, then graphical discrepancies become less important and these head to head comparisons only truly serve a purpose to help enlighten the people who have the option to purchase the best version for each specific game depending on which console provides the best experience. In my experience last generation, once I already owned a PS3 it may have hurt me a little inside every time a head-to-head came out saying how terrible the PS3 port was but unless it finally swayed me to purchase an additional console, a 360, the only real value of it for me was to know when to potentially ignore a game altogether.

If places want to downplay the difference I feel like they're going at it the wrong way, instead of saying things like people don't care and that they wont notice the difference or that graphics don't matter and are attempting to sway people's opinions to conform with their own they should just speak the truth. Unless there is something particularity messed up with one version just say something like, Both versions of the game are enjoyable as such purchase the game on your console of choice, however from a technical perspective the *Insert console name here* version of the game is superior therefore if a console choice is available we recommend the purchase of the *Insert console name here* version.

I can understand and accept console fanboyism from the general consumers since generally speaking, people want to have their choices reinforced. No one wants to feel like they made the wrong choice and as such an attack on their choice in which console they purchase can feel like an attack on them, but for the media side of things, fanboyism is completely unacceptable. As a news outlet their job is to provide the consumer with the information they need in order to help them make their decisions. Dont tell me I wont notice the difference tell me that there is a difference, this is what it looks like and let me decide for myself if the difference is worth me reconsidering my choice.

[Ju]

I disagree that the differences will become less during the life-cycle of the next generation. This next generation has a constant advantage which will not diminish over time unlike current version where it actually is a pure SW problem. I rather think, towards the end of this next generation this leap will become more and more dominant as developers learn to push either HW. XBone will grow, but so will the PS4, amplifying this difference quite a bit.

[Mordenov]

I didn't say that the difference would become smaller I just suggested that the relevance of there being a difference would diminish. If for example I buy an XO, surely I would prefer that my console provided the more visually impressive games,or at least equal, but unless my gameplay experience was somehow ruined by the difference, I might not have the biggest incentive to go out and purchase the opposing system.

[Angeljuice]

It isn't news that Forbes downplays the graphical discrepancies, after all they did pronounce the XB1 as the 'winner' of the battle of the reveals (whilst the rest of the world recoiled in disgust and disbelief).

[PsylentKiller]

Forbes is a financial magazine. They predicted the winner by who would stand to make the most money. Microsoft is aimed at the a much wider audience. The NFL fans alone is staggering, probably 150 million in the US. MS sold about 70 million consoles since it's launch in 2005. If MS can persuade half of those people to buy a XB1, they would beat their sales without catering to gamers. Forbes may actually be correct in their prediction but amongst gamers, they couldn't be more wrong.

[WolfOfDarknesss]

Less than 2 weeks and I will get my PS4 ... I can't Waite

[mmj]

Where is the controversy? it was to be expected for anyone who payed attention to the GPU capabilities. Whilst everyone got distracted by pointless ESRAM v GDDR4 debates the big elephant in the room was always the huge disparity in GPU power.

720P = 1280x720 = 921600 pixels
1080P = 1920x1080 = 2073600 pixels

So 720P has only 44.4% of the pixels of 1080P, less than half.

Now look at the GPU specs:

ROPs (Render Output Pipelines):

Xbox One: 16 ROPS
PS4: 32 ROPS

PS4 has 100% more ROPs.

Compute/Stream processors:

Xbox One: 768
PS4: 1152

PS4 has 50% more Computer/Stream processors.

At one point will will the message finally click that this is not an ESRAM/optimisation issue?

[Mordenov]

Well, it can be attributed to both, but yes unlike finally figuring out how to use ESRAM and "unlocking" it's potential, akin to the Cell, there really isn't much they can do to compensate for a severe discrepancy in horsepower. That being said the difference that I expected between the two consoles was closer to the difference between XO and PS4 in BF4 (720 vs 900). I do feel like Infinity Ward is doing something wrong if they needed a 125% resolution difference in order to maintain performance.

[Ju]

My take on this:

a) there are people who do research -> they buy the higher res
b) there are people who aren't -> they buy the cheaper product.

win-win Sony. Debate over.

[Juiceid]

@ thegrimreaper My understanding is, NEITHER system can do 4k for games. Its only for movies. I have read that regularly on n4g.

[Supermax]

Dedicated servers is big for cod bf4 has dedicated on both consoles.

[Sadist3]

Forbes hit it on the dot. The average gamer doesn't care about resolution. The average person has a basic HD TV, why would they care about 1080p? They just want to play games. While they're playing, they won't notice the difference between 1080 and 720p, so why should they care? I have a Sony KDL-55W900A, the best LED tv out so far, and even I'm not going to see a difference between 1080 and 720 as I'm dodging bullets in Battlefield. It's impossible unless you put the different versions side by side. I don't care about that while I'm running from an attack helicopter.

[kingdip90]

What the average gamer does care about however is the $100 difference in price between consoles, especially when the more powerful console is the cheaper of thr two and most of the "features" the xbox one has are available to the average home already.... there is even cable boxes with voice activation now!!!

Microsoft have to work harder to justify the price point

[Applejack]

If that's the case, then just get it for current gen consoles since you apparently can't tell the difference...

[LeCreuset]

This isn't petty pixel counting, Sadist. This is a difference where you are getting over twice (2.25 to be exact) the pixels in a 1080 image as you are the 720. That, my friend, is quite noticeable. The only way you won't notice a difference is if you never look at the better version.

If it's all so meaningless, then why do you have "the best LED tv out so far"?

[Gr1mmyshadows]

I think this is a miracle! I found someone else who has the same opinion as I do.

It is unfortunate that XB1 wont have many 1080p game out the gate but I'm sure in a year they'll be up there.

In the mean time I'll enjoy the GAMES, not the sharpness of the image

[TristanPR77]

For those still confused about this topic, the link I am providing will give a very good an detailed explanation of the inferiority of the xbone and the problems the console is facing with ESRAM. Best article I have read explaining the situation :

Xbox One – ESRAM & 720P – Why It’s Causing A Resolution Bottleneck – Analysis http://www.redgamingtech.co...

[GraveLord]

One can do 1080p on most games, the other can't.

The only controversy here is how far some will go to defend 720p.

[ExDexteraDomini]

Comparing the Xbox One and PS4 is no longer a reasonable thing to do. It is no longer a race. Just like Nintendo went in their own direction with the Wii, Microsoft is going in their own direction with the One.

The simple fact is that Microsoft and Sony are aiming for different things entirely. Microsoft should not try and compete with Sony, not because it's a matter of superiority and inferiority, but because they are now two different kinds of devices altogether. The PS4 is a straight up, gaming system. The One is something like an entertainment system with some priority on games, but not to the degree of the straight up gaming system (PS4).

I love video games to death, but I watch movies, listen to music, and surf the web just as much, so for me, the X1 is the shoe that fits best. It doesn't have to be that way for everyone and thats fine.

If Microsoft was making the X1 with gaming as much as a priority as Sony is, then it would make sense for these arguments and comparisons to happen, but they aren't. Their stance shifted, and for me that's fine. If you had a 360, but care more about games than anything else, then get a PS4 by all means, because the One has gone to a different playing field.

They can act like its still a competition to keep the business thriving, but the days of these companies competing at achieving the same vision are over.

[Grave]

To me the price difference from PS4 to X1 is the biggest factor. As a PC gamer, when upgrading my rig I've never paid more for hardware that gives me less performance than its direct competition, ever.