It's seemed like an eternity, but Sony and Microsoft are finally about to unveil their new game consoles.
Sony's PlayStation 4 launches this Friday, while Microsoft's Xbox One comes out Nov. 22.
What's the difference between the two? Here's a brief guide.
Price: The PlayStation 4 has the edge at $399, while the Xbox One goes on sale for $499.
While the basic package for each system is mostly similar, that extra $100 for the One will get you an updated version of the voice and motion-tracking Kinect sensor, which was first launched for the Xbox 360. This new Kinect shrinks the space needed from six feet to five, increases accuracy and tracks up to six people at once. It's been tightly integrated into the One's navigation system, though relatively few games are planning to use it so far.
Games: As usual, each system has some games that will remain exclusive. The One launches with zombie-fest Dead Rising 3, a racer called Forza Motorsport 5 that promises to draw its opponent AI from human behavior online, and cinematic fighter Ryse: Son of Rome. Later games include Titanfall, which mixes up Call of Duty-style shooting with giant robots, and new editions of Halo and Fable.
The PlayStation 4 launches with Killzone: Shadow Fall and Knack, a stylized adventure featuring a life form made up of thousands of different parts. Future exclusives include a new Infamous, alternate-history action game The Order: 1866, and something from Naughty Dog, the makers of The Last of Us and Uncharted.
Beyond that, it's striking how many games will be out for both systems. Each system will have Assassin's Creed, Call of Duty, Madden NFL and other recognizable hits. More than ever, the exclusive games are the exception rather than the rule.
Networking: Both systems will let you carry over your previous accounts made for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, though keep in mind you won't be able to play any of the games downloaded for the older system. Also, Sony has joined Microsoft in requiring users to pay to play online.
PlayStation Plus runs $49.99 per year, while Xbox Live Gold typically costs $59.99 per year. Both services have included free and discounted games in the past, and Sony and Microsoft have indicated they'll continue offering them for the new systems.
Another thing both systems require
Sony's PlayStation 4 launches this Friday, while Microsoft's Xbox One comes out Nov. 22.
What's the difference between the two? Here's a brief guide.
Price: The PlayStation 4 has the edge at $399, while the Xbox One goes on sale for $499.
While the basic package for each system is mostly similar, that extra $100 for the One will get you an updated version of the voice and motion-tracking Kinect sensor, which was first launched for the Xbox 360. This new Kinect shrinks the space needed from six feet to five, increases accuracy and tracks up to six people at once. It's been tightly integrated into the One's navigation system, though relatively few games are planning to use it so far.
Games: As usual, each system has some games that will remain exclusive. The One launches with zombie-fest Dead Rising 3, a racer called Forza Motorsport 5 that promises to draw its opponent AI from human behavior online, and cinematic fighter Ryse: Son of Rome. Later games include Titanfall, which mixes up Call of Duty-style shooting with giant robots, and new editions of Halo and Fable.
The PlayStation 4 launches with Killzone: Shadow Fall and Knack, a stylized adventure featuring a life form made up of thousands of different parts. Future exclusives include a new Infamous, alternate-history action game The Order: 1866, and something from Naughty Dog, the makers of The Last of Us and Uncharted.
Beyond that, it's striking how many games will be out for both systems. Each system will have Assassin's Creed, Call of Duty, Madden NFL and other recognizable hits. More than ever, the exclusive games are the exception rather than the rule.
Networking: Both systems will let you carry over your previous accounts made for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, though keep in mind you won't be able to play any of the games downloaded for the older system. Also, Sony has joined Microsoft in requiring users to pay to play online.
PlayStation Plus runs $49.99 per year, while Xbox Live Gold typically costs $59.99 per year. Both services have included free and discounted games in the past, and Sony and Microsoft have indicated they'll continue offering them for the new systems.
Another thing both systems require