Microsoft’s Xbox One is scheduled for a 2013 Holiday release.
This machine is very similar in technical build to the PS4. However, the ram is only GDDR3, compared to the PS4′s GDDR5. Also, 3GB is reserved for the Operating System, leaving only 5 gigabytes available to games.
Reports of chip yield problems have surfaced, and are causing speculation of reduced shipments, as well as possible downclocks of the system or both.
If you don’t have a reliable Internet connection, just forget about owning an Xbox One. Microsoft requires that your console at least check in to their servers every 24 hours. Otherwise, your games simply won’t work. Update : Microsoft have backtracked on their online check-in requirements. You no longer have to be online for your games to work.
The next version of Kinect is also included in the package, and is no longer optional. You must have Kinect plugged in for your Xbox One console to function.
The next gen Xbox also has a new DRM (Digital Rights Management) scheme. You can no longer rent, loan or borrow games, or buy or sell them on the open market. There will be a retailer program in place to trade in your games, and the game developer will get a piece of the action. However, the specific retailers and program have yet to be announced. Update : Microsoft have updated their DRM policy, and have decided to no longer disallow used games, reselling, renting or borrowing and loaning games. They state you will be able to use and play Xbox One games just like on the Xbox 360.
As usual, to play online, you will need an active paid subscription to Xbox Live. Sony has also adopted this policy on next gen with the PS4, but their program is more palatable. On the Xbox, you can’t use other services you already pay for, such as Netflix or HBO GO, unless you also pay for XBOX Live Gold. You can’t even use free apps like Youtube. These types of services and apps are useable on PS4 without a paid subscription. You only pay for online gaming, and you get free games every month as part of your paid sub.
Self publishing has been eliminated from the new Xbox platform. On the 360, you could easily develop your own games and sell them on the Xbox Indies community game service. They have removed this completely, and you can only publish a game on Xbox One if you have a specific third party publisher, and pay (multiple thousands of dollars) to have your game sold on the service.
Microsoft’s price for their new console is $499, a full $100 higher than the PS4.
When you look at the DRM system, online requirement, Kinect requirement, and higher price, Microsoft has an uphill battle against Sony. Microsoft will likely put out a solid machine that has great games, but compared to the PS4, their offering leaves a lot to be desired.
After Microsoft’s 180 on DRM and online requirement, their outlook is much better. They still aren’t making things easy on themselves with a higher price, and without catering to open and indie games development. There are a couple of other minor negatives, such as needing a paid Xbox Live subscription to access services like Netflix, and not offering free games with it.
In the beginning, hardware availability and quality games availability are likely to determine what kind of start the Xbox One develops. Over the long haul, it is a toss up.
Prediction: Xbox One ties Playstation 4 sales at best, but likely comes in at a close second to PS4.
Here is the best place to pre-order the Xbox One.
What’s your take?
