It’s that time again, folks, the video game console wars are heating up and it’s Sony v. Microsoft v. Nintendo in a battle for gaming supremacy. The upcoming systems constitute the ‘8th generation’ of gaming consoles and will have features including fully HD graphics, octa-core processors, built-in wi-fi, blu-ray capability, 3Dtv support (which nobody will use), and cupholders (not an actual feature). For your drooling pleasure, here is an overview of the contenders for the crown of ‘Most entertaining time-sink for the next six years’…
Nintendo WiiU
Nintendo’s Wii dominated the seventh generation of consoles by targeting a wider demographic than the competition. They hoped to continue that success by being first to market with the WiiU, but after being released in November of last year, the WiiU’s reception has been less than enthusiastic. It has some interesting features: the controller has a built-in touchscreen for game interaction, Nintendo’s first fully HD graphics, but it comes up a bit short in the computing and memory department when compared to Sony’s and Microsoft’s offerings. Don’t count them out yet, though, Nintendo’s strength has always been its core game franchises such as the Legend of Zelda, Mario Kart, and Super Smash Bros. Their latest installments have yet to be released.
Microsoft Xbox One
The Xbox One, coming out in November of this year, has some impressive specs. With an 8-core AMD processor, 8 gigs of RAM and half a terabyte of onboard storage space, this thing has more power than most desktop computers. There are some novel features that will allow for a variety of novel gaming experiences: The Kinect sensor will be built into the system, allowing you to control the game with your body. Windows phones can also be connected to the unit, acting as a second screen. The Xbox One has been criticized for not being backwards-compatible with older Xbox and Xbox 360 games, but there are plenty of new titles coming on-stream that take advantage of the HD graphics. Look for a continuation of the Halo franchise along with Killer Instinct, Forza Motorsport 5 and many others.
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Sony Playstation 4
The Playstation 4 has nearly identical specs to the Xbox One, including ‘second-screen’ capability, and will also have many of the same multi-platform games (including the much lusted after ‘Call of Duty’). Deciding which system to buy may come down to a question of which controller style you prefer: two in-line joysticks of Sony’s Dualshock controller, or the Xbox’s staggered joysticks. Another difference is the price: with a planned release in the fourth quarter of 2013, this system comes in at a significantly cheaper price point, about $100 less than Xbox One. Backwards compatibility with older games will be achieved through an online streaming service. Anticipated launch titles include Battlefield 4, Call of Duty: Ghosts, and Madden NFL 25.
Which system are you most looking forward to? Let us know in the comments…
