On Nov. 15 a new video game console, the PlayStation 4, was released to the public. Then, only one week later, PlayStation’s biggest rival, Xbox, released what is seen to be a top competitor to the PS4, the Xbox One. With all the surrounding hype between these two consoles, there is one question that needs to be asked: which system wins the console wars of the “next generation” of gaming?

The PS4, made by Sony, and the Xbox One, made by Microsoft, put two different perspectives into the gaming universe. While the PS4 is a simple “gaming only” device, the Xbox One takes over an entire entertainment center. The Xbox One virtually turns a television into a “Smart TV” by connecting to a cable box to bring together every aspect of the entertainment experience like TV, Netflix, HULU, and of course gaming. Another feature that makes the Xbox One special that it is completely voice activated. Simply say “Xbox on” and the console as well as the TV will turn on while displaying a personalized profile. However, what if the system is shared between multiple people? How will it know which profile to display? This will not be a problem, as the Xbox One has voice recognition. While a person is watching TV, they can say “Xbox, play Fifa 14” and instantly they will start playing right where you left off. The Xbox One also has beautiful gameplay graphics, even though is slightly inferior those of the PS4. Lastly, the controller is on its own kind of level as it is one of the most comfortable controllers out on the market. With stunning gaming graphics, a comfortable controller, and features like voice activation, the Xbox One turns gaming and watching TV into a truly awesome experience.

The PS4 also is intriguing to many gamers with three features that make the console so attractive. The first feature is the controller and components that make the Dualshock 4 so prestigious, which includes its enhanced vibration, an LED light bar, a touchpad, share button, built-in speakers, and a new shape. These actions on the remote make it the top of its class. The second feature is the graphics which are displayed on each game for the PS4 at 1080p HD while on the Xbox One most games are displayed at 720p HD. These numbers represent the amount of color pixels that are displayed on a TV at once. Lastly, the third feature is remote play on the PS Vita which transfers PS4 games onto the handheld console, so that a person can continue playing even when theTV is occupied. To access this feature a person must own a Vita which costs around $200.

The Xbox One and PS4 have more details to their consoles that are very similar, such as online gameplay and the cost to have online services. The cost for PlayStation’s online service PlayStation Plus goes on retail for $50 while Xbox’s online service Xbox Live goes on retail for $60. Both have very similar online gameplay. The PS4 is an exclusive gaming console while the Xbox One has multiple functions. For those looking to buy a console completely for gaming, and want it to be simple, then the PS4 is the one to choose. For those that want more than just gaming, and are willing to pay the extra $100, then the Xbox One is for them. Overall, both consoles are very innovative and really do define the “next generation” of gaming.