It was always going to be a hard-fought battle for supremacy in the next-gen console war, but with the Xbox One and PS4, Microsoft and Sony have gone all-out to make sure that their console dominates. Since they launched last year, Sony has taken an early lead with the PS4 outselling the Xbox One by around 50%. However, there’s a good argument that a lot of that had to do with the Xbox One’s high launch price, because it shipped with Kinect. Now Kinect is optional, and both consoles cost a similar amount, it’s not so easy to pick which one you should buy.
We’ve got our full up-to-date reviews of both if you want all the nitty-gritty, head over to our Xbox One review and PS4 review for complete breakdowns. However, if you want a rundown of the differences between the two consoles then you’re in the right place, our Xbox One vs PS4 showdown. Here we’re going to put the two consoles head-to-head over the most important issues, so you can work out which next-gen console is best for you, and which will be the best device to own come Christmas. We’ve updated the article to include the latest official console bundles to tempt you this winter.
Now, it can be a lot to take in if you’re fresh to the ‘which is best’ debate, so we’ve split the decision into several main categories – have a browse through to find the ones most pertinent to you, using the navigation at the top and bottom of the page or just skip to the end for a summary.
XBOX ONE VS PS4 – PRICE
XBOX ONE The Xbox One console’s ‘real world’ price has dropping steadily since launch, partly due to actual price drops, but also thanks to a series of ‘free’ bundled games and more recently the option to buy the console without the Kinect sensor. Most recently the standalone console has dropped in price to as low £310 online. Retailers are even offering the White Xbox One with Sunset Overdrive bundle (below) for £326. There’s also an Assassin’s Creed bundle just annoucned with two games for £349. For all the latest prices and details, see our Xbox One deals page.
PS4 Prices on the PS4 have finally started to fall, and we’ve even seen a standalone console online for as little as £306 inc delivery. There are plenty fo bundles about too, with mosty offering a game and a console for around £349, with FIFA 15 and Destiny proving the most popular. For all the latest deals and prices check our PS4 deals page.
WILL THERE BE FURTHER PRICE CUTS BEFORE CHRISTMAS?
With yet another £20 sliced off the official price of an Xbox One, we’re pretty sure that’s it for price cuts from Microsoft (though we’ve said that before admittedly). And with PS4 prices finally coming down (though not officially) to £329, and with Sony still having the market lead, we can’t see it going any lower either. So we’d be confident to buy a console today.
Beyond official price drops, retailers have been cutting prices yet further, especially at www.simplygames.com . Such bundle deals are bound to get sweeter on both consoles as we approach Christmas. Just how sweet will depend on the amount of consoles the two companies can manufacture this year. If demand is high and stock low, retailers won’t care to cut prices, but if there’s an excess of hardware to shift, then expect better deals. Don’t leave it too late though, as a sell-out is still a possibility this year, especially of the more-popular PS4.
WHICH ONE IS BEST? – Sony has responded to Microsoft’s price cutting and both are on an even footing for now.
