Mark Braboy
Blue & White Flash / Staff Writer
The recent announcements of Sony and Microsoft’s next generation game consoles have gamers highly anticipating the arrival of the
PlayStation 4 and the Xbox 720.
Since new information has been leaked, rumors have been swirling across the Internet and gamers are drawing lines in the sand over which console will be dominant in 2013. Both are improvements of the previous generation of consoles, but are they both capable of meeting their high and ambitious expectations?
Revealed on February 20, the Sony PlayStation 4 intends on giving gamers experiences unlike never before. While it is expected that the
console will feature better graphics and enhanced technology, there will be several key features that separates this from its competitors.
The new Dualshock 4 controller is slightly heavier than the previous version and the appearance will be somewhat altered. According to
IGN.com, it will include an integrated speaker, a move sensor, an LCD touch surface, and redesigned d-pad and analog sticks.
The system will also emphasize social integration. Players will now have the ability to select a section of a game, record it, and upload it to
games that will be released for the PS4.
Contrary to popular belief, pre-owned PS4 games will still remain usable, according to a recent interview with Shuhei Yoshida, the head of Sony Worldwide Studios. However, there will be no backwards compatibility with PS3 games, nor will CD ROMs (audio CDs or PS1 games) be supported anymore.
The new Xbox 720, is still shrouded in a thick smokescreen of rumors unlike its rival, the PS4. What is known so far is that the technology will be enhanced compared to the last generation Xbox 360 and will be similar to its competitor, but less powerful.
The most prominent rumors that has been widely circulated thus far, according to Tech Radar is that the console will feature a Blu-Ray player, DVR and motion detection along with an upgraded version of Kinect. They have also reported that Microsoft has recently filed a patent in regards to using augmented 3D technology.
While the upcoming games for the Xbox have yet to be announced, Sony has announced several new games that will be released for the PS4. Among others, the PS4 will have games such as “Infamous: Second Son,” a new Final Fantasy game, “Killzone: Shadow Fall,” and “Diablo III.”
While the buzz for the PS4 is high, many gamers are still drawn to Microsoft’s next generation Xbox.
Christian Lewis, a senior English major from Little Rock, Ark. said, “I grew up playing PlayStation, but as I got more serious about gaming, I converted to team Xbox, so the 720 is definitely in my eye. I believe they’ll have better graphics and cooler games.”
Corey Johnson, a senior computer engineering major from Sunflower, Miss. said, “I’m looking forward to the 720. Microsoft has been coming out with devices that were made to fit any occasion and it’s kind of compatible to any technology compared to the PS3.
He added, “I feel that Sony is going to make money off its own technology compared to Microsoft. I think the Xbox is more flexible with
people and flexible with technology, so I’m looking forward to the Xbox.”
As of press time, Sony has yet to announce a price for the PS4. Rumor has it that the new Xbox will be priced around $299, therefore consumers should expect the prices on each console to be competitive.
social media sites, such as YouTube, with the use of the new share button. Also, the PS4 has been designed to customize the experience based on the players gaming tendencies, user preferences, and what games are often played.
While the specific date has yet to be revealed for both consoles, gamers can expect the new Xbox and the PS4 to arrive during the holiday season.
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